Something big is prowling the woods around Parson’s Hollow, and Demetrius Singleton is afraid it’s another wolfman. The sudden arrival of Cody’s niece, Summer, and the strange behavior of Demetrius’ Aunt Amelia distract the two newlyweds from investigating until they learn some people have gone missing and others have been violently murdered. Demetrius and Cody now realize they are the only two with enough experience to stop whatever lurks in the woods.
Refusing to believe in a paranormal entity, Deputy Lucia Durant calls in a State Police sergeant, and Cody and Demetrius are surprised to find it’s Hap Blanchard, an officer they’ve worked with before who’s more open to paranormal possibilities. Soon, Demetrius, Cody, Lucia, and Hap are joined by a number of familiar friends who help them race the countdown to the next full moon and solve their most deadly and personal case yet.
Hank Edwards (he/him) has been writing gay fiction for more than twenty years. He has published over thirty novels and dozens of short stories. His books fall into many sub-genres, including romance, rom-com, contemporary, paranormal, suspense, mystery, and wacky comedy. He has written a number of series such as the suspenseful Up to Trouble, funny and spooky paranormal out for you gay romance Critter Catchers, Old West historical horror of Venom Valley, the erotic and funny Fluffers, Inc. series, and the funny and thrilling Lacetown Murder Mysteries series co-written with Deanna Wadsworth. Under the pen name R. G. Thomas, he’s published a young adult urban fantasy gay romance series called The Town of Superstition. No matter what genre he writes, Hank likes to keep things sweet, steamy, and fun.
I loved this in audio. It didn’t drag at all like I thought it had when I previously read it. The narrator did an excellent job and I have really come to love his voices for the characters. He does Demetrius and Cody’s characters do well and the acting of the book is great!
This was the last book in this first arc of the series. Everything comes full circle from the first book of the series. Don’t get too attached to some characters because Hank Edwards will be killing some really good ones! Man, he’s brutal! lol
The love between Demmy & Cody is so strong and they are the cutest, most romantic couple ever!!! ___________________________________________________
A perfect ending to this series. It was drawn out a bit in parts but I loved reading another adventure that brought this series full circle!
Dread of Night is the seventh book in the Critter Catchers series, and can be enjoyed on its own, but is likely best appreciated if you have read previous books in the series. This story was a well-written romantic suspense thrill ride. Cody and Demmy are trying to save their close friends and family, and also each other, from what seems to be apocalyptic levels of werewolves. It’s a very touch and go situation, and many characters from previous books enter to assist as the full moon draws ever closer. It’s a great recap of previous horrors, and yet the side characters and story still felt fresh. There was lots of gore and lots more lovin’ as Cody and Demmy dealt with the strain of an odd house guest, an irate brother, and a growing list of missing persons. Their passion for one another was only celebrated as they battled the impossible to save their town and one another.
If you like paranormal romantic suspense, this is a book to check out. While I know there won’t be another Cody and Demmy book, it was clear that other stories could be in the offing—maybe featuring other Bower boys finding love in Parson’s Hollow.
Reading Dread of Night was both thrilling and bittersweet, as it was the wild and epic conclusion to the lives of Demmy and Cody.
Hank Edwards has gifted the paranormal romance genre a marvelous treat in the misadventures of the Critter Catchers. These books are a wonderful and quirky spin on monster-of-the-week, are packed with a copious amount of believable humor, and are a marvelous example of positive human relations. Demmy and Cody will forever be on my list of favorite book couples. They are business partners, best friends, lovers, and husbands. Everything they do, they do together. And despite authentic bumps in the road, as any two people are bound to encounter, Demmy and Cody come through every struggle stronger and closer than before.
Book Seven is definitely darker than previous titles in the series. For a start, we get more insight into Cody's family, specifically his brother Roman and niece Summer. While Screams of the Season dealt with the personalities of his family and the struggles he had bringing Demmy home as his boyfriend, Dread of Night dealt with a lot more intimate family angst and homophobia. It was a heartbreaking subplot, and one that sadly is all too real for many people, but it was also so incredible to see how Demmy and Cody handled the strife, stepped in to take care of a teenager who felt lost and unloved, and how they protected one another from hurt at the same time. Cody especially has really evolved as a character, and it's been such a delight to watch.
The main story brings us back full circle to Terror By Moonlight, the first book that introduced our guys to the concept of monsters and more specifically, the wolfman. I will avoid saying much else, as there is a major potential for spoilers, but it was a hell of a shock to learn of the mystery unfolding and see how Edwards had been weaving tiny clues into each book without the reader noticing until it was too late. (Much like Cody points out when they're up to their necks in death and danger!)
Like I said, this story was grittier, bloodier, and scarier than previous monster plots. I gasped, shouted, got plenty upset during the final chapters, and I think I forgot to breathe for several pages. But what a ride. What a thrilling, chaotic, and beautifully romantic ride.
I cannot recommend this series enough. Book Three is still, hands down, my favorite of all of them, and maybe even one of my top reads in gay romance period. Edwards is a marvelous storyteller that deserves all the praise and support shined on his work.
4.5 star series. Be prepared to suspend reality and enjoy a low angst, mild drama, warm, charming story, sort of X-files meets X-rated Scooby Doo. We have two guys just trying to do their jobs, but stumbling into one paranormal mystery after another. They have no experience investigating, policing or using weapons, so all they have is their wits, what they have on hand and good old common sense to get out of tough situations. Excellent writing, great combination of descriptive surroundings with great dialogue.
Series of 7 books following the same couple, must be read in order as it’s a slow/burn friends to lovers story. We have a full spectrum of lovely storytelling with some pining for a straight best friend, bi-awakening, monster hunting, mild violence and gore, mild injury, small town issues, big family dynamics. This series is incredibly balanced with romance, sexiness and actual plot, very well done and left me satisfied and entertained on all fronts.
Book 8 is about another couple, same universe. I skipped it as I wasn’t too invested in the characters, whom we had met through the other books.
HEA, series, same couple, vers, m/m, best friends to lovers, monsters/urban legends, mystery.
What a bittersweet adventure with Cody and Demmy in the last book of the series. This time the monster is back in their town and it's an adventure that comes full circle with their first battle with the Wolfman in Book 1. The monster was a true villain who made an appearance in the previous book and I already suspected who the monster was! He was just too nice and suspicious. The entire town is in danger, and old acquaintances come together to help Cody and Demy deal with attacks and mysterious bites. Not only do Cody and Demmy have to deal with Aunt Amelia acting weird, and Summer (Cody's niece) appearing on their doorstep, but there are mysteries once again in the woods. This was a battle for the town itself with the Alpha Wolfman and his pack and lives are lost and crazy things happen. There was one point in this story that I thought the ending would be terrible, but I'm so glad Hank Edwards had mercy. It was a hard fought battle but everything that Cody and Demmy faced led them to this final battle. What a wild adventure and a brilliant book to conclude the series! Loved this whole series and Cody and Demmy were by far my favorite characters in the Hank Edwards' world!
Critter Catchers Series by Hank Edwards I adore this series! The way Demetrius and Cody’s adventures mix irresistible humor, exotic cryptoid wrangling fun and a genuine feeling love story with personal growth and warm emotions guarantee a fantastic read in every book. Hank Edwards delivers. You get to know and love these guys! The first book, Terror by Moonlight begins with two best friends starting their own pest control business and learning the ropes the hard way as they learn the challenges of wrangling creatures both mundane and supernatural, large and small. When something begins murdering citizens of their hometown, something the police are not prepared for, the two heroically (foolishly?) step up and put their job skills to work for the community. I just noticed the next one Grave Danger is available for preorder, too!!!! It looks like the boys will be dealing with zombies next time.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Critter Catchers series by Hank Edwards, driving through each book too fast to stop and review. I'm working on remedying that situation.
Dread of Night (Critter Catchers #7) is longer than the others, for reasons. While it still has its playful and humorous moments, the action caught me up and carried me away. Here is where we see so much major character development, not just of our heroes, but the secondary characters as well. (I think I know who the "mystery woman" at the end refers to.)
I had just thirty minutes left to listen to before time for bed, then wound up buying the ebook version so I could read on my phone at midnight. Kind of like the old days with a flashlight under the covers with a book I couldn't put down.
All in all, the perfect wrap-up for the series. Oh, wait! You mean there's more Demmy, Cody, and their collection of friends and family? Sign me up!
The final and, to me at least, the best of the series.
There was a lot of suspense and action, and I liked how rounded all felt: the calling-out to the first book of the series and the recognition of the little breadcrumbs from the previous books... really, really good.
And I finally can say that, for first time, I really liked Cody here. He was particularly good to Summer, and I really liked that subplot, too.
This book has a darker feeling to it, and there were moments in which I was afraid for a lot of the secondary characters, particularly Aunt Amelia, who has become a favourite of mine. But seeing the whole town come together to fight the big evil threatenig them was a thing of beauty. We even have some of the characters from the other books coming to help :)
Demmy and Cody have to face the growing number of people being bitten by a “large dog”, which causes them to act more aggressively, especially as full moon approaches. They need to track down the Alpha werewolf but there are so many candidates in Parsons Hollow. With the help of family and old friends, and a concerted effort by the townsfolk, they just might survive the full moon.
This 7th in the Critter Catchers series was a great finale with cameos of characters from previous books and a huge danger facing the whole town. Demmy and Cody both rise to the occasion, selflessly working to save others. The danger was real and we lose a couple of characters along the way. Finding the Alpha was a good mystery to solve, although I guessed a lot sooner than our heroes! All-in-all, an entertaining series! 🎧 US voice actor Zachary Zaba keeps up the pace well.
This book is definitely the most suspenseful, and somewhat horrifying one, of the series and I loved it. The blurb is so good that there isn’t much else I can say that wouldn’t be a spoiler. The action is non-stop for Cody and Demmy and many characters from the previous books play a part in this one. I was on the edge of my seat for much of this one and stayed up all night to finish it because I couldn’t stop; thank goodness I’m retired. 😊 I was so sad to see this series end but was very happy to learn there is another one, Critter Catchers, Level Up, where we get more adventures with Cody and Demmy.
Strange things are happening again people are missing and the murders are looking more and more familiar. Unexpected visit from Cody's niece complicates things and Demmy can't figure out why his aunt Amelia is acting so strange. The the animal bites set off alarms when the residents complain of a large dog attacking people. This time Cody and Demmy are prepared or so they think until they realize this monster maybe hunting down the monster hunters.
I was a bit disappointed the author went with another wolfman/werewolf theme for the final book. But otherwise very entertaining, just like the rest of the series. People are disappearing in town and strange howling sounds are heard. Who could solve this mystery? Why Demmy and Cody of course. I liked getting to know Cody's niece Summer better too. I appreciated her teenager snark. Although this is supposed to be the last book, I hope the author revisits the couple.
The final book of the saga. It is not, because there is still an eighth book, but it has another couple. Good thing there is a trilogy starring Cody and Demmy, because I've grown fond of them.
In general, the series is very good, it entertains, you laugh with some situations, you cry, because it has its moments of angst. There is also a bisexual representation, not a bi awakening.
This was the most intense story yet. There were thrills, tears and a runaway teenager. There was a little bit of foreshadowing at the end of the last book. Once they figure out what is happening the race is on to figure out how to stop it before it is too late. So many people are effect by the whole thing and so much is going on. It was also fun to see Roman’s daughter and have her part of the story. This one really kept me on the edge of my seat. #CMCon26
Hank Edwards really ended this series with a huge BANG!! So much action and monsters, I really loved it. All our favorite characters pop up from many of the previous books that it was a wonderful homecoming. This is how you end a series!! Highly Recommended!
These stories get better and better. Cody and Demetrius are incredible together. Their love is so strong and nothing can break it. The action never stops and along with a few laughs, there is so much to enjoy in this story.
This Story was the perfect way to end the series. It had everything I could have wanted. It was great to see all the firmilar faces butget a splash of something new as well.
If you make it this far into a series, you know what the deal is and you're already down for it. This installment is closer to pure horror than many of the previous ones and the horror elements start sooner in the narrative and are more firmly weaved throughout. It's a fun ride.
This one had everything. Reunions with my favorite characters. An amazing arc that.circled back to the first book. Scary suspense. Hot m4m scenes. And a story I really cared about. Love.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
To be honest, when I opened this book, I didn’t know what to expect. As this is the seventh instalment in the ‘Critter Catcher’ series, I was a bit wary at first as to my ability to really get into the story, a fear I soon discovered was unfounded. You can read this book as a standalone novel; the only thing you risk is that you might want to read the other six books and thus make your reading list a bit longer (this is my case). Apart from that, well, you’re in for a very pleasant, entertaining, unputdownable read.
The story starts with Demetrius Singleton, one of the two main characters, being chased through the woods of his hometown Parson’s Hollow one night. He doesn’t know nor see what it is that comes running after him, but he is immediately afraid it might be another werewolf (or wolfman as the precise name would be). Once he gets home he has just enough time to mention his fears to his husband, Cody, when Cody’s fourteen-year-old niece suddenly shows up on their doormat. She has fled her parents’ home and come all the way from Utah for reasons she won’t disclose (you find them out later on). From there, things get more and more peculiar, what with Demetrius’s dear aunt Amelia acting strangely, people going missing, and other people reporting unexplainable animal bites. Quickly, our couple Demetrius and Cody is only sure of one thing: their fears are justified; worse—not only are there countless people that threaten to transform into werewolves at the next full moon, but an alpha wolfman, a vicous and nigh unbeatable beast, is running free and might want to end their lives. A dangerous race against the clock starts, and with several twists and turns the storyline leads to a showdown full of suspense.
I admit I always like to read a well-written, nicely constructed, and solid paranormal book just as I like to read about cute, loving couples. So this book ticks all the right boxes. Both Demetrius and Cody come with their weaknesses, one more keen on keeping control, the other a self-assured, cool dude with a sassy mouth, but it is precisely those weaknesses and their mutual acceptance of them that makes both men highly endearing. They are different, they own their differences, and they love each other with those differences, no questions asked. Their relationship has reached that mature level where potential insecurities can be talked over or kissed away. No unnecessary couple dramas, no tension because of unsaid things, the author concentrates on the plot and leads it forward in a steady rhythm. He knows how to write, he knows how to engage his readers, he knows how to make them swoon, or tremble, or gasp. Of course, you will be wondering for several chapters who the nasty alpha wolfman could be. I had my suspicions early on, but hey, I come from Central Europe and am therefore familiar with Eastern and Southeastern names. So, the Bad Boy is… no, no, I’m no kiss-and-tell guy; you have to find out by your yourself. By reading this book, which I highly recommend.
Best one yet. I am so sorry to see this series end. But if it must, then Dread of Night is the way to go. The poor residents of this little town are put through h#**, and Demmy and Cody are right there on the front line trying to defeat this megalomaniac monster. There are a whole big bunch of things going on between the covers of this book. Unexpected family visits. A monster incognito that has settled into their midst, committing atrocities left and right. Their search for the beast that has them cobble together an unlikely team of monster chasers. Jugs being thrown feet first into this investigation and finding out, quite literally, how the other half lives. So much stuff going on. I love it. It has all the feels, also. I laughed (with these guys, who wouldn't?), I cried. I got mad. I cursed the monster, and I cursed the author. I got scared. And in the end, shouted in glee when they won the day. Dread of Night has all the good of the previous books and so much more. I was on the edge of my seat and could not put it down. Yep, sorry to see this series end.
I'm so sad to be finishing this journey with Cody and Demmy, but at the same time this was a perfect send off. It brought literally everyone back together to Parson's Hollow, and at such a crucial time too because our favourite Critter Catchers are facing their toughest threat yet. The wolfman is back, and this time there are too many of them to count, and not to mention an alpha to track down. The action, humour and suspense is non-stop - I could not put it down! Then there is Cody and Demmy, who are still so in love it almost hurts, and seeing how far they'll go to protect each other had me in tears.
Although I never truly doubted the happy ending in this case, I was still anxious and a tad distraught, and that, to me, is the mark of truly exceptional writing. A fantastic series that is well worth a read! Start from the beginning and it'll be hard not to fall in love with these guys and become invested in their lives and adventures.
I fell in love with Demmy & Cody in book one and just can't get enough of them. They are now married and back from their honeymoon from hell!
The story begins with Demmy being chased by a wolf and leads them to suspect a wolfman/werewolf is on the hunt. People are getting bitten and even Demmy's aunt is affected. They get a visit from Cody's niece Summer, who has run away from home.
They are trying to determine who the wolfman is and have a lot of suspects. As the book progresses we see people going missing and many being attacked. Over the course of the case we see people from the series return, like 2 of Cody's brothers and Hal, from the previous book. As soon as they figure out who it is, he sets his sights on Demmy. I really felt for him and he has to do something to protect those he loves.
It was a great end to the series and I'm sad to see them go, but there is a new series of them!
This was bittersweet seeing Cody and Demy on the final adventure. This book is my absolute favorite because of the intense love between them still but its also my least favorite due to all the emotions felt through this final novel, at times I wanted to throw my device against the wall. The monster was a true villian who did not act on instincts, it was planning for awhile to get revenge and things from other books are brought up. The entire town is in danger, and old acquaintances come together to help Cody and Demy deal with attacks occurings. There is death, there is loss, there is hot intenese scenes, family drama, their is new romances blooming, and we get to see Cody and Demy have their HEA even with all that nature has thrown at them.
Cody and Demmy are back for their final adventure. Parsons Hollow hasn’t had any thing exciting happen for a while beside a few dog bites. They are still struggling with their critter catchers business. Both men still struggling with almost losing each other on their honeymoon. When they realize what is actually happening to their small town they are almost to late.
This book was a nice conclusion to their series. Almost everyone who helped them at one time or another appears in this book. Great characters have been the mainstay of the series. Cody and Demmy are good together and their snark (every character is snarky to a degree) kept the book from bogging down. I liked this series.
OMG!!! Reading all the previous books didn’t prepare me for the intensity of this book 7. I got a wide range of emotions in every twist and turn of the story. I cried, laughed, got angry, got confused, cried again, laughed again, and so on until I got emotionally tired and then... cried again before the end of the story. The strength of the feelings between Demetrius and Cody is inspiring, you can feel the trust, confidence and faith they have for each other and above all those, the insurmountable love.... Beautifully written, this action-packed, tear-jerking narration about 2 charismatic critter catchers having impossible adventures, is, at the core, a simply wonderful love story told in seven books. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.