Inheritance

Deadly Curiosities #4

by Gail Z. Martin

Cassidy Kincaide runs Trifles & Folly in modern-day Charleston, an antiques and curio shop with a dangerous secret. Cassidy can read the history of objects by touching them, and she teams up with friends and allies who use magic and paranormal abilities to get rid of cursed objects and keep Charleston and the world safe from supernatural threats.

Caribbean ghosts terrorize Charleston and start racking up a body count. Then Beckford Pendlewood, the heir to a powerful family of dark warlocks, shows up raving about a bound demon locked in a lost box and begs sanctuary. Can Cassidy and her friends find the demon box, stop the killer ghosts, and break the Pendlewood curse before Beckford's murderous cousins and the vengeful demon destroy them all?

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Audiobook, Mystery, Vampires, Contemporary

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2019

About the author

Gail Z. Martin discovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The first story she wroteat age fivewas about a vampire. Her favorite TV show as a preschooler was Dark Shadows. At age 14, she decided to become a writer.

She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites. She is married and has three children, a Maltese and a golden retriever.

Gail Z. Martin is also Morgan Brice, which is her pen name for urban fantasy MM paranormal romance.

In addition to the online sites listed below, you can find me on
Facebook.com/Groups/MartinShadowAlliance
Facebook.com/Groups/WorldsOfMorganBrice
Twitter: @GailZMartin and @MorganBriceAuthor
YouTube: YouTube.com/c/GailZMartinAuthor
IG: @MorganBriceAuthorGail & Larry newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dd5XLj
Morgan Brice newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dy_8oL
BookBub for Morgan: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/morga...
Bookbub for Gail: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gail-...
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Morgan-Brice/e...?
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Gail-Z-Martin/...
Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) www.Pinterest.com/Gzmartin

Reviews

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

“Inheritance” by Gail Z. Martin is part of the ‘Deadly Curiosities’ series that features Cassidy Kincaide of the Trifles and Follies antique and curio shop that features all kinds of intriguing items, and acts as a cover for the Alliance that specializes in disposing of the supernatural threats that are inherent in some of the objects that are brought to them. Cassidy and her friends become embroiled in an inheritance struggle that not only stirs up the resident spirits and inimical beings but threatens to destroy Charleston and most of its surroundings.

This paranormal/urban fantasy story blends a combination of legends and myths, with an emphasis on a few Caribbean entities. I am fascinated by the idea of psychometry (being able to read the history of objects by touching them) and adding the twist of feeling their magic makes things even more intriguing. I enjoyed the cameos by key figures from other stories and series and the variety of techniques that are used to combat the different foes that appear, but I almost had the feeling that this book was a blend of multiple short stories designed to introduce more and more of the members of the Alliance, tied together by the overall threat by the Pendlewood family. It also felt awkward that Sorren, Cassidy’s partner who is a powerful vampire, was absent so long in the face of such a major threat.

Despite all of this, I enjoy getting the flavor of this part of the world and learning about other cultures and belief systems. The confrontations are deliciously creepy and the maltese dog Baxter who has the “heart of a lion, body of a guinea pig” provides a bit of levity to balance some of the intensity. This is a fun series that should appeal to those who enjoy urban fantasy and things that go bump in the night.


A copy of this title was provided for review

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story! I like the fact that Simon who was mentioned in other books by Cassidy finally made an appearance in this story! Cassidy finally fills him on all the Trinkets and Baubles is involved in. The romance between Teag and Anthony has reached a new level. Kell and Cassidy are still an item.
You have an interesting mystery involving an old family from Charlseton who have a bargain with a demon. The current heir wants out and it has fallen to Cassidy and the team to help. You will find the story excellent and all the action and plot twists will keep you busy! I do recommend this book and the others in the series!

[ReviewerLarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Especially the crossover with Badlands :-)

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Courtney Patterson is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel.

[Karolina Cebula · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Inheritance" is another volume of the wonderful series "Deadly Curiosities" by Gail Z. Martin and it's undoubtedly a novel that you love with all your heart from the very beginning to the end. In this installment I really like the fact that it refers to Caribbean folklore, and therefore something that I know, or rather have known nothing about just until now. I love books that deepen my knowledge and aroused my thirst for it, especially when it comes to topics related to the paranormal world, and "Inheritance" undoubtedly fulfilled these conditions. But that's not all as the novel is so addictive and engrossing that several times I even thought about carrying a handful of rice with me just in case. Why rice and what is this all about? Read this novel and see for yourself! I really think you should do so, because after reading this story you are not only fully satisfied with this great book, but you also feel that before your next trip to a foreign country you need to do a little research concerning the beliefs, bestiary, and in short, the paranormal side of the place.

The undoubted advantage of "Inheritance" is also the way the novel approaches the topic of a family. Let's start with the fact that the topic is presented in a really sweet, thorough way and is based on the feelings of the main character, not on blood ties. It should also be noted that in this installment of the series we meet many members of Cassidy's found family, and thus we see the dynamics of their relationships and cooperation. Well, if we take into account the fact that each of the characters created by Gail Z. Martin is unique, interesting and different from the others, it's quite obvious that we get something really wonderful and amazing when we combine them. It's certainly also worth mentioning that in this novel the topic of the family focuses not only on people who have contact with our leads on a daily basis, but also on other characters. And we should remember, there are a lot of them in this vast urban fantasy universe created by the author. That's why I have to admit that reading this novel I really envied Cassidy having such a large and wonderful found family. In "Inheritance" this theme really enchants us.

Another positive aspect of "Inheritance" is the fact that in the novel we have a romantic theme, but the story the author tells us is definitely far from being a romance. Our main character doesn't look for a guy, because she already has a boyfriend, whom we know quite well and love. However, the most important thing is that Cassidy does not dwell on matters of the heart, as she focuses on her relationship and there aren't any fancy ups and downs to it. Kell is part of the main character's found family, he is not only Cassidy's boyfriend, but above all he is a part of the group of merry man who face the dangers hidden from ordinary mortals. In fact, I have the impression that in "Inheritance" Kell is shown primarily as a friend, not a lover. You can't even imagine how much I like his simple but captivating creation.

In this volume, I also love the fact that the author builds not only the main character, who is the narrator of the series, but she creates the other ones as well. Cassidy is not a narrator focused only on herself, but to a great extent she pays attention to the people around her, and above all to her friends, taking into account their heart. In other words, if Cassidy eavesdrops, it happens so that the reader can get to know better not the lead character but the eavesdropped person. I really enjoyed it. The more so, as in this way Gail Z. Martin creates not only this particular novel, but she also adds something more to other series she is writing. Thus, it strongly encourages us to explore not only "Deadly Curiosities", but the entire universe of this series.

To sum up, "Inheritance" is a fantastic, extremely interesting and addictive novel that every reader fascinated by the urban fantasy genre should know. This is undoubtedly a story that I also recommend to people reading books written by the author under the name of Morgan Brice, as our two beloved characters - Simon and Vic - appear in "Inheritance". In short, I recommend this novel with all my heart!

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m already a huge fan of this series, and this new story didn’t disappoint. I love how the author’s series are all part of one universe, so there are cameos and crossovers between the different series. This book made me very happy in that regard, especially when two characters from one of my favourite series by her alter ego Morgan Brice turn up to help out Cassidy and her friends. Their reaction when they find out about Soren was brilliant.

I love the supporting cast, and the family feeling between them. I loved the development in Teag and Anthony’s relationship, and how Cassidy and Kell are getting closer too. Father Anne totally rocks. I liked the new edition to their ‘family’ with Robert who is Chuck’s great-uncle and the former owner of Trinkets, which features in the Treasure Trail series.

This story starts out right in the thick of it with loads of action, and doesn’t let up until the final pages. I couldn’t put it down so for me it was a fast read, despite it being a decent sized book. I enjoyed the plot, and the mystery behind it, and how all the deaths they’re investigating tie together. I always appreciate that they have to do a good sized chunk of detailed research in order to defeat the supernatural threat, and calling in help from other familiar characters made me very happy. I liked the idea of a descendant stuck with a deal with something nasty they don’t want, and that’s it not that easy to get out of.

I also like that the threat is very real, and that they’re in very real danger, and that there are consequences for the battles they fight. I think it’s a cool idea having ghosts helping with the fight against the big bad, and that they are a mix of good and bad guys too. I really liked that they needed help from further afield and that it was a joint effort and that everyone had their part to play in taking down the demon.

As a side note, I’d love to read the conversation between Anthony and Vic, and would love to see Anthony and Teag have an adventure with Vic and Simon at some point. I’d like to see more of the Briggs Society too, and like that they’re starting to become more of a presence in these stories.

I also liked that, as well as the supernatural fight going on, Anthony works with Brent on the legal side of things. I enjoy seeing supernatural and the day to day side of our world, including technology, working side by side. It gives the story even more of a sense of realism and depth.

The final showdown was exciting and edge-of-seat stuff, and I had to keep reading until I knew everyone was safe. Another fabulous read from one of my favourite authors.

I’d recommend this story to readers who enjoy urban fantasy with a good serving of crossover with their series, fabulous world building, and a cast of characters who feel like family—and in this story some are family.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heat Level-Low, Committed couples both M/F and M/M, Fantasy
The latest heart pounding paranormal featuring Cassidy Kincaid the shop owner of Trifles and Folly, an antique and curio shop. Her store is not only a successful business but a cover up for the “Alliance”, a coalition of mortals and non mortals that protect Charleston which seems to be one of the most heavily haunted areas around. Cassidy is blessed or perhaps cursed with a very unique supernatural gift. She can read and sense the history of objects she touches and tell if there is any dangerous magic contained within. Cassidy teams up with her mortal boyfriend Kell and a slew of paranormal avengers to safeguard her beloved town. Cassidy’s best friend and assistant Teag is a talented weaver that can infuse wards and powerful protective magic into his artwork. To complicate things a tad farther Cassidy’s business partner is a 600-year-old vampire named Sorren.
All this being said, I would recommend you read some of her other books in her series. Having read book 3, I did not feel too lost but be mindful, there are so many characters in this book, it is nice to have a little backstory. There were times I felt a little confused and needed to reread sections due to the lightning pace of some of the battles and the large crucial cast of fighters, good and evil. It did not take away any enjoyment for me personally and I was totally immersed in this riveting tale.
Really bad magic has wormed it’s ugly way into Charleston as Caribbean ghosts are restless and begin to terrorize and murder the locals. Cassidy and her crew frantically chase down the “Dark Objects” that are alluring the innocent and then killing them off. Bodies start to pile up and the causes of death are bizarre and cannot be rationally explained. Worst of all, a sugar chest that has immense black magic has the capability of destroying a large portion of the population. Talk about pressure for the coalition. Be prepared for a fast whirlwind climax that at times had my head spinning as the intrepid group of supernatural fighters deal with a frenzied attack of everything nightmarish.
It was also nice to catch up with Simon (Cassidy’s cousin) and Vic from her Morgan Brice Badland Series. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more ventures in this series.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inheritance is another fun urban fantasy from Gail Z. Martin. This particular one weaves in several supernatural entities from the Caribbean. Some were horrifying and some made me laugh… but were also kinda scary. There’s 2 cow monsters and at first, this made me laugh…. but then I recalled the feral brindle cow that considers a local camping ground his territory. Have you ever been growled at by a cow? Yep, we ran. So I can understand how these monsters might scare the poo out of people as they are chased through empty parking lots.

This particular book pulls in several characters so if you’re thinking to jump into the middle of the series, this isn’t the book for you. It’s been a while since I last read a book in this series and I had to rack my brain a little to recall who all these side characters are and what their special abilities are. Still, it’s great to have Teague and Cassidy at the center of everything. It was also great to see Sorren, though, as usual, I could have used more of him.

The story is a bit of slow burn with our heroes solving several small mysteries before the big mystery, and the Big Baddie, make an appearance. The tension and the action all ramp up and we get a satisfying ending. All together, 4.5/5 stars.

The Narration: So this series keeps changing narrators and that always bothers me a bit no matter how talented the individual narrators are. Still, I will not hold that against this narrator because the decision of who is hired to narrate the book is in someone else’s hands. Courtney Patterson did a good job as Cassidy, capturing the regional accents. Patterson’s male voices could use a bit more range and masculinity for some of the characters. Her female voices came in a great range of age and accents and demeanors. The pacing was good & there were no technical errors. 4.5/5 stars.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Gail Z. Martin. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

[Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Review:
This was another enjoyable book in the series, much like all the others. I have somewhat mixed feelings though because, after all these books, I still don't feel very close to the characters. These books have great, well thought-out supernatural mysteries and action, but there's not a lot about the characters or their thoughts and feelings outside of that, nor is there really a main thread connecting the stories, and it makes them feel somewhat repetitive. The characters are realistic and believable though, and I appreciate that at least.

This one did have a bit more focus on friends, family, and found family. I'm glad Kell finally seems to be more a part of Cassidy's life, since he's felt like more of an acquaintance until now. Except I felt like Cassidy's cousin just popped up out of nowhere since I don't remember him being mentioned before, and suddenly she was saying how he's like an older brother to her and she often calls him for help with supernatural lore.

I listened to the audiobook, and Courtney Patterson did a great job. The narration was natural, male voices were decent, and I could easily keep up with who was talking. I'm not sure why she gave Sorren a British accent though. I don't remember that ever being stated, but maybe I missed it, or maybe previous narrators used an accent and she was just being consistent (I didn't listen to previous audiobooks).

Overall another interesting supernatural mystery story.

*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: Audiobook*

Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-3 in Gail Z. Martin's Deadly Curiosities series. Anyone who likes urban fantasy without romance, magic, ghosts, likeable and realistic characters, and complex mysteries for the characters to solve.

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crew Are Back (an audio review)

I didn’t used to be a huge paranormal fan. I wouldn’t say I’m a huge one now, but I’m slowly being won over. Gail Z. Martin/Morgan Brice is a real reason for that. I normally stick to books with LGBTQ protagonists, but being a fan of Ms. Brice’s Badlands and Witchbane series, I knew I had to pick this book up because Simon, Vic, Seth, and Evan all make cameo appearances. As well, there are other gay couples quite prominent in the story, so I was more than happy to dive in.

The world Ms. Martin has created is astonishing. Ghosts, demons, supernatural spirits, witches, good versus evil – everything is all wrapped up in this package of seemingly ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Now, do I personally believe in all this stuff? Uh, no. Do I enjoy reading books written by writers with such imaginations? Yes.

On to this book. Cassidy Kincaide, Simon’s cousin, is the POV character for the entire book and that just worked for me. She’s a psychometric, still learning the full extent of her powers. Being surrounded by others with supernatural powers definitely helps. When a man approaches their group and talks about being cursed and knowing he’s destined to die, I was intrigued.

Thus began a battle to save his soul. There was mystery, there was suspense, there was a proposal at a birthday scene…a little bit of everything. And yes, my favorite characters all popped up. I enjoyed this book, and will definitely pick up more in the series.

Courtney Patterson is a new to me narrator and I really enjoyed her performance. She was just perfect for this role, as Kale Williams is for the two Morgan Brice series. Great job, can’t wait for more.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Curiosities is an absolutely favourite series, and one that is an automatic buy for me. Book 4 was just as fabulous as the previous books and I loved it!

I really enjoy Gail Z. Martin's ability to combine insanely dangerous, esoteric and nutty paranormal entities and world-ending battles with pot-luck suppers, sweet romances and funny moments among the diverse cast of characters who people this world. It's bizarre and crazy, but it all works, and hella fun to read!!

I also love that Martin explores unique and different pantheons of magical creatures, gods and other paranormal "people" in her books. You get a history lesson, a religion education and plenty of kick-ass action in her books. It's just so expansive and interesting and I really, really love it!!

This time around, Cassidy and friends were dealing with Caribbean spirits, gods, and malevolent entities, and pulled in all the usual magical members of the team, as well as some new friends - and relations - to help out. The cast of characters in these books is large, but it never feels excessive or confusing to me. Martin does a great job of writing in a way that makes it easy to keep track of who's who and why they're there. It also makes the gang feel like a family with all their own quirks and issues, which makes them feel more real.

The action and the resolution of the issues going on is, as always an epic battle to end the book. Martin is also terrific in writing action suspense and ratcheting up the tension right to the end of the book.

There is nothing I don't love about this series, the characters, the writing or the action. Highly recommend it to anyone into paranormal suspense.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inheritance is an installment in the urban fantasy series following Cassidy Kincaide and her adventures in Charleston while running Trifles and Folly, an antiques shop that secretly specializes in uncovering trinkets with supernatural links. A series of murders occur in the town and witnesses to the murders are spouting strange stories of ghostly and menacing beings. Cassidy and her team begin to investigate and discover that Caribbean ghosts are to blame. This is just the beginning when a member of a family of warlocks arrives on the scene going off about a family curse that involves a demon locked in a box. Cassidy and her friends must find a way to defeat the demon and break the curse. This was a very original urban fantasy story with a comfortable reading pace. The author painted Cassidy and her friends as family who all come together to share meals, exchange stories, laugh together, and fight the evils of the world. It reminded me a bit of Supernatural. My only real issue was that there were too many characters and I had a hard time keeping track of everyone's paranormal gifts. I believe this had more to do with the fact that it's book four of a series and was the first one I had read. I am definitely interested in going back and playing catch up.

I received a copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassidy Kincaide is part owner of Trifles & folly, an antique and curio shop in Charleston, SC. she and a group of close friends also keep people safe from supernatural threats with magic and other supernatural abilities. When Caribbean ghosts begin to terrorize the city and the body count starts to rise she enlists the aid of everyone she can to research the origin of the of the evil ghosts. Beckford Pendlewood shows up out of the blue and explains the origins of the ghosts, and the deadly artifacts being sold on the darke web. His family is cursed, their ancestor bound a demon, his cousins are willing to kill him for control of the demon, and the family fortunes.

I adore these fabulous and unique characters. Cassidy and her friends will be hard pressed to save Beckford and destroy the demon without taking out themselves. Fantastic read with lots of magic, supernatural mayhem, and many unexpected and surprising twist. I loved it!

I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.

[Rue Sparks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inheritance by Gail Z. Martin is an urban fantasy novel settled in haunted modern-day Charleston. We meet the plucky psychometric Cassidy who runs the antique shop and cursed object catch all business, Trifles and Folly, when she’s called in to examine an object that is seemingly trying to kill its current auctioneer and owner. With each cursed object explored, we become more and more aware of the danger and intensity of the situation leading Cassidy and friends to wonder—who is behind the influx of cursed objects, and what does it mean for the already bursting at the seams with paranormal activity Charleston?

First off, the narration for the audiobook version was very well done. The narrator had a knack for instilling distinct personalities into each character’s voice and was able to make them come to life. I was able to recognize which character was talking based on intonation and accent, which is difficult to do. The pace was variable when it needed to be to create tension in certain areas, relaxed and languid when it was a more domestic situation. Overall, a great performance.

The story itself felt less intense than I expected, but I found myself charmed by that. A lot of times the intensity of the situation is dramatized in urban fantasy, with characters who make bad decisions when they have all the right information. This wasn’t a story of a series of mistakes made by otherwise intelligent people, which is a trope I think is often leaned on, but rather competent people handling an unfortunate situation to the best of their abilities.

If there’s a higher success rate in the character’s actions in Inheritance than in most urban fantasy stories, it’s because it’s testament to the strength of the team that Martin has combined in this series—in a way it’s a refreshing take. Rather than relying on the faults of the characters to drive the story, it’s driven by the faults of the world they live in and the characters mostly valid attempts to tackle them.

And the faults of the world are by no means ignored. While like I mentioned above, I would have liked Martin to go more in depth into some of the issues brought up, things like slavery in the American south and the Caribbean and how it generated families that are in power to this day are issues considered in the novel. There’s not a romanticization of the South but approaching the town of Charleston with both a feeling of fondness and realistic solemnity of the trials of its past and present, the literal ghosts of our history front and center.


At the end of the day this was a fun read. It felt domestic in a way, without the drama of ‘will they won’t they’ romance but solid relationships and friendships that have stood the test of time. It’s unusual to have a book where the main conflict is saving the world, and yet I feel like I’m cozying up to listen to a friend tell me about their day. It had that quality of not needing to impress, which I loved. A solid read by an author who knows their craft.

Note: There were a few areas that I had some qualms about concerning Native American practices. Burning sage was offhandedly suggested as a way to clear negative energy after one conflict, something that is a sacred ceremonial practice to many Native cultures. Plus, the white sage used for smudging is an endangered plant, and while there’s the understanding that this is fiction, there is a big issue with sage being over-harvested for non-Native smudging, which this could be construed as encouraging. It’s an off-handed comment, but that only means it could easily have been removed without affecting the book to any extent.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Victoria Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This intricately woven story follows Cassidy Kincaide and her friends, who run a secret organization fronted by the antiques and curio shop named Trifles and Folly, based in Charleston, SC. Throughout these adventures Cassidy and her companions utilize their supernatural and psychic powers to battle a whole slew of spirits, demons, and baddies. The narrator Courtney Patterson had spot-on pacing and voice work, creating a wonderful experience for the readers as she carries us through the story.

Inheritance was incredibly well written, and you can tell the author has a very deep understanding of her characters and their world. Although my interest in the rest of the series was initially piqued, I ultimately decided that I would not read the other books due to some cultural appropriation and stereotyping that was present in this book, and I was genuinely disappointed in this because the story was otherwise great.

I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fourth book in the Deadly Curiosities series by Gail Z Martin was a most entertaining and enjoyable thrill ride as the battles against evil forces, living and non-living, continue for the main characters. In this book the reader gets to have almost every character from this and other series by the author, all collected in one place, which I feel truly helped understand more of who they are and what they were each capable of doing, magical ability wise that is. It also made them feel like a family, as they fight and love together, to try and spare humanity from some of the unexplainable evils that roam. This series continues to be a fun and enjoyable thrill ride to read, as it virtually one battle after another, with just a few "love" breaks in between. I am definitely looking forward to the next books in this adventure series. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.

[NoNo JoJo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preface: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

There's not a whole lot to say about this novel. It's part of a series, but I haven't read the others. Luckily, there is a lot of exposition scattered throughout to help catch the reader up to speed. Unfortunately, this also has the effect of significantly slowing down the action, as does the inclusion of hordes and hordes of side characters. I think I would likely be more attached to them if I'd read previous books, but reading this as the first in the series meant they all kinda blurred together into a faceless mass.

Overall, this book reminds me of the Mercy Thompson series - a capable lady fighting supernatural evil with a host of buddies. If you enjoy that series, or just want some light reading, you'll probably enjoy this, but it's not gonna change your life or make you think after the last page is done.

[Miki · Rating 4 out of 5]

this story was really interesting with creatures from the carabeans Folklore which was something new to me and i really loved it. i also greatly appreacited that we could follow the story even if we missed some books in the series...i wouldn't say it must be read as stand alone but no fear if you miss something in teh series you can still enjoy this oen fully.

Cassidy is confronted to a lot of strange (even for her) events and she needs all her allies to be able to succeed in protecting Charleston (and the world.) i loved to see how she grew from her beginning as team member in Sorren team to a leader ( at least when Sorren isn't at home)

the investigation is well done and this series is even better around Halloween time but really it's so captivating that you get immersed easily no matter the time of the year.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. I love these books. Not your run of the mills paranormal books. This time around Cass, Teg and the crew encounter more spookiness and it's not your normal Charleston ghosts and ghouls. Cargo ship that docked has their crew being attacked by strange creatures and after doing some digging...they are all from the Caribbean...how did they get there? At a bday celebration for Teg, a young man crashes thr party and says he is being hunted and the story unfold from there. Not only is the family cursed, ppl are dying after being in contact with art pieces. Sorren is across the world dealing with such artifacts that Cass and her crew of paranormal misfits have to stop the deaths and curse....but will it work? There is only so much one can do before the devil is after you. Great read!

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassidy Kincaide and her crew have a bad problem in Charleston (SC). Caribbean ghosts and monsters have been spotted. Then Beckford Pendlewood, heir to a family warlocks shows up at Teague's birthday party requesting asylum from Soren. Unfortunately, Soren is stuck in Europe dealing with problems there, so Cassidy and her crew have to figure out how to deal with a ring bound demon, a family of evil warlocks and stay alive. One of the interesting aspects of this tale is how Gail Z. Martin managed to bring in characters from her other series such as Simon, a medium, who is Cassidy's cousin. He manages with the help of heir ancestor Dante to save the day. A very interesting tale.

I listened to this vial Hoopla. Hopefully, more books in the series will be available as audio books soon!

[K.R. Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mayhem and magic!
This is the first book of Gail's pen names I've read and while Cassidy has been mentioned in many Morgan Brice books I was interested to know more about her, her magic and her team which is an even bigger found family of magical (and "other") people I just loved.

While my first read of there series I didn't feel too lost and got a really good feel for the characters. So much happens in this book, there seemed to be a crisis at every turn. I loved the Simon and Vic cameo! I love how all/most of Morgan/Gail's book intertwine worlds and characters (allowing for awesome cameos 😜)

From reading this I want to read all the others in this and all other intertwined series, there are so many characters I'm so curious about! I need to know more about Soren and look forward to reading the rest and future reads in this world!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the "Deadly Curiosities" series, but it's the first one I've read - though I have enjoyed the short story collections.
I do regret not having read the first 3 books, but I don't think it made any difference, as this seems to be a series you can read in any order, with enough backstory placed that you can't feel lost (but not so much that it would bog you down if you've read the first 3).
I did find this a little long (probably because I'm used to the short stories), but it was an entertaining read with some great characters (I think Maggie is my favourite!), and the usual high standard of writing and plot that I've come to expect from Gail Z. Martin.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.

[K.C. Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gail Z. Martin never fails to deliver a fantastic read! Cassidy and her crew have their work cut out for them fighting off an evil ancestral family of witches and their bound demon granting them incredible magical power and wealth for centuries. This time Cassidy can't rely on her business partner, over 600-year old vampire Sorren, to help her save Charleston, and possible the entire East Coast of the United States because he has his own problems in Europe.

Plenty of haunted objects with bad mojo cause enough problems along the way to the big reveal of the real baddie that the action is non-stop. But there's also just enough time for a little sweet romance for everyone.

Can't wait for the next tale of supernatural intrigue and action from Gail Z. Martin!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

This was a great new edition to the Deadly Curiosities series. With Sorren busy in Europe tracking dangerous artifacts, it is up to Cassidy and her friends to deal with the newest paranormal threat to Charleston. Caribbean ghosts and monsters are showing up in Charleston, and research leads the group to curse dating back generations and a demon that could cost them everything to destroy. I love all the different elements and characters that came together in this story.

There are a lot of characters from other series (both by Gail Z. Martin and Morgan Brice). If you've read those series then you'll certainly recognize some names, but you could read this without having read those other books (though it does make it better if you've read them).

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell down the rabbit hole of Gail Z Martin earlier this summer and have not looked back. She has created a world with amazing magics and down to earth characters that just seems to work perfectly. There are several crossovers in this world and in this book, we meet Simon, Cassidy's cousin, who is one of the MCs of a different series set in the same world. I'm always amazed when I find a book that allows me to completely sink into its world, and this one is no exception. The only thing that would have made this book better is Beau.
If you love magic and supernatural beings, southern charm and snark, then this book, this series is for you. I'm already game for Cassidy and Teag along with their found family's next fight against the darkness.

[Lillian Francis]

This is the first book I've read of this author under this pen name. I can't say I enjoyed it as much as the Morgan Brice books, it lacked the emotional connection of the paranormal gay romances. But the plot was good, the monsters/ghosts/curses were interesting and the book was well written. The cast of characters was enormous and at times I struggled to keep everyone straight. And while the excitement and dangers come thick and fast I never really worried for anyone's safety and I think that can only be down to the lack of emotional connection. If this had been a Vic and Simon books I'd have been on edge the whole time.
But overall a fun read. I may pick up some of the other books in the connected series from this pen name.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find fun with this series. Not fun as in hah-hah. But fun as in the world is so vividly crafted in a deadly kind of way. I loved seeing Cass, Teag, Sorren and others along the way. She must solve the mystery of the bound object and of course stop a killer.

Courtney Patterson was a new and interesting voice for me with this series. I did find that I had a entertaining journey in the world that was all Gail Z. Martin and the wonderfully crafted characters from the Deadly Curiosities series.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Gail Z. Martin. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

[Eva Belliston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A it of whimsy, a bit of ghost busting,a conversation with Deity, another day at Trifle and Folly

I really enjoyed this series. The whimsical voice of the main character Cassidy as she hunts artifacts and terrifying demons is delightful. The additions to the cast as the series progresses and the way that they all become more proficient within the rules of this magic system is a good read.The Caribbean, Voudon and Hoodoo beliefs tha are explained and used in a positive way by the characters in the book is refreshing, usually these belief systems are shown in a very negative light. The gay men subplot is very nicely done.I will read this series again and hope for more outings with the Titles and Folly crowd.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing such a different mythology being the showcase of this story; it was fun to see and learn about some of the ghostly traditions found in Barbados and the Caribbean Islands.

It was also very cool to see the ties between Cassidy, Simon, Erik, and Seth & Evan in this book. I liked that Cassidy was able to come clean to Simon about the Alliance and what they do. And that Simon was able to tell Cassidy about his Skeleton Crew. It will be interesting to see how Seth & Evan factor in since they are heading Cassidy's way from their last book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. The character development and writing are top notch. Gail Z Martin is so good at what she does. This book is #4 in the Deadly Curiosities series. It tells the story of Cassidy Kincaid, owner of an antique store called Trifles and Follies. The store is actually a front for a group called The Alliance that helps fight monsters and remove dangerous items before innocent people can be hurt. There are several short stories collections as well as cross overs from other series written by the author, but none of those are required reading for this book. If you like the modern supernatural genre, I highly suggest reading this book. It has vampires, ghosts, magic, and more.