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Samantha Rain Mysteries #1
The Case of the Night Mark
When Detective Samantha Rain accidentally becomes involved in the hidden world of Nocturnals, she meets Lilith, the right-hand woman of the Will-O-Wisp Clan.
Following a trail of flickering lights, Samantha is pulled deeper into a world of magic with plenty of mysteries and more questions than answers. She's given two choices. Solve a murder in enemy territory or become a murder victim herself.
With her life on the line, Samantha has no choice but to dive deeper into a world that's all too eager to keep her and when she looks at Lilith, she might be tempted to stay.
****
The Case Of The Night Mark is an Urban Fantasy Mystery with an f/f romance.
Following a trail of flickering lights, Samantha is pulled deeper into a world of magic with plenty of mysteries and more questions than answers. She's given two choices. Solve a murder in enemy territory or become a murder victim herself.
With her life on the line, Samantha has no choice but to dive deeper into a world that's all too eager to keep her and when she looks at Lilith, she might be tempted to stay.
****
The Case Of The Night Mark is an Urban Fantasy Mystery with an f/f romance.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2020
73 people are currently reading
717 people want to read
About the author
Arizona Tape
237 books783 followersArizona Tape lives her dream life hanging out with her dog and writing stories all day.
Her favourite books to write are urban fantasy and paranormal romances with queer leads, stories that she wished were around when she was younger.
When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen, watching shows that make her cry, or trying her hand at her new hobby of the week.
She currently lives in the United Kingdom with her girlfriend and her adorable dog who is the star of her newsletter. Sign up here for adorable pictures, free books, and news about her books: www.arizonatape.com/subscribe
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TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@arizonatape
Her books are available on all retailers and can be requested from most public libraries.
Her favourite books to write are urban fantasy and paranormal romances with queer leads, stories that she wished were around when she was younger.
When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen, watching shows that make her cry, or trying her hand at her new hobby of the week.
She currently lives in the United Kingdom with her girlfriend and her adorable dog who is the star of her newsletter. Sign up here for adorable pictures, free books, and news about her books: www.arizonatape.com/subscribe
Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/arizonatapeauthor
Reader Group: http://facebook.com/groups/arizonatape
Bookbub: http://www.bookbub.com/authors/arizon...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/arizonatape
Instagram: http://instagram.com/arizonatape
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@arizonatape
Her books are available on all retailers and can be requested from most public libraries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 29, 2020
I thought this was an okay read. I did notices a couple small mistakes but overall I thought the writing was well done. I really liked the premise of an ex-detective Samantha, who steps into the paranormal world by getting a hellhound and becoming what is basically a PI for a clan of powerful fae. There is so much potential for highly entertaining stories that I was disappointed that not much really happened. This is a quick read, I’m putting the novella tag on this, but I still expected more to happen. This is the start of a series and I think we all know most series start one of two ways. Either they start off with a bang that really sucks you in, or they start slowly, building up the world and setting up the whole series. In this case it was the ladder so I really hope that means that book 2 will really take off.
Keeping in that same vein of not much happening, Sam has a hellhound puppy in this book. As an animal lover I loved the potential here and I was ready for lots of cuteness, some troublemaking, and even magic. Instead, not much happened again. The hound was forgotten about half the time and the rest involved some barking. It just seemed like such a wasted opportunity. One the good side there is a short story, The Case Of The Puppy Academy: A Samantha Rain Mysteries Short Story, so I’m hoping for something better with the hellhound. Actually, that short story is FREE right now so it might be a really good way to see if this series might be for you. While the short does take place after this first book, I don’t think you would be missing much reading the short first since not a whole lot happened in this book.
Besides needing more action and things to keep my attention, I also wasn’t crazy about the main character. I’m a big fan of PI type characters. Micky Knight (human PI in Death by the Riverside) and Kate Kane (supernatural PI in Iron & Velvet) are two of my all-time favorite characters so I think Sam had big shoes to fill and just did not have dynamic character qualities. Again, I’m hoping that might change in future book but I could not really connect to her yet.
Overall, this was well written but it just felt a bit flat. There is a lot of potential here so I might read more, I’m not sure yet. Actually, I think I’ll read the short story on the hellhound to see if that gets any better before I consider reading book 2.
Keeping in that same vein of not much happening, Sam has a hellhound puppy in this book. As an animal lover I loved the potential here and I was ready for lots of cuteness, some troublemaking, and even magic. Instead, not much happened again. The hound was forgotten about half the time and the rest involved some barking. It just seemed like such a wasted opportunity. One the good side there is a short story, The Case Of The Puppy Academy: A Samantha Rain Mysteries Short Story, so I’m hoping for something better with the hellhound. Actually, that short story is FREE right now so it might be a really good way to see if this series might be for you. While the short does take place after this first book, I don’t think you would be missing much reading the short first since not a whole lot happened in this book.
Besides needing more action and things to keep my attention, I also wasn’t crazy about the main character. I’m a big fan of PI type characters. Micky Knight (human PI in Death by the Riverside) and Kate Kane (supernatural PI in Iron & Velvet) are two of my all-time favorite characters so I think Sam had big shoes to fill and just did not have dynamic character qualities. Again, I’m hoping that might change in future book but I could not really connect to her yet.
Overall, this was well written but it just felt a bit flat. There is a lot of potential here so I might read more, I’m not sure yet. Actually, I think I’ll read the short story on the hellhound to see if that gets any better before I consider reading book 2.
October 31, 2020
I had read a free short story The Case Of The Puppy Academy: A Samantha Rain Mysteries Short Story not realizing it was set after this, which is Book 1. So I kind of read things a little backward, but I didn't find it detracted from my enjoyment. If anything I think it was better that way, because this book 1 did have its share of problems, but the potential there and the story in the Puppy Academy has piqued my interest very much. So I look forward to reading book 2 soon, and I believe a book 3 in due out next month.
I really enjoyed the premise, an ex Detective Sam who was fired a year ago for "sticking her nose into things she shouldn't have" is given papers for a divorce from her wife, Melissa. She's stunned but yet also not. Sam had always been more focused on her job than the relationship, and even in her being let go, she herself hasn't been able to do the same, constantly going over old cases and hoping the department might call her back for duty. They never did.
Sam ends up being bitten by a puppy, who is revealed to be a hellhound. A magical creature of the fae also called Nocturnals, or Nox for short. Paranormal creatures that live by their own clan rules.
She is introduced to the alluring Lilith, who is a Will-O-Wisp. Because Sam has been 'marked' by the puppy, she needs to become a member of the clans for her own safety. Lilith gives her an ultimatum to become a Warden for her family's clan, which means investigating mysterious things happening between the clans, that otherwise would cause war among the magical creatures. They live in a tentative truce of sorts, that could easily be damaged, and humans are basically used as neutral 'go betweens'.
Sam reluctantly agrees although not really believing fully. She also takes ownership of the hellhound puppy.
Unfortunately a few times our dear Samantha comes across as whiney and immature for someone who is I think they said 37? In some ways she's seen as a dedicated detective, wanting to fight for justice - but then she slips into this juvenile caricature where she can't cope with interacting with anyone, or having to answer to others, which wasn't flattering, at all.
Such as trying to make her ex jealous, making it seem as if she is sleeping with Lilith. It would appear she rarely took any time for her spouse in all their years together, never really talking or sharing anything, acting like her job was so much more important, even when it didn't exist anymore. Forcing her wife to just go ahead and file for divorce because she was so sick of nothing changing and her trying to talk it through with Sam never acknowledging anything. So it made it very hard to sympathize with such a character.
I kind of decided to put down her patheticness due to the shock of what her attitude and lifestyle had done to a relationship she never fully realized she had until it was too late. I am hoping there's a redemption angle coming, and that she shows a lot of growth in upcoming installments. *Fingers crossed*
There is some fun banter between Samantha and Lilith. The latter being quite bossy and demanding, while Sam moans and begrudges this. But it's clear at times she desperately needs someone to keep her on track. Sometimes it almost seemed the 'investigation' part was redundant due to Lilith always tagging along and having to explain things and finding clues for herself. But apparently in their world a human inbetweener is somehow more desirable than a member of a clan investigating themselves? Even if Lilith is infact doing that. So that part got confusing to me, as well.
There are some plot holes, but it's an easy to read story with a fun premise and I do want to enjoy it, however I am skeptical - yet hopeful. So I'll let you know how I get on with the next installment.
I really enjoyed the premise, an ex Detective Sam who was fired a year ago for "sticking her nose into things she shouldn't have" is given papers for a divorce from her wife, Melissa. She's stunned but yet also not. Sam had always been more focused on her job than the relationship, and even in her being let go, she herself hasn't been able to do the same, constantly going over old cases and hoping the department might call her back for duty. They never did.
Sam ends up being bitten by a puppy, who is revealed to be a hellhound. A magical creature of the fae also called Nocturnals, or Nox for short. Paranormal creatures that live by their own clan rules.
She is introduced to the alluring Lilith, who is a Will-O-Wisp. Because Sam has been 'marked' by the puppy, she needs to become a member of the clans for her own safety. Lilith gives her an ultimatum to become a Warden for her family's clan, which means investigating mysterious things happening between the clans, that otherwise would cause war among the magical creatures. They live in a tentative truce of sorts, that could easily be damaged, and humans are basically used as neutral 'go betweens'.
Sam reluctantly agrees although not really believing fully. She also takes ownership of the hellhound puppy.
Unfortunately a few times our dear Samantha comes across as whiney and immature for someone who is I think they said 37? In some ways she's seen as a dedicated detective, wanting to fight for justice - but then she slips into this juvenile caricature where she can't cope with interacting with anyone, or having to answer to others, which wasn't flattering, at all.
Such as trying to make her ex jealous, making it seem as if she is sleeping with Lilith. It would appear she rarely took any time for her spouse in all their years together, never really talking or sharing anything, acting like her job was so much more important, even when it didn't exist anymore. Forcing her wife to just go ahead and file for divorce because she was so sick of nothing changing and her trying to talk it through with Sam never acknowledging anything. So it made it very hard to sympathize with such a character.
I kind of decided to put down her patheticness due to the shock of what her attitude and lifestyle had done to a relationship she never fully realized she had until it was too late. I am hoping there's a redemption angle coming, and that she shows a lot of growth in upcoming installments. *Fingers crossed*
There is some fun banter between Samantha and Lilith. The latter being quite bossy and demanding, while Sam moans and begrudges this. But it's clear at times she desperately needs someone to keep her on track. Sometimes it almost seemed the 'investigation' part was redundant due to Lilith always tagging along and having to explain things and finding clues for herself. But apparently in their world a human inbetweener is somehow more desirable than a member of a clan investigating themselves? Even if Lilith is infact doing that. So that part got confusing to me, as well.
There are some plot holes, but it's an easy to read story with a fun premise and I do want to enjoy it, however I am skeptical - yet hopeful. So I'll let you know how I get on with the next installment.
January 20, 2021
2.5 stars
April 2, 2020
Sam is a retired police detective. Luckily for her, her wife is about to become an ex- Mel could have mentioned that a bit before drawing up papers, but there you go.
We get a bit more of the backstory on Shadow and Lilith entering Sam’s world, and her joining theirs.
Intriguing connections and disconnects
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We get a bit more of the backstory on Shadow and Lilith entering Sam’s world, and her joining theirs.
Intriguing connections and disconnects
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2021
Didn't finish. I just couldn't get into it. The beginning just seemed to be a list of events that *had to happen to build character/world/something. Events that should have been interesting/dramatic/something yet just didn't seem to be. Maybe it gets better, maybe not.
October 28, 2020
Samantha Rain kind of reminds of Kinsey Millhone by her ability to solve cases while having her personal life be a complete mess. Rain doesn’t cut her own hair...yet. She also doesn’t see herself outside of her job. I find it intriguing how Tape has started this series and kind of funny how oblivious Rain can be about an obvious fact that she keeps overlooking. (I’m not telling.)
Tape advertises The Samantha Rain Series as a slow-burn in the back romance and this is fact. We only get Rain’s point of view and there is not really any real physical chemistry between Rain and the love interest, but there is an acknowledgment of their physical attributes. (You didn’t actually think I was going to give anything away did you? laugh)
The mystery in this first book is about how Rain got herself in this position and the secondary mystery is about where exactly she is. Tape has created a new world where everything you think you know about vampires, fae, and everything else that goes bump in the night has been turned upside down.
Be prepared because from what I understand the pixies are coming to town and they aren’t bringing the fun.
Join in with me reading this new series by one of my faves...she even included a really cute puppy!
Tape advertises The Samantha Rain Series as a slow-burn in the back romance and this is fact. We only get Rain’s point of view and there is not really any real physical chemistry between Rain and the love interest, but there is an acknowledgment of their physical attributes. (You didn’t actually think I was going to give anything away did you? laugh)
The mystery in this first book is about how Rain got herself in this position and the secondary mystery is about where exactly she is. Tape has created a new world where everything you think you know about vampires, fae, and everything else that goes bump in the night has been turned upside down.
Be prepared because from what I understand the pixies are coming to town and they aren’t bringing the fun.
Join in with me reading this new series by one of my faves...she even included a really cute puppy!
September 24, 2025
I liked the general idea of this book, and that it was easy to read.
However, I didn't like that our protagonist was supposed to be a seasoned detective, but kept doing dumb stuff that you would know not to do, regardless of one's profession or training. Some stuff is also not explained, neither to us nor to the protagonist, and the author keeps forgetting where and when the characters are. For example at first men are standing on either side of her, but in the next instant she can't run away because they surrounded her, a character that was on the couch a moment before suddenly comes out of hiding at the door, etc etc
Most things aren't really logical, seemingly for convenience of the story. There were also countless mentions of how insanely beautiful the (future) love interest is, and the author used the phrase "the other woman" in what felt like every 3rd sentence at least. I also stumbled across a narration perspective switch and a grammar mistake, so maybe at least some of the issues might be fixed by an editor.
However, I didn't like that our protagonist was supposed to be a seasoned detective, but kept doing dumb stuff that you would know not to do, regardless of one's profession or training. Some stuff is also not explained, neither to us nor to the protagonist, and the author keeps forgetting where and when the characters are. For example at first men are standing on either side of her, but in the next instant she can't run away because they surrounded her, a character that was on the couch a moment before suddenly comes out of hiding at the door, etc etc
Most things aren't really logical, seemingly for convenience of the story. There were also countless mentions of how insanely beautiful the (future) love interest is, and the author used the phrase "the other woman" in what felt like every 3rd sentence at least. I also stumbled across a narration perspective switch and a grammar mistake, so maybe at least some of the issues might be fixed by an editor.
May 8, 2020
When Detective Samantha Rain gets bitten by a hellhound, she's forced into the magical world of the Nox, night creatures living in secret between humans. Vampires, Will-O-Wisps, and much more uncommon types hide in a world that runs on oaths, blood, and death.
Unsure of whom she can trust, she has no choice but to rely on Lilith, heir of the Will-O-Wisp clan. Samantha has to earn her protection by solving a missing person's case that could change the future.
If she doesn't succeed, she'll pay with her life.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unsure of whom she can trust, she has no choice but to rely on Lilith, heir of the Will-O-Wisp clan. Samantha has to earn her protection by solving a missing person's case that could change the future.
If she doesn't succeed, she'll pay with her life.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2024
This is getting a high score because I enjoyed it... not because its a GOOD story. It has potential to get somewhere good.... but its not there yet. I don't understand vital plot lines that aren't actually utilized. The Hellhound was interesting in itself... but was under used. I dont understand the over all plot or where its going, the story cut off way too soon and used the tbc cheat. Why was the uncle a traitor? Whats so important about the other missing guy? Does Sam actually get any powers and bonds with the Hellhound magic.... or is she going to stay human and thats it? The politics and power games within the fae was underutilized too. I feel like there would be power grab attemps from other clans with someone as... in experienced as Lillith running things... Idk itd be cool to have fun urban fantasy GAY series out here... but this feels like a rough cut before the real story gets formed.
July 25, 2021
Sam is thrown for a loop here as her wife asks for a divorce and she gets bitten by a hellhound while waiting at a bus stop. Lilith is her first contact on the other side and the paranormal world opens to her with a new mystery. The characters are entertaining and vastly different. The storyline is fun and past paced in the transition. Plenty of surprises and twists keep you hooked on the pages until the end. Really enjoyed the ending and the whole book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2021
I've read several books written by Arizona Tape; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the first book in the Samantha Rain Mysteries Series; she has written a good book. Detective Samantha Rain gets bitten forcing her into the magical world. She decides since she doesn’t know who she can trust that she will use her power to solve missing person cases and earn herself some protection.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in the Samantha Rain Mysteries Series; she has written a good book. Detective Samantha Rain gets bitten forcing her into the magical world. She decides since she doesn’t know who she can trust that she will use her power to solve missing person cases and earn herself some protection.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2024
I liked this story. I have enjoyed almost all of the paranormal stories I have read. This one is slightly different from the others I have read, but in a good way. The characters have lots of potential, showing intelligence, loyalty, and caring despite the warnings we humans have always had about the Fae. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding the Fae Lilith's Uncle and learning about what Wardens actually do. I did like this story and looking forward to the next one. I definitely recommend this book.
April 26, 2020
This book was so good. It had a nice little mystery, had snarky heroines, had drama and so much more. When Samantha finds a puppy she has no idea how it will change her life. This puppy leads her to the little known paranormal world and everything that entails. I simply cannot wait for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2021
Not what I was expecting.
The premise sounded intriguing, but this book didn’t really appeal to me. I liked some of the aspects like Demon Bite, the pub, and the misdirection regarding the case at hand (i.e., Ian), but the relationship issues, half truths and using alcohol as an escape just didn’t add anything for me. Instead, it kind of put me off Sam and Lilith.
Have no interest in following up on the other books. Only giving this 3 stars because DB is adorable.
The premise sounded intriguing, but this book didn’t really appeal to me. I liked some of the aspects like Demon Bite, the pub, and the misdirection regarding the case at hand (i.e., Ian), but the relationship issues, half truths and using alcohol as an escape just didn’t add anything for me. Instead, it kind of put me off Sam and Lilith.
Have no interest in following up on the other books. Only giving this 3 stars because DB is adorable.
April 13, 2020
What is a woman going to do when her spouse wants a divorce, she is bitten by a hellhound and it seems that even that mother nature is against her, and to top it all off she now has to figure out the paranormal world. This was a great start to this series as we get to learn so much about Sam and how she became who she was. I can not wait to read more of this series.
April 15, 2020
Decent story. Minor grammatical errors, some incorrect words (subconscious where the author means self-conscious), and inconsistencies (one minute a sofa is no longer in protagonist's living room (ex took it when moving out) next paragraph she's lounging on said sofa) but less errors than the short story. With an editor this would have been 5 stars.
June 28, 2021
I had read a free short story The Case Of The Puppy Academy: A Samantha Rain Mysteries so that is why I jumped at the chance to read these books even though the short story was set after the first buy oh well I got hooked and the books are awesome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2020
Our heroine is having a rough day what with a looming divorce and getting bitten by a hell hound. It is bound to get better after that, right?
This is book one of the series, so the perfect place to start. There is a prequel, which is nice to read, but not required.
This is a paranormal mystery story with a slow burn FF romance in the making. The story is well written and easy to read. The setting is well developed, although as per usual I want to see more as there are questions everywhere. I really liked the characters and thought they really made the story. Overall, this was a fun and easy read and I definitely want to read more stories in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book one of the series, so the perfect place to start. There is a prequel, which is nice to read, but not required.
This is a paranormal mystery story with a slow burn FF romance in the making. The story is well written and easy to read. The setting is well developed, although as per usual I want to see more as there are questions everywhere. I really liked the characters and thought they really made the story. Overall, this was a fun and easy read and I definitely want to read more stories in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
July 1, 2020
This was so good. Sam is led into a paranormal world she never knew existed by a puppy. I loved Sam and Lilith, they’re snarky and have great banter. The mystery is intriguing and I’m looking forward to more.
November 25, 2024
Puppy love
What a great start to a series great believable characters and a strong story line so was I the only one shouting at the ex for taking everything out the house ? A well deserved 5 stars
What a great start to a series great believable characters and a strong story line so was I the only one shouting at the ex for taking everything out the house ? A well deserved 5 stars
September 24, 2020
Aww a puppy.
Great first installment of this series that has me wanting more. Keen to find out Shadows role.well narrated with voices for each character, includings the puppy.
Great first installment of this series that has me wanting more. Keen to find out Shadows role.well narrated with voices for each character, includings the puppy.
October 4, 2020
Awesome first book in a new series. I totally recommend
January 10, 2021
A fun start to a new urban fantasy / paranormal mystery series.
Half a star off each for two things. Firstly, it needed another review by the proofreader. Secondly, the puppy that kicked the whole thing off was conspicuously absent for most of the book (in an unrealistic way).
Half a star off each for two things. Firstly, it needed another review by the proofreader. Secondly, the puppy that kicked the whole thing off was conspicuously absent for most of the book (in an unrealistic way).
February 8, 2021
This was so much better than I expected.
September 13, 2021
Not quite sure how I feel about this one. Will have to read #2.
September 27, 2021
A bit rushed at the end. Really hoping that the author slows down and relates more to we the reader about the so-called mysteries!
May 22, 2024
DNF @ Page 44 (26%)
November 30, 2024
This is a captivating read for fans of lighthearted, adventurous, and mysterious urban fantasy mysteries with a slow-burning pace, who will be swept away by the enchanting world of Nocturnals and the blossoming saphic romance between Detective Samantha Rain and Lilith.
December 5, 2024
Interesting story
What's a detective to do after she is let go from her job? She meets a cute hellhound and her life changes forever.
What's a detective to do after she is let go from her job? She meets a cute hellhound and her life changes forever.
April 9, 2020
The Case Of The Night Mark by Arizona Tape is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that i have loved reading very much. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy,, mystery and paranormal romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews