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A buried past claws its way into an unsuspecting present
Corozal Town has been attracting members of the magic community to its shores for months. Even though Jack's curiosity has been piqued by the Belize migration, he's not traveling internationally without a lucrative case to lure him.
Enter one anonymous client with a large bank account. Jack's prospective client is willing to pay Spirelli Investigations an outrageous sum for a one-time consultation...but only in Corozal. The client has offered an additional, mind-boggling sum should Jack accept the case.
With magical trouble brewing in Belize and a hefty bonus on the line, Jack can't say no. But is the case too big for Marin and him to handle?
Corozal Town has been attracting members of the magic community to its shores for months. Even though Jack's curiosity has been piqued by the Belize migration, he's not traveling internationally without a lucrative case to lure him.
Enter one anonymous client with a large bank account. Jack's prospective client is willing to pay Spirelli Investigations an outrageous sum for a one-time consultation...but only in Corozal. The client has offered an additional, mind-boggling sum should Jack accept the case.
With magical trouble brewing in Belize and a hefty bonus on the line, Jack can't say no. But is the case too big for Marin and him to handle?
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2017
84 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Kate Baray
68 books215 followersKate Baray writes page-turning urban fantasy with relatable characters.
When Kate's not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she's sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.
Kate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place) but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.
She's worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She's thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing!
Kate's series include Lost Library and Spirelli Paranormal Investigations. Under the pen name Cate Lawley, Kate (aka Cate!) writes Vegan Vamp Mysteries, Death Retired Mysteries, Fairmont Finds Canine Cozy Mysteries.
Find more information on her website: catelawley.com/kate-baray/
When Kate's not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she's sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.
Kate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place) but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.
She's worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She's thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing!
Kate's series include Lost Library and Spirelli Paranormal Investigations. Under the pen name Cate Lawley, Kate (aka Cate!) writes Vegan Vamp Mysteries, Death Retired Mysteries, Fairmont Finds Canine Cozy Mysteries.
Find more information on her website: catelawley.com/kate-baray/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 26, 2020
While I can find no fault in the grammar and editing, this story didn't do anything for me; the writing was rather underwhelming, and the contrived solutions for every problem that arose in the book didn't help. Which is too bad, as 'Entombed' featured a dragon, ghosts, a psychic, and a nasty critter called an aswang, which is a Filipino paranormal critter of a particular nastiness.
But, maybe it's just me. I may try re-reading it in the future to see if my feelings will change.
But, maybe it's just me. I may try re-reading it in the future to see if my feelings will change.
October 29, 2017
Kate Baray has a gift for creating characters, including secondary characters, that pop off the page and become "real" in the reader's mind. And, she has a gift for creating characters that readers would like to meet. She also creates great stories. The woman can tell a tale. However, she is much better at writing short stories than novels. Her short stories are fast-paced, tightly plotted little gems. In comparison, there were times in this novel when the ratio of characters talking, versus acting, came at the expense of the plot moving forward...or, perhaps it was a case of the characters talking to pad out a short story disguised as a novel. Either way, for the first time, I wasn't excited to be reading a Spirelli Investigations story. In fact, I stopped part way through, read an entire novel by Bujold, and then came back to this more out of a feeling of obligation to finish than anything. There was a nice story in there, it just desperately needed better pacing.
I'm sure others will disagree, possibly vehemently, but this was my take. Still, slow Spirelli stories are better than no Spirelli stories!
My takeaway: If you are new to the series, go back and read the short stories first.
I'm sure others will disagree, possibly vehemently, but this was my take. Still, slow Spirelli stories are better than no Spirelli stories!
My takeaway: If you are new to the series, go back and read the short stories first.
September 4, 2017
Entombed, Spirelli Investigations Book 1
by Kate Baray
I very much enjoyed this first novel in this series. I'd read the 6 short stories/novellas that preceded it, along with the Bob vs. The Cat short story. I'd also run across this main character (and many of the other characters) in another series of Baray's.
This book did begin with a couple of interesting coincidences -- for me, maybe not for others. First, the book I read just before this had a character named Iris, so it was interesting to run across an Iris in this novel, too. Secondly, I read this book September 2-3 og 2017, so reading about people coming out of Texas, and especially a character out of Houston, so near to Harvey's landfall also seemed oddly coincidental.
You can find my reviews of the other Spirelli works here on Goodreads. And my opinion of her writing style and of the editing and proofing is pretty much the same here as in those writings. The novel has good flow, nice pacing, identifiable-with characters, lots of action, and an interesting take on the paranormal world. Proofing and editing were good, except for two notable errors: At 1713, a paragraph ends with this: They didn't That's it. No punctuation and the two word fragment did not answer a question or state an action. It was just a sentence fragment inexplicably missed in editing and then also in proofreading. Then at 2020, one of the characters is trying to find her inner peace, and that term is repeated often. But once is spelled 'inner piece.' I don't think the author was trying to be funny -- at least I hope she wasn't, cause it wasn't funny. I think it was just a typo missed in proofreading. My only other complaint would be that the novel was very short. Note that I read it in less than one full day (I began it late on September 2nd, picked it up again about 2 pm on Sept. 3, and finished it by 3:30 pm). I read fast, but not that fast.
I really like this series and hope future books are at least a tad longer than this one!
by Kate Baray
I very much enjoyed this first novel in this series. I'd read the 6 short stories/novellas that preceded it, along with the Bob vs. The Cat short story. I'd also run across this main character (and many of the other characters) in another series of Baray's.
This book did begin with a couple of interesting coincidences -- for me, maybe not for others. First, the book I read just before this had a character named Iris, so it was interesting to run across an Iris in this novel, too. Secondly, I read this book September 2-3 og 2017, so reading about people coming out of Texas, and especially a character out of Houston, so near to Harvey's landfall also seemed oddly coincidental.
You can find my reviews of the other Spirelli works here on Goodreads. And my opinion of her writing style and of the editing and proofing is pretty much the same here as in those writings. The novel has good flow, nice pacing, identifiable-with characters, lots of action, and an interesting take on the paranormal world. Proofing and editing were good, except for two notable errors: At 1713, a paragraph ends with this: They didn't That's it. No punctuation and the two word fragment did not answer a question or state an action. It was just a sentence fragment inexplicably missed in editing and then also in proofreading. Then at 2020, one of the characters is trying to find her inner peace, and that term is repeated often. But once is spelled 'inner piece.' I don't think the author was trying to be funny -- at least I hope she wasn't, cause it wasn't funny. I think it was just a typo missed in proofreading. My only other complaint would be that the novel was very short. Note that I read it in less than one full day (I began it late on September 2nd, picked it up again about 2 pm on Sept. 3, and finished it by 3:30 pm). I read fast, but not that fast.
I really like this series and hope future books are at least a tad longer than this one!
November 1, 2017
This is another of the awesome Spirelli Paranormal Investigations series, which is a great read! If you haven't read any of them, you are missing out.
I received this book as a gift from the author. This review is my way of saying thank you.
In this story, Jack and Marin are debating whether to take a look into some strange occurrences happening in Belize. At around the same time as this, an anonymous client hires Jack and Marin to investigate a missing person, and as he is offering a very high fee for their services, they are happy to take the case.
As they begin to investigate, what unfolds is a strange and spooky story of missing girls, and ghostly bad behaviour - which grabbed my attention right away and kept me checking over my shoulder. As the case develops, it becomes clear that a complex circle of horrible, and chilling events are at the centre of things. Things definitely go 'bump in the night' more than once in this spooky tale.
I loved the flow of this plot in this fast paced book. It was gripping and scarily exciting, which made it all the more interesting. I didn't want to put it down, not even to make a cup of tea, and I love my tea!
I love the characters that the author, Kate Baray, has created.
Jack and Marin are some of my favourites, bringing into the stories some really cool dynamics; individually, and as part of a working team. They are just a great combination! They remind me of Cagney and Lacey the fictional T.V. detectives. There are others in this book who grab the attention too. One of the main ones is 'Sally'; now there is a truly complex character! Brilliantly written and so wonderfully alive!
Kate Baray writes such cool and interesting books. She has a great way of pulling you into the world she's created; you find yourself utterly caught up in the action, and, as you drink it up, you find yourself greedily asking for more!
Marvelous writing Kate! I simply love your books!
I received this book as a gift from the author. This review is my way of saying thank you.
In this story, Jack and Marin are debating whether to take a look into some strange occurrences happening in Belize. At around the same time as this, an anonymous client hires Jack and Marin to investigate a missing person, and as he is offering a very high fee for their services, they are happy to take the case.
As they begin to investigate, what unfolds is a strange and spooky story of missing girls, and ghostly bad behaviour - which grabbed my attention right away and kept me checking over my shoulder. As the case develops, it becomes clear that a complex circle of horrible, and chilling events are at the centre of things. Things definitely go 'bump in the night' more than once in this spooky tale.
I loved the flow of this plot in this fast paced book. It was gripping and scarily exciting, which made it all the more interesting. I didn't want to put it down, not even to make a cup of tea, and I love my tea!
I love the characters that the author, Kate Baray, has created.
Jack and Marin are some of my favourites, bringing into the stories some really cool dynamics; individually, and as part of a working team. They are just a great combination! They remind me of Cagney and Lacey the fictional T.V. detectives. There are others in this book who grab the attention too. One of the main ones is 'Sally'; now there is a truly complex character! Brilliantly written and so wonderfully alive!
Kate Baray writes such cool and interesting books. She has a great way of pulling you into the world she's created; you find yourself utterly caught up in the action, and, as you drink it up, you find yourself greedily asking for more!
Marvelous writing Kate! I simply love your books!
April 17, 2022
I really enjoyed “Entombed” the full novel installment in the Spirelli Paranormal Investigation series. I believe that my enjoyment stems from the fact that this was a full length version of a story instead of a mini episode.
This time Jack and Marin are on their way to Belize when a mysterious and anonymous benefactor lured them in on a case with a large financial incentive. Once they arrive and they meet with the client we discover it is someone we already know. No. I won’t tell you who. It seems that the client’s girlfriend has gone missing and the local authorities are not taking him seriously.
It soon becomes apparent that their is an evil entity running around removing the heart and liver of his victims. It is an aswang, a mythical Filipino creature. The question is who unleashed him and how do you kill it?
There is plenty of interesting characters, twists and turns and informative moments where we learn more about Marin and Jack. My only issue is it has been 2 years since this installment and I don’t know if there will be more books or if this is the end. It doesn’t feel like the end but who knows. I hope Ms. Barry will supply an update on the status of this series soon.
This time Jack and Marin are on their way to Belize when a mysterious and anonymous benefactor lured them in on a case with a large financial incentive. Once they arrive and they meet with the client we discover it is someone we already know. No. I won’t tell you who. It seems that the client’s girlfriend has gone missing and the local authorities are not taking him seriously.
It soon becomes apparent that their is an evil entity running around removing the heart and liver of his victims. It is an aswang, a mythical Filipino creature. The question is who unleashed him and how do you kill it?
There is plenty of interesting characters, twists and turns and informative moments where we learn more about Marin and Jack. My only issue is it has been 2 years since this installment and I don’t know if there will be more books or if this is the end. It doesn’t feel like the end but who knows. I hope Ms. Barry will supply an update on the status of this series soon.
April 28, 2020
I enjoy these SPI adventures a lot, although Jack seems rather ineffective. My big gripe with these stories is the "oh, yeah that happened before this". Have you ever had someone try to tell you a story-type joke, but they keep saying "oh, but before that happened this other thing happened"? It's jarring and gets old fast. Well, this happens in these stories and quite noticeably in Entombed. Example: Jack is unarmed, gets ready to go somewhere, now has a knife and "oh, yeah that was given to him by Character X". As for their plan, "oh, yeah that was discussed and settled on the way over". It kind of makes me feel left out. It also throws out opportunities for good dialog. And on the opposite end, there seems to be quite a few repetitions.
I'll keep reading these (which, I guess, is all that counts), but now I don't expect professional storytelling.
Good news: no typos and very few, if any, grammar errors!
I'll keep reading these (which, I guess, is all that counts), but now I don't expect professional storytelling.
Good news: no typos and very few, if any, grammar errors!
June 23, 2018
This is a delightful series, full of magic and humor. In their latest case, Jack and Marin (his dragon partner) are asked to help a friend find a missing girlfriend. But the case proves more difficult when clues point to a possible murder, maybe even more than one. Their case then gets weirder and even more dangerous than expected. I love when Marin changes over to her dragon self. I also liked the two new characters introduced, Iris and Abi, and hope they make appearances in future stories. And of course, the witty repertoire between Jack and Marin is always fun.
May 17, 2024
Great Story
I loved the mystery and how it was resolved. I liked the supporting characters, particularly Sally and her human. But I am not connecting with the two detectives. They just do not have much of a personality or background that I can relate with. They hardly even talk to each other except as it relates to their business interests. Oh well, at least the mysteries are very good.
I loved the mystery and how it was resolved. I liked the supporting characters, particularly Sally and her human. But I am not connecting with the two detectives. They just do not have much of a personality or background that I can relate with. They hardly even talk to each other except as it relates to their business interests. Oh well, at least the mysteries are very good.
June 14, 2024
Harry and Marin travel to Belize at the request of one of their old clients, Harrington. Harrington's girlfriend has gone missing, apparently one of several missing persons. They discover there is a supernatural entity involved. What it is, and how to stop it, are what Jack and Marin need to figure out. Jack takes his usual physical pummeling. Good read, I'll buy next book in series when it comes out.
August 27, 2020
No superheroes
Jack can't pass up a lot of money for a case in a paradise. For some, but Jack and his partner have a full blown mastery on their hands. A very dangerous mystery at that. But that's how SPI rolls. Very good story organization. Flows on evenly with surprises and twists. Good read.
Jack can't pass up a lot of money for a case in a paradise. For some, but Jack and his partner have a full blown mastery on their hands. A very dangerous mystery at that. But that's how SPI rolls. Very good story organization. Flows on evenly with surprises and twists. Good read.
January 18, 2021
A fun read.
Jack and Marin finally get to go to Belize but not for a tropical vacation. It turns out an unusual kind of monster has been killing people in the area and they were hired to figure out what to do about it. More murder and mayhem ensue. This was a fun book that was hard to put down.
Jack and Marin finally get to go to Belize but not for a tropical vacation. It turns out an unusual kind of monster has been killing people in the area and they were hired to figure out what to do about it. More murder and mayhem ensue. This was a fun book that was hard to put down.
August 6, 2018
Series readers wil love this
I usually prefer single volume stories. But this series has changed my mind
It is well written has just the right amount of attitude from a young Dragon.. and the characters are believability real. I would recommend this author with confidence
I usually prefer single volume stories. But this series has changed my mind
It is well written has just the right amount of attitude from a young Dragon.. and the characters are believability real. I would recommend this author with confidence
July 5, 2019
Good storyline
I like this series. Like the characters and how they interact with each other. I like that Jack is not actually magically inclined and with the help of Marion they get the job done.
I like this series. Like the characters and how they interact with each other. I like that Jack is not actually magically inclined and with the help of Marion they get the job done.
September 26, 2019
Jack and Marin make the perfect partners, their banter is amusing as they try to solve the paranormal mystery. Its a cast of characters, each having their fingers in the paranormal pie. Together they race towards neutralizing a killer. Its an interesting read.
February 26, 2023
If this is the final book of the series; I will be sad at the loss. But is it? It was left fairly open ended so maybe Kate will drop back when things in her life are quiet.
I really enjoyed the whole series; and each of his cases were different and not just more of the same.
I really enjoyed the whole series; and each of his cases were different and not just more of the same.
March 30, 2017
Love the Spirelli stories
Loved the first Spirelli novel! I also loved season one, and I can't wait for season two! These stories are so much fun, you'll love reading them! The only thing I don't like is that I can't read more right now! Hurry up Kate, and write fast! Lol!
Loved the first Spirelli novel! I also loved season one, and I can't wait for season two! These stories are so much fun, you'll love reading them! The only thing I don't like is that I can't read more right now! Hurry up Kate, and write fast! Lol!
August 2, 2017
A good start to a light paranormal story. The main character has special powers and doesn't know it. Entertaining book.
October 9, 2017
Spirelli Rocks
I’ve enjoyed all of the Spirelli novels so far and can’t wait for the next one. Are things opening up for a spin-off?
I’ve enjoyed all of the Spirelli novels so far and can’t wait for the next one. Are things opening up for a spin-off?
September 2, 2018
Easy reading. Jack looks to be overmatched as a non magic user but, appears to be developing some abilities. Relationship with Marin is somewhat ambiguous and I assume will develop in later stories.
September 24, 2019
Interesting suspenseful paranormal, but did have the charm or romance of previous books I have read by this author.
December 4, 2019
Fun read
Good read! I enjoyed it, lots of action, a snarky dragon and magic. I’ll be looking for more by this author.
Good read! I enjoyed it, lots of action, a snarky dragon and magic. I’ll be looking for more by this author.
March 1, 2020
Riveting
It kept me riveted till the end
And now waiting to hear more of the why and how it happened
It kept me riveted till the end
And now waiting to hear more of the why and how it happened
September 6, 2020
Entombed was an enjoyable read.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Read
June 17, 2021An excellent book and series I highly recommend it to all readers of the paranormal genre!
March 29, 2021
Fun Read
Really enjoyed the continuation of Jack and Marino’s adventures in Belize. Fast paced, action packed and can’t wait to read the next book.
Really enjoyed the continuation of Jack and Marino’s adventures in Belize. Fast paced, action packed and can’t wait to read the next book.
March 26, 2019
Fantastic!
I love this series and I’m glad I got Entombed. The dynamics between Jack and Marin are great. Everybody should have an ass kicking dragon as a partner.
I love this series and I’m glad I got Entombed. The dynamics between Jack and Marin are great. Everybody should have an ass kicking dragon as a partner.
May 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this novel and read it very quickly. I had to know what would happen next. It didn't disapoint. I haven't read the other Spirelli novels but plan on reading them all! I recommend this book.
March 26, 2017
Excellent story! I love how the relationship between Jack and Marin has grown. This is a very interesting story which kept me captivated until till end. Yes, I see interesting new character, Ari, Iris and more but we also see Elliot, Kaisermann, Sally. You will learn a bit more about dragons, mediums, ghosts and supernatural. Read and enjoy this book!
March 27, 2017
Evil released
Called in to consult on strange disappearances Jack and Marin find themselves quickly behind. When their resources can't give them any answers they have to rely on the local help they've aligned themselves with to take care of the problem.
Called in to consult on strange disappearances Jack and Marin find themselves quickly behind. When their resources can't give them any answers they have to rely on the local help they've aligned themselves with to take care of the problem.
April 1, 2017
Entombed
Kate Baray has brought to her pages a worthy spin-off. The tale keep my interest with dragons, spirit, medians, and what ever supernatural she could add to the mix. The storytelling was fast pace and held the readers to the very end. Worthy read.
Kate Baray has brought to her pages a worthy spin-off. The tale keep my interest with dragons, spirit, medians, and what ever supernatural she could add to the mix. The storytelling was fast pace and held the readers to the very end. Worthy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews