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Lost Falls #3
Tooth and Nail
A murdered vampire. No witnesses. A blood feud ignited.
Some folks say the only good vampire is a dead vampire. But when the murder of a vampire threatens the fragile peace between vampires and ogres, someone has to wade into the fray to sort the truth from the lies.
Guess who gets that job.
But there's more to this murder than an ancient blood feud. Behind the scenes, someone is stoking the fires of war.
And if I can't uncover the truth soon, we'll all be feeling the heat.
If you like Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Shayne Silvers, M.D. Massey, or Orlando A. Sanchez, then you'll love taking a trip to the sleepy town of Lost Falls, where not everything is as it seems.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2019
189 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Chris Underwood
7 books77 followersChris Underwood spends an unhealthy amount of time in his imagination. Luckily, his partner and daughter are very tolerant. He writes the kind of urban fantasy he has always loved: stories set in perilous, darkly beautiful worlds filled with magic, monsters, and just a touch of hope.
Find out more about Chris at www.chrisunderwoodbooks.com
Find out more about Chris at www.chrisunderwoodbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 7, 2023
Consider it a good sign that I finished book three before I reviewed book two, that’s what I’m saying. Sure, there’s a few problems, but that’s because at this point, I’m going to judge Underwood against the major leagues. (Will now abandon sports analogies as they will be doomed to fail). In this story, a vampire is found dead, apparently murdered by a gravely wounded ogre. It is about to set off long-standing antagonism between the two communities.
The mystery is not as straightforward as it seems, particularly clouded with local politics and confounded with appropriate red herrings and complex relationships. On the other hand, it continues the pattern of ‘takes-a-licking-and-keeps-on-ticking’ method of Ozzy’s interactions. Granted, this is intermittent, also being propelled forward with actual problem-solving interactions. Like early Dresden, he feels more scrappy/survivalistic than overpowered, although there’s hints here that there might be something extra going on.
“Not a smell. Almost, but not quite. It’s something else.” He narrowed his eyes and peered at me. “You’re…brighter, somehow. It’s as if you’re wrapped in silver and gold.”
The characterization is up to par, (darn it!) with complexity in some of the villains and in a marginalized species. I wasn’t a fan of Ozzy continuing to be seduced by the Dealer, but I understand it, and it’s a fun and complex way to move things forward, with a lot of potential for ambiguity. Nor am I a fan of his emotional unintelligence, but apparently, he’s trying. Lillian gets a chance to hold Ozzy accountable, which is rather nice. I will note that their relationship takes a major step forward here, and it feels awkward. Maybe it’s a guy point-of-view thing.
Having read three back-to-back, I felt like Underwood may be a bit of a pants writer (at last! This one definitely isn't from sports). The populations of the Strange seem large, and appear to rely largely upon glamours to conceal their identities from the Unaware. Yet, Lost Falls is weird enough to attract tourists and have a radio show devoted to the strange. Underwood tries to use the threat of ‘humans coming after us with pitchforks and torches’ at one point, and it’s hard to believe that would be a threat. It’s repeated in a couple different fashions as justification for why everyone in the community should be invested in preventing a war between the ogres and vampires, and was similarly used in book one for the goblins, and book two for the witch-hunters and ghouls. Yet the only concealment mechanisms we’re given is glamours and hiding with these larger population groups. On a similar note, I think Lillian’s existential challenges from book 2 are largely ignored here. Thus the pantser thought.
But these complaints are the sort of thing that only comes together when I’m binging, which is my own fault. This is a nice return to the fun in UF. I’d recommend the series if you really wanted to like early Dresden but found it too slow.
The mystery is not as straightforward as it seems, particularly clouded with local politics and confounded with appropriate red herrings and complex relationships. On the other hand, it continues the pattern of ‘takes-a-licking-and-keeps-on-ticking’ method of Ozzy’s interactions. Granted, this is intermittent, also being propelled forward with actual problem-solving interactions. Like early Dresden, he feels more scrappy/survivalistic than overpowered, although there’s hints here that there might be something extra going on.
“Not a smell. Almost, but not quite. It’s something else.” He narrowed his eyes and peered at me. “You’re…brighter, somehow. It’s as if you’re wrapped in silver and gold.”
The characterization is up to par, (darn it!) with complexity in some of the villains and in a marginalized species. I wasn’t a fan of Ozzy continuing to be seduced by the Dealer, but I understand it, and it’s a fun and complex way to move things forward, with a lot of potential for ambiguity. Nor am I a fan of his emotional unintelligence, but apparently, he’s trying. Lillian gets a chance to hold Ozzy accountable, which is rather nice. I will note that their relationship takes a major step forward here, and it feels awkward. Maybe it’s a guy point-of-view thing.
Having read three back-to-back, I felt like Underwood may be a bit of a pants writer (at last! This one definitely isn't from sports). The populations of the Strange seem large, and appear to rely largely upon glamours to conceal their identities from the Unaware. Yet, Lost Falls is weird enough to attract tourists and have a radio show devoted to the strange. Underwood tries to use the threat of ‘humans coming after us with pitchforks and torches’ at one point, and it’s hard to believe that would be a threat. It’s repeated in a couple different fashions as justification for why everyone in the community should be invested in preventing a war between the ogres and vampires, and was similarly used in book one for the goblins, and book two for the witch-hunters and ghouls. Yet the only concealment mechanisms we’re given is glamours and hiding with these larger population groups. On a similar note, I think Lillian’s existential challenges from book 2 are largely ignored here. Thus the pantser thought.
But these complaints are the sort of thing that only comes together when I’m binging, which is my own fault. This is a nice return to the fun in UF. I’d recommend the series if you really wanted to like early Dresden but found it too slow.
January 13, 2022
Could I dock a gold star because this third book involves vampires? I could, but you get it back for involving ogres and another critter I won't even attempt to spell.
Am I sad that this is the last book in the series written to date? Yes. But as long as the great quality of these books continues, I guess I'm going to have to be okay with it.
Do we still love all of the characters involved in the writing of this book? Yes, yes we do. Even the creepy Dealer. *Shiver*
The series as a whole so far is well worth the read and deserves to be more widely read.
Am I sad that this is the last book in the series written to date? Yes. But as long as the great quality of these books continues, I guess I'm going to have to be okay with it.
Do we still love all of the characters involved in the writing of this book? Yes, yes we do. Even the creepy Dealer. *Shiver*
The series as a whole so far is well worth the read and deserves to be more widely read.
September 7, 2019
Tooth and Nail is the 3rd 5-star review I have awarded this series. The main reason for this is that once I pick one of these books up, I struggle to put it back down again.
Yet again Mr Underwood changes up the formula for this novel, supplying us with a fantasy-murder-mystery hybrid. This is a really good thing as it is never letting this series settle or become stale, instead always moving the story flowing and keeping me interested.
Another element I really enjoyed about this book is that it continues to write about fantasy monsters without losing their dark nature nor revelling in the horror of that nature. It's a fine line between taking this too far down the horror route or travelling down the more common path of making these monsters more friendly and human. However, Mr Underwood is following that line masterfully.
They say that once is an incident, twice as a coincidence and three times is a pattern, which makes it safe for me to say that this series is no fluke. Chris Underwood has written three fast-paced novels that have all been top-notch, so I seriously look forward to whatever comes next.
Yet again Mr Underwood changes up the formula for this novel, supplying us with a fantasy-murder-mystery hybrid. This is a really good thing as it is never letting this series settle or become stale, instead always moving the story flowing and keeping me interested.
Another element I really enjoyed about this book is that it continues to write about fantasy monsters without losing their dark nature nor revelling in the horror of that nature. It's a fine line between taking this too far down the horror route or travelling down the more common path of making these monsters more friendly and human. However, Mr Underwood is following that line masterfully.
They say that once is an incident, twice as a coincidence and three times is a pattern, which makes it safe for me to say that this series is no fluke. Chris Underwood has written three fast-paced novels that have all been top-notch, so I seriously look forward to whatever comes next.
September 5, 2019
A solid addition to a great series. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first two, because I wasn't entirely comfortable with the resolution to the moral dilemma, and also because I'm really tired of vampires. YMMV.
On the other hand, the culprit was much better than the typical one-dimensional villain, and I love the developing relationship with Lillian. I'll be looking forward to the next one in the series.
On the other hand, the culprit was much better than the typical one-dimensional villain, and I love the developing relationship with Lillian. I'll be looking forward to the next one in the series.
October 18, 2023
After reading #4 I'm revising my rating; I stacked the series up on my kindle and dipped into it when I needed to grab a lightweight read. The somewhat wooden dialog at the beginning stopped feeling so wooden, and I really enjoyed it overall.
June 8, 2019
Ozzy finds his hands are full when he meets with Sonja, the queen vampire of Lost Falls. Lost Falls is a town that Ozzie fights to keep the "Unawares" from learning of the many paranormal creatures that live among them. Within a blink of an eye he is faced with the possibility of a war between the orges and the vampires. The death of a vampire and an orge just barely hanging onto life are the catalyst for a threatened war. Now Ozzy must find the truth of the deaths before war breaks out, only problem is, he may not survive to finish his investigation. Treachery, deceit, an assassin, betrayal, violence and a love that is blossoming between Ozzy and Delilah. A race with time against him from sunset to sundown. Will he make it and how does he handle a problem far greater than the one he was investigating?
June 10, 2019
This series gets better and better
Ozzie, the cunning man, tries to keep the peace and secrecy of Lost Falls and the supernaturals that live among the humans, when a decapitated vampire and a mortally injured ogre are found close together. He faces dangers and opponents that seem impossible for him to survive whilst he tries to find the truth that might avoid open warfare.
It is well written with complex and convincing characters, and unguessable twists.
Highly recommended. I am sure that it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, but you’ll get even more out of the series if the books are read in order as the characters and relationships are, as in real life, being influenced by past events.
Ozzie, the cunning man, tries to keep the peace and secrecy of Lost Falls and the supernaturals that live among the humans, when a decapitated vampire and a mortally injured ogre are found close together. He faces dangers and opponents that seem impossible for him to survive whilst he tries to find the truth that might avoid open warfare.
It is well written with complex and convincing characters, and unguessable twists.
Highly recommended. I am sure that it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, but you’ll get even more out of the series if the books are read in order as the characters and relationships are, as in real life, being influenced by past events.
January 29, 2021
3 books in as many days
I really enjoyed this series. I tend to read pretty heavy and intense books but like to unwind with something light in-between.
I happened upon the 1st in this series and found myself looking for book four within the week. It's easy to get swept along in this series. I particularly like how the characters are written. While they are mostly out of this world, they are also really relatable. You can imagine them being your neighbour or friend or relative. It's fantasy that feels pretty real.
My only disappointment is that I've caught up on the series before the 4th book is ready. At least I hope there will be a forth.
I really enjoyed this series. I tend to read pretty heavy and intense books but like to unwind with something light in-between.
I happened upon the 1st in this series and found myself looking for book four within the week. It's easy to get swept along in this series. I particularly like how the characters are written. While they are mostly out of this world, they are also really relatable. You can imagine them being your neighbour or friend or relative. It's fantasy that feels pretty real.
My only disappointment is that I've caught up on the series before the 4th book is ready. At least I hope there will be a forth.
April 10, 2023
Ozzie is a cunning man. A human with knowledge of the unseen who learned magic. His mentor, Early, is the best friend he's got, but he's in love with Lillian, a revenant. For Lillian Oz will take jobs he shouldn't take to help her find out about her past. Like working for the Vampire Queen, Sonya Lockhart. It isn't long before protecting the people of Lost Falls is a job bigger than Ozzie ever imagined.
This is book three of the Lost Falls series. The world build is quite imaginative, and I've read a fair amount of urban fantasy so I feel like that's saying something. Book three is the latest one in the series. I do hope there's a four.
This is book three of the Lost Falls series. The world build is quite imaginative, and I've read a fair amount of urban fantasy so I feel like that's saying something. Book three is the latest one in the series. I do hope there's a four.
June 12, 2019
Great book and fantastic series
I've just read the first three books in the series and I've loved the way the author is gradually developing the story line. If you like vampires, goblins and other such supernaturals then read this series. If you like wizards and witches then read this series. If you like action and a great story the ...well you know what I'm going to say by now! Overall if you like a flawed hero with an unshakeable desire to try and do the right thing - even if his methods are a little unorthodox at times - well this is a series you shouldn't miss.
I've just read the first three books in the series and I've loved the way the author is gradually developing the story line. If you like vampires, goblins and other such supernaturals then read this series. If you like wizards and witches then read this series. If you like action and a great story the ...well you know what I'm going to say by now! Overall if you like a flawed hero with an unshakeable desire to try and do the right thing - even if his methods are a little unorthodox at times - well this is a series you shouldn't miss.
August 3, 2019
A Fun-tastic read
This was a great third book. It really moved the overarching plot along while making the rest of the book just as enjoyable as it's two predecessors! Ozzy is a great protagonist and his enemies are both interesting and intelligent. I get really sick of one dimensional Big Bads and this story avoids those unenviable tropes in favor of mystery and intrigue with just the right amount of believable action. Well done Mr. Underwood (or Lord High Commander, as you made your preference known!)
Can't wait for the next great installment!
This was a great third book. It really moved the overarching plot along while making the rest of the book just as enjoyable as it's two predecessors! Ozzy is a great protagonist and his enemies are both interesting and intelligent. I get really sick of one dimensional Big Bads and this story avoids those unenviable tropes in favor of mystery and intrigue with just the right amount of believable action. Well done Mr. Underwood (or Lord High Commander, as you made your preference known!)
Can't wait for the next great installment!
February 22, 2023
4.5 stars
The setting in an urban fantasy series seems pretty darned important. Harry Dresden has Chicago, Daniel Faust has Las Vegas and Ozzie Turner has Lost Falls. Chris Underwood's Lost Falls setting feels essentially like one of it's characters and we get to see a bit more of it revealed with each successive book.
I'm hoping Mr. Underwood publishes more in this series as I'm really enjoying the characters and looking forward to what happens next in this world. It scratches that itch for stories similar to those by: Kevin Hearne, Jim Butcher, Craig Schaefer imo.
November 27, 2025
Yup, he’s done it again, and I always love visiting Lost Falls. This installment is by far the most compelling story so far—the stakes feel higher, the supernatural threats more intense, and the characters are more fully realized than ever. Reuniting with Lillian, Ozzy, and Early was a joy; each plays a critical role in driving the story forward.
The forbidden love story plot added a somewhat surprising and compelling twist, giving the story emotional depth I hadn’t expected.
Please write the next book soon!
The forbidden love story plot added a somewhat surprising and compelling twist, giving the story emotional depth I hadn’t expected.
Please write the next book soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2019
I love these books; the world of Lost Falls is well developed and consistent. Ozzy, one of the cunning men has just enough snark while he shepherds the Unaware and the Strangers around him. He has his own, er, internal demons to fight, and he's strong but not invincible. The surrounding characters are never slighted but are given their own clearly defined development. The continuing mysteries are never cliff hangers, but leave you wanting more. I highly recommend all of these books.
September 3, 2023
A HORROR MYSTERY TALE. OH MY!
Tooth and Nail is unusual with unique mystery with unusual and rare characters. Underwood kept me on my research "toes", not so much to catch him out, but to appreciate his incredible research. This is a mystery book more than a horror story. The death of a near invincible being, A new and unique creature, from Ukraine yet.
The mystery is very engrossing without the " bad dreams".
Wordsmith extraordinaire.
Tooth and Nail is unusual with unique mystery with unusual and rare characters. Underwood kept me on my research "toes", not so much to catch him out, but to appreciate his incredible research. This is a mystery book more than a horror story. The death of a near invincible being, A new and unique creature, from Ukraine yet.
The mystery is very engrossing without the " bad dreams".
Wordsmith extraordinaire.
June 13, 2019
Tooth and Nail
I have read the first three Lost Falls books and Crooked Foundations. I loved all of them! Sincerely hoping Chris writes more. If you like stories of good vs. evil with lots of shades of gray in between, goblins, sorcery, and some new things I’ve never heard of, them you will enjoy these stories. I highly recommend them!
I have read the first three Lost Falls books and Crooked Foundations. I loved all of them! Sincerely hoping Chris writes more. If you like stories of good vs. evil with lots of shades of gray in between, goblins, sorcery, and some new things I’ve never heard of, them you will enjoy these stories. I highly recommend them!
June 27, 2019
Great Mystery!
Ozzy is coming down to the wire to uncover the truth behind a murder and someone close doesn't want him to solve it. Problem is, he doesn't know which side is involved...or do they both know more than they're letting on? To stop a war and save his own life, he must bring the truth to light.
Ozzy is coming down to the wire to uncover the truth behind a murder and someone close doesn't want him to solve it. Problem is, he doesn't know which side is involved...or do they both know more than they're letting on? To stop a war and save his own life, he must bring the truth to light.
December 17, 2019
Next level magic, adventure and action
Think you know about the world of magic? Think again, introducing Cunning Man Osric Turner and his cast of fun, funny and odd friends, acquaintances and enemies.
This series needs to continue so that I can learn what happens to all these intriguingly woven characters!
Think you know about the world of magic? Think again, introducing Cunning Man Osric Turner and his cast of fun, funny and odd friends, acquaintances and enemies.
This series needs to continue so that I can learn what happens to all these intriguingly woven characters!
February 3, 2020
Entertaining continuation of the series
While Ozzy seems to find trouble like a magnet finds true north, the stories don't feel redundant thus far. I enjoy how Ozzy is the central figure amongst so many species, and yet we don't really know what Ozzy is now. . . I look forward to finding out!
While Ozzy seems to find trouble like a magnet finds true north, the stories don't feel redundant thus far. I enjoy how Ozzy is the central figure amongst so many species, and yet we don't really know what Ozzy is now. . . I look forward to finding out!
Read
October 26, 2020DNF but that’s on me. I just couldn’t get into this one. The storyline featured the vampires which in this world I don’t find interesting. I also thought that he made a lot of bad choices both in his magic and in his relationships. I would definitely still read the next one and may come back to this at some point.
November 23, 2021
New Series
I was just looking for or something he to read when I found the first book in this series. I was hooked from the start, and each successive book only got better! Anyone who loves this genre should read these books. I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series. Thank you Chris Underwood!!!
I was just looking for or something he to read when I found the first book in this series. I was hooked from the start, and each successive book only got better! Anyone who loves this genre should read these books. I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series. Thank you Chris Underwood!!!
June 23, 2024
Well, it's been a minute... more like six years since I read the second book in this series. It has a little something to do with the 1000+ unread books on my Kindle, similar to having my own library or bookstore.
Again, great story, as expected. I will read #4 soon, I swear. I want to know more about Lilian's past.
Again, great story, as expected. I will read #4 soon, I swear. I want to know more about Lilian's past.
June 6, 2019
Best one yet!
I was excited that this series continued! Chris Underwood is a fantastic author! His stories transport you to another place and you loose yourself in his words! Can’t wait for the next Lost Falls book!
I was excited that this series continued! Chris Underwood is a fantastic author! His stories transport you to another place and you loose yourself in his words! Can’t wait for the next Lost Falls book!
June 11, 2019
Twist of a mystical whodunit.
Very much a keeper. Each book builds a new aspect of the town and the characters in it. Believable people, twisty plots right to the end. Third book, still a good read which is the best praise one can give a story.
Very much a keeper. Each book builds a new aspect of the town and the characters in it. Believable people, twisty plots right to the end. Third book, still a good read which is the best praise one can give a story.
August 19, 2019
Brilliant read
Love these books, the characters seem so real. When you read these books the author makes you feel like you are actually there watching the story unfold. I couldn't put this book down. I do hope there will be more books. I need to know what happens next.
Love these books, the characters seem so real. When you read these books the author makes you feel like you are actually there watching the story unfold. I couldn't put this book down. I do hope there will be more books. I need to know what happens next.
September 14, 2019
Ozzy gets an invitation from the vampire queen
That ends up in Ozzy investigating the suspicious death of the vampire queen’s personal vampire assassin, and the near death of an ogre, staged to appear as though the ogre killed the vampire.
That ends up in Ozzy investigating the suspicious death of the vampire queen’s personal vampire assassin, and the near death of an ogre, staged to appear as though the ogre killed the vampire.
October 27, 2019
Really brilliant
These books are well crafted with engaging characters and plots. Interested in who Ozzy will work with next. Still not sure about Ozzy and Lillian as i can't see a HEA. I would like to get to know Early some more and look forward to the next book.
These books are well crafted with engaging characters and plots. Interested in who Ozzy will work with next. Still not sure about Ozzy and Lillian as i can't see a HEA. I would like to get to know Early some more and look forward to the next book.
May 21, 2020
Wow. For an indie author...
I am super impressed. I am devouring this series, kind of like a book vampire. Well written, snark, excellent character development, I am just so very surprised a major publisher has not snapped up this author. Can’t wait for the next one!
I am super impressed. I am devouring this series, kind of like a book vampire. Well written, snark, excellent character development, I am just so very surprised a major publisher has not snapped up this author. Can’t wait for the next one!
May 22, 2020
Chris, please write more
I very much enjoy reading your books, but there are too few . I would have missed this one, had i not been perusing my Kindle history. Well crafted, engaging characters, well done!
I very much enjoy reading your books, but there are too few . I would have missed this one, had i not been perusing my Kindle history. Well crafted, engaging characters, well done!
April 1, 2025
The story was well written and full of plots and turns. It also had a wide variety of magical creatures. My only complaint is that the author never actually tells you what a 'vodyanoy' is. I ended up having to look it up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews