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Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective #1
Dead Man's Detective
All ex-army witch Elisabeth Hicks wants for her twenty-fourth birthday is to keep the small-town gossips from staring at her artificial limbs. Instead, she's pushed into helping an army buddy on an illegal job for the scariest vampire in town. Her magic tells her the vampire is lying but it's too late to walk away. Things go sideways, and her first date in years ends when she finds her friend's dead body. The body disappears from the morgue, and a deadly, magical, necklace winds up in her lap all before she gets to her birthday cake. Now a sexy master vampire will kill her if she doesn't use magic to find the woman he loves, and the police refuse to investigate the murder. It's up to Elisabeth to protect her family, solve the mystery, and survive long enough to go on a second date.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2020
About the author
Rachel Graves
21 books175 followersRachel Graves writes mysteries that blend the supernatural with steamy, sexy scenes. Her work explores the many shades of gray found between the lines of right and wrong. Rachel's books focus on strong heroines who take charge of their own fate, their friends, and their families. Rachel is a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and uses research skills honed getting a graduate degree in psychology to seek out rare folklore and magical creatures. Her writing incorporates popular monsters like vampires and werewolves as well as diverse creatures like selkies and yuki onna. Rachel has lived in a cursed town, taken far too many ghost tours, and counts down to every Halloween starting in November. You can read short stories and learn more about her on her website: http://www.rachelgraves.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 1, 2021
Rachel Graves does a good job in delivering a solid storyline and very good characters. The characters are much more complex than they first appear and the reader and Elisabeth discover that as the book progresses. I really enjoyed the relationship between Elisabeth and Ted as it evolves and both of them make mistakes and have to learn how to deal with each other’s baggage because they have a lot of it, both being veterans of a nasty war. Elisabeth’s other relationships also evolve. It was hysterical to find out Elisabeth’s very proper mother knows how to handle guns and takes out the trash when appropriate. Elisabeth’s response is priceless.
Graves is also not afraid of taking on some issues that people usually gloss over. Ted does something that is disturbing (not a rape or anything to Elisabeth or the “good guys”). There are no details. Too often in books dangerous people don’t do anything bad, particularly when someone they care about is threatened. I don’t think that is realistic (yeah, yeah, realistic in an urban fantasy). Graves also shows the effects on the homefront of a military conflict. The people who stay at home hurt too. No, it usually isn’t as dramatic as what those who face in combat but that doesn’t mean that they don’t hurt too. And they aren’t suppose to mention it. Graves does.
However, the military experiences don’t dominate this story. Some of the characters are dealing with after effects of their experiences but they weren’t acting as if they were still in the military. Plus, the main storyline isn’t about the military but a missing “young” woman.
I recommend this book. Great characters and a good storyline.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Graves is also not afraid of taking on some issues that people usually gloss over. Ted does something that is disturbing (not a rape or anything to Elisabeth or the “good guys”). There are no details. Too often in books dangerous people don’t do anything bad, particularly when someone they care about is threatened. I don’t think that is realistic (yeah, yeah, realistic in an urban fantasy). Graves also shows the effects on the homefront of a military conflict. The people who stay at home hurt too. No, it usually isn’t as dramatic as what those who face in combat but that doesn’t mean that they don’t hurt too. And they aren’t suppose to mention it. Graves does.
However, the military experiences don’t dominate this story. Some of the characters are dealing with after effects of their experiences but they weren’t acting as if they were still in the military. Plus, the main storyline isn’t about the military but a missing “young” woman.
I recommend this book. Great characters and a good storyline.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2026
I really enjoyed the.family dynamics.at play.here.
Elizabeth is an army veteran, wounded.badly by a vampire.during the war she.now.has.artificial skin and.muscles.on one.of.her legs and.one.of.her.arms. She is.studying for.a.degree online and.takes.odd jobs.for.income, turning her hand to.whatever is.needed, so long as it's legal. Elizabeth is also a.spirit.witch.able.to.sense.peoples.emotions and memories. She can also see.the.dead.and.is.able.to.talk to.them. Her life changes dramatically when her old army friend.Douglas asks.for.her.help with a job.. Before she.can blink.shes.in a.mess.of.trouble all.to.do.with vampires,.a locket and.it's missing owner. All this and.she still lives with her.parents and eighteen year-old sister..................
Elizabeth is an army veteran, wounded.badly by a vampire.during the war she.now.has.artificial skin and.muscles.on one.of.her legs and.one.of.her.arms. She is.studying for.a.degree online and.takes.odd jobs.for.income, turning her hand to.whatever is.needed, so long as it's legal. Elizabeth is also a.spirit.witch.able.to.sense.peoples.emotions and memories. She can also see.the.dead.and.is.able.to.talk to.them. Her life changes dramatically when her old army friend.Douglas asks.for.her.help with a job.. Before she.can blink.shes.in a.mess.of.trouble all.to.do.with vampires,.a locket and.it's missing owner. All this and.she still lives with her.parents and eighteen year-old sister..................
January 8, 2021
Oddly familiar
Disclaimer – Whether the author changed the book description on Amazon after I purchased the book or I missed this – “Content Warning: This urban fantasy includes explicit romantic scenes between consenting adults, vampires, and witches. Sizzling sexual tension is resolved through detailed on page erotic descriptions. Intended for mature audiences. Do not purchase if you are offended by suggestive language, cuss words, or erotic writing.” If I would have seen that warning, I wouldn’t have picked up the book. This is not Urban Fantasy and should be listed as Paranormal Romance or Erotica. I’m going to assume that I missed the warning and didn’t deducted any stars from my ratings due to this.
The main character, Elizabeth Hicks, a wounded veteran who has returned home to civilian life in the small town she grew up in. After a friend of hers is gruesomely murder, she investigates his death and gets caught up in vampire politics.
For the early part of the book, I thought I was reading something by Melissa F. Olson as Elizabeth comes across as almost identical to the main character in Boundary Crossed. As the book continues it felt more like the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton. Anita in that series is a necromancer who can raised the dead. This is usually done to resolve disputes between family members over the deceased’s estate. In this book, Elizabeth is a Spirit Witch who can talk to dead people. The dead come to her to deal with unresolved family issues they left behind.
The Anita Blake theme continues when Jean-Laurent, the sexy French vampire appears in the book who seems like a dead ringer (excuse the pun) for Jean-Claude, the sexy French vampire in the Anita Blake series. The Anita Blake theme continues again when Ted/Edward appears as the main love interest in the story. Ted is the happy go lucky owner of the town’s spa, Edward is his darker persona of an ex-army intelligence officer whose job was torturing people for information. Oddly enough, Anita Blake has a Ted/Edward character as well. Ted is a happy go lucky Federal Marshall and Edward is his ruthless assassin alter ego.
The pacing and prose in the book were good. I also enjoyed the cast of supporting characters the author created as they were distinct and interesting. The addition of erotica to the story isn’t my thing so I won’t be continuing with this series due to that, but if someone is looking for something to tide them over until the next Anita Blake book is out, this will scratch that itch.
Disclaimer – Whether the author changed the book description on Amazon after I purchased the book or I missed this – “Content Warning: This urban fantasy includes explicit romantic scenes between consenting adults, vampires, and witches. Sizzling sexual tension is resolved through detailed on page erotic descriptions. Intended for mature audiences. Do not purchase if you are offended by suggestive language, cuss words, or erotic writing.” If I would have seen that warning, I wouldn’t have picked up the book. This is not Urban Fantasy and should be listed as Paranormal Romance or Erotica. I’m going to assume that I missed the warning and didn’t deducted any stars from my ratings due to this.
The main character, Elizabeth Hicks, a wounded veteran who has returned home to civilian life in the small town she grew up in. After a friend of hers is gruesomely murder, she investigates his death and gets caught up in vampire politics.
For the early part of the book, I thought I was reading something by Melissa F. Olson as Elizabeth comes across as almost identical to the main character in Boundary Crossed. As the book continues it felt more like the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton. Anita in that series is a necromancer who can raised the dead. This is usually done to resolve disputes between family members over the deceased’s estate. In this book, Elizabeth is a Spirit Witch who can talk to dead people. The dead come to her to deal with unresolved family issues they left behind.
The Anita Blake theme continues when Jean-Laurent, the sexy French vampire appears in the book who seems like a dead ringer (excuse the pun) for Jean-Claude, the sexy French vampire in the Anita Blake series. The Anita Blake theme continues again when Ted/Edward appears as the main love interest in the story. Ted is the happy go lucky owner of the town’s spa, Edward is his darker persona of an ex-army intelligence officer whose job was torturing people for information. Oddly enough, Anita Blake has a Ted/Edward character as well. Ted is a happy go lucky Federal Marshall and Edward is his ruthless assassin alter ego.
The pacing and prose in the book were good. I also enjoyed the cast of supporting characters the author created as they were distinct and interesting. The addition of erotica to the story isn’t my thing so I won’t be continuing with this series due to that, but if someone is looking for something to tide them over until the next Anita Blake book is out, this will scratch that itch.
December 27, 2020
Thank you #NetGalley and #Rachel Graves for letting to me read and review #DeadMansDetective.
Ex army officer Elizabeth Hicks, who is also a spirit witch, is trying to live a normal life after fighting in a war.
Elizabeth receives a call from a friend from her old unit while in the army. He is asking her help in choosing whether he should take a side job for money. She agrees to listen to the details. Once she knows the details, she suggests he walk away.
Soon, she is thrown in to a who-dun-it and meeting evil people in her community. She is learning about all sorts of secrets from those close to her, that changes her perspective on everyone around her.
If you enjoy reading Janet Evanovich or Laurell K. Hamilton, you should definitely give #Rachel Graves a try. You will not be disappointed.
Ex army officer Elizabeth Hicks, who is also a spirit witch, is trying to live a normal life after fighting in a war.
Elizabeth receives a call from a friend from her old unit while in the army. He is asking her help in choosing whether he should take a side job for money. She agrees to listen to the details. Once she knows the details, she suggests he walk away.
Soon, she is thrown in to a who-dun-it and meeting evil people in her community. She is learning about all sorts of secrets from those close to her, that changes her perspective on everyone around her.
If you enjoy reading Janet Evanovich or Laurell K. Hamilton, you should definitely give #Rachel Graves a try. You will not be disappointed.
Did Not Finish
February 8, 2024Dropped at 6%. Why do I keep buying these books? Good Lord. I need to research my urban fantasy buys better.
There is just too much going on in this book especially for the 6% mark. The main character is ex military, attacked by vampires, had limb loss/replacement with unclear technology, the whole thing with her sister's boss, plus she's a spirit witch who communicates with ghosts and "wakes up dead" whatever that means.
Too much, too chaotic and reading other reviews what sounds like too many sex scenes for me. Apparently one happens right after she finds her friend's dead body....gross. I really need to stop impulse buying on Kindle. It is a waste of money way more often than it is worth it.
There is just too much going on in this book especially for the 6% mark. The main character is ex military, attacked by vampires, had limb loss/replacement with unclear technology, the whole thing with her sister's boss, plus she's a spirit witch who communicates with ghosts and "wakes up dead" whatever that means.
Too much, too chaotic and reading other reviews what sounds like too many sex scenes for me. Apparently one happens right after she finds her friend's dead body....gross. I really need to stop impulse buying on Kindle. It is a waste of money way more often than it is worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2021
Dead Man's Detective (Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective #1) by Rachel Graves
Publisher: Author Rachel Graves
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Release Date: August 15, 2020
Dead Man's Detective is the first book in the new Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective series by Rachel Graves.
I don't even know where to start, this book was so good! I absolutely loved the main character, Elisabeth Hicks, an Army Veteran, witch, and overall bad@ss! We meet Elisabeth shortly after she returns home after being wounded (understatement of the year) by a vampire while in combat. She has moved back to her parents' house and is trying to find her way around civilian life with her injuries and returning to her family home and small town.
I really enjoyed the paranormal mystery. There was great intrigue surrounding a missing vampire. There were so many twists and turns that it make the book very exciting! I truly could not put this book down!
I thought that the author built an incredible storyline with depth and excitement. Her characters were truly special. The romance is hot and heavy (NSFW) and was so good! I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series!
I'm so grateful to Rachel Graves, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Author Rachel Graves
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Release Date: August 15, 2020
Dead Man's Detective is the first book in the new Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective series by Rachel Graves.
I don't even know where to start, this book was so good! I absolutely loved the main character, Elisabeth Hicks, an Army Veteran, witch, and overall bad@ss! We meet Elisabeth shortly after she returns home after being wounded (understatement of the year) by a vampire while in combat. She has moved back to her parents' house and is trying to find her way around civilian life with her injuries and returning to her family home and small town.
I really enjoyed the paranormal mystery. There was great intrigue surrounding a missing vampire. There were so many twists and turns that it make the book very exciting! I truly could not put this book down!
I thought that the author built an incredible storyline with depth and excitement. Her characters were truly special. The romance is hot and heavy (NSFW) and was so good! I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series!
I'm so grateful to Rachel Graves, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
December 5, 2020
I thought I had never read this author before, but I was intrigued by the blurb. TBH, I’m trying really hard not to start new authors as I have less time nowadays, but I can’t help myself. In this instance, I am both very glad and upset I did for the same reason: this was a great book and have another author to read! LOL! Once I started this book, I had a hard time putting it down as I was anxious to see how everything was going to end up. Not only is this an excellent urban fantasy thriller, but the book also has romance and some very hot scenes. Neither are a large part of the story, probably more like less than half. You can skip over those if they aren’t your thing and not miss anything important. However, I do think that the romance is another way to show how wounded the MC and her love interest are after their stint as this book is very complex in a way and not like a normal UF. The other side characters are great, too, and I am really looking forward to more. Oh, and Elisabeth reminded of Melissa F. Olson’s Boundary Crossed series’ main character Allison Lex Luther as both are veterans coming back with secrets and are both still very wounded. Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
February 10, 2021
Rachel Graves starts a fun PI tale set in an alternate America in which a war against things that enslave women. Ex-vet Elisabeth Hicks was wounded in that war and hides her artifical flesh. She discovered in the war that she was a spirit witch and could talk to the dead. On a first date with a masseuse who her family thinks is gay, she ends up discovering the dead body of a close friend. She hadn’t helped the dead recover a ring from a vampire. Then the vampire goes missing and her husband and mother are at odds at finding the missing because it leads to the missing vampire. Dead Man's Detective (ebook) is a fun mystery and a nice introduction to a fun world.
July 17, 2022
I have heard that veterans can have a hard time as civilians. This book speaks to this a little but it also has supernatural aspect to this book. I love the idea of supernatural and humans living together in a 'normal' society. Elizabeth Hicks is a witch and a veteran. This book is very different than what I have read before and I liked it. It was edgy and something unexpected in the best way. This book was steamy and I am not sure how much I like the sexier aspect of the book but overall it was an interesting book. *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review.*
July 28, 2021
Elizabeth Hicks comes back from war with an artificial leg and arm and is now a spirit witch. The dead talk to her and she just needs to touch you to know what you are feeling. One of the main vampires in town wants her to find another vampire. This leads to all sorts of trouble. Her mother is constantly trying to set her up with men and her sister is always mad at her.
The world building was really good in this. The sex scenes are hot but without being annoying. I am looking forward to the next book by this author.
The world building was really good in this. The sex scenes are hot but without being annoying. I am looking forward to the next book by this author.
January 13, 2026
Great paranormal adventure
The worldbuilding is fantastic, but the story is definitely dark. Ted has a terrible past and horrific memories. Elisabeth is dealing with PTSD and life after the Army. This alternate world has ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and witches, but it also had a Morality War and a military division that specialized in torture.
The worldbuilding is fantastic, but the story is definitely dark. Ted has a terrible past and horrific memories. Elisabeth is dealing with PTSD and life after the Army. This alternate world has ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and witches, but it also had a Morality War and a military division that specialized in torture.
December 8, 2021
Dead Man's Detective.
I enjoyed this book, you have a bit of everything.. Romance, mystery, paranormal,people dealing with troubled pasts.. And it all came together very well. Strong characters,good storyline, well written. I'd definitely recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book, you have a bit of everything.. Romance, mystery, paranormal,people dealing with troubled pasts.. And it all came together very well. Strong characters,good storyline, well written. I'd definitely recommend this book.
May 24, 2025
Powerful friends
Veteran with serious injuries and PTSD is a spirit witch and unofficial PI gets pulled into a job dealing with powerful people and their disputes. Hooking up with another vet with PTSD, her sister's boss. Relationships are developed and disputes sorta resolved.
Veteran with serious injuries and PTSD is a spirit witch and unofficial PI gets pulled into a job dealing with powerful people and their disputes. Hooking up with another vet with PTSD, her sister's boss. Relationships are developed and disputes sorta resolved.
Read
July 4, 2025This should have been interesting, in theory, but it just wasn’t. The story is boring and doesn’t really grab me, I can’t click with any of the characters and I really don’t want to know what comes next. I find excuses to stop after a few pages every single time and it’s just not for me.
March 9, 2021
Would be a 4 star but the numerous editing errors forced me to reread passages too many times. Still, I am going to read book 2.
December 4, 2020
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book.
Elisabeth Hicks is a 24 year old War Vet who's struggling to find her place as a civilian. Her world is one where the supernatural are threaded in with the rest of humanity. No hiding what you are from the "humans" because they wont understand ect. Just causally mentioning "oh, my relative is a werewolf". I love diving into a world where the supernatural are the norm, and what that does to society.
This story was so refreshing, nothing was 'typical'. You think you have a handle on the characters, and the mystery and then you realize that just like in real life, not everything is so cookie cutter. First impressions aren't always right. Its crazy how uncommon in writing that is. You all know what I'm talking about. Books with main characters that meet someone and just "have an bad feeling about them" even though outwardly they are doing nothing wrong. "but there's just that look in his eye" and then SUPRISE, it turns out he's the bad guy, and phew aren't we so glad our MC had that totally normal 2nd sense? I'm tired of authors spoon feeding information we shouldn't have without getting to know a character. Well, look no more. Graves does NOT do this.
Elisabeth is a person, she makes decisions based on the information she has, whether its right or wrong, and acts accordingly. She is human (well, she's a witch, but you know what I mean) she makes mistakes, judges/misjudges people, is insecure about her flaws. She just feels real to me. And not only does she feel real, but her relationship feels real. There's no insta love, or weird instant awareness of their body proximity. He's not the perfect guy, he doesn't always say the right thing or react to the MC in the right way. They both blunder at times and I LOVE IT. I love how messed up they both are respectively and I am so excited to see where it goes in further books.
The story is fun, and exciting, with twists and turns I didn't expect. I loved seeing the relationships between all the different characters and Elisabeth develop. I thought the dynamic between her and LaRue was really interesting and different than I've ever read before and I can't wait for the next installment!
Merged review:
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book.
Elisabeth Hicks is a 24 year old War Vet who's struggling to find her place as a civilian. Her world is one where the supernatural are threaded in with the rest of humanity. No hiding what you are from the "humans" because they wont understand ect. Just causally mentioning "oh, my relative is a werewolf". I love diving into a world where the supernatural are the norm, and what that does to society.
This story was so refreshing, nothing was 'typical'. You think you have a handle on the characters, and the mystery and then you realize that just like in real life, not everything is so cookie cutter. First impressions aren't always right. Its crazy how uncommon in writing that is. You all know what I'm talking about. Books with main characters that meet someone and just "have an bad feeling about them" even though outwardly they are doing nothing wrong. "but there's just that look in his eye" and then SUPRISE, it turns out he's the bad guy, and phew aren't we so glad our MC had that totally normal 2nd sense? I'm tired of authors spoon feeding information we shouldn't have without getting to know a character. Well, look no more. Graves does NOT do this.
Elisabeth is a person, she makes decisions based on the information she has, whether its right or wrong, and acts accordingly. She is human (well, she's a witch, but you know what I mean) she makes mistakes, judges/misjudges people, is insecure about her flaws. She just feels real to me. And not only does she feel real, but her relationship feels real. There's no insta love, or weird instant awareness of their body proximity. He's not the perfect guy, he doesn't always say the right thing or react to the MC in the right way. They both blunder at times and I LOVE IT. I love how messed up they both are respectively and I am so excited to see where it goes in further books.
The story is fun, and exciting, with twists and turns I didn't expect. I loved seeing the relationships between all the different characters and Elisabeth develop. I thought the dynamic between her and LaRue was really interesting and different than I've ever read before and I can't wait for the next installment!
Elisabeth Hicks is a 24 year old War Vet who's struggling to find her place as a civilian. Her world is one where the supernatural are threaded in with the rest of humanity. No hiding what you are from the "humans" because they wont understand ect. Just causally mentioning "oh, my relative is a werewolf". I love diving into a world where the supernatural are the norm, and what that does to society.
This story was so refreshing, nothing was 'typical'. You think you have a handle on the characters, and the mystery and then you realize that just like in real life, not everything is so cookie cutter. First impressions aren't always right. Its crazy how uncommon in writing that is. You all know what I'm talking about. Books with main characters that meet someone and just "have an bad feeling about them" even though outwardly they are doing nothing wrong. "but there's just that look in his eye" and then SUPRISE, it turns out he's the bad guy, and phew aren't we so glad our MC had that totally normal 2nd sense? I'm tired of authors spoon feeding information we shouldn't have without getting to know a character. Well, look no more. Graves does NOT do this.
Elisabeth is a person, she makes decisions based on the information she has, whether its right or wrong, and acts accordingly. She is human (well, she's a witch, but you know what I mean) she makes mistakes, judges/misjudges people, is insecure about her flaws. She just feels real to me. And not only does she feel real, but her relationship feels real. There's no insta love, or weird instant awareness of their body proximity. He's not the perfect guy, he doesn't always say the right thing or react to the MC in the right way. They both blunder at times and I LOVE IT. I love how messed up they both are respectively and I am so excited to see where it goes in further books.
The story is fun, and exciting, with twists and turns I didn't expect. I loved seeing the relationships between all the different characters and Elisabeth develop. I thought the dynamic between her and LaRue was really interesting and different than I've ever read before and I can't wait for the next installment!
Merged review:
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book.
Elisabeth Hicks is a 24 year old War Vet who's struggling to find her place as a civilian. Her world is one where the supernatural are threaded in with the rest of humanity. No hiding what you are from the "humans" because they wont understand ect. Just causally mentioning "oh, my relative is a werewolf". I love diving into a world where the supernatural are the norm, and what that does to society.
This story was so refreshing, nothing was 'typical'. You think you have a handle on the characters, and the mystery and then you realize that just like in real life, not everything is so cookie cutter. First impressions aren't always right. Its crazy how uncommon in writing that is. You all know what I'm talking about. Books with main characters that meet someone and just "have an bad feeling about them" even though outwardly they are doing nothing wrong. "but there's just that look in his eye" and then SUPRISE, it turns out he's the bad guy, and phew aren't we so glad our MC had that totally normal 2nd sense? I'm tired of authors spoon feeding information we shouldn't have without getting to know a character. Well, look no more. Graves does NOT do this.
Elisabeth is a person, she makes decisions based on the information she has, whether its right or wrong, and acts accordingly. She is human (well, she's a witch, but you know what I mean) she makes mistakes, judges/misjudges people, is insecure about her flaws. She just feels real to me. And not only does she feel real, but her relationship feels real. There's no insta love, or weird instant awareness of their body proximity. He's not the perfect guy, he doesn't always say the right thing or react to the MC in the right way. They both blunder at times and I LOVE IT. I love how messed up they both are respectively and I am so excited to see where it goes in further books.
The story is fun, and exciting, with twists and turns I didn't expect. I loved seeing the relationships between all the different characters and Elisabeth develop. I thought the dynamic between her and LaRue was really interesting and different than I've ever read before and I can't wait for the next installment!
January 26, 2021
Dead Man's Detective (Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective) by Rachel Graves is an urban fantasy with a dash of romance. All ex-army witch Elisabeth Hicks wants for her twenty-fourth birthday is to keep the small-town gossips from staring at her artificial limbs. Instead, she's pushed into helping an army buddy on an illegal job for the scariest vampire in town. Her magic tells her the vampire is lying but it's too late to walk away. Things go sideways, and her first date in years ends when she finds her friend's dead body. The body disappears from the morgue, and a deadly, magical, necklace winds up in her lap all before she gets to her birthday cake. Now a sexy master vampire will kill her if she doesn't use magic to find the woman he loves, and the police refuse to investigate the murder. It's up to Elisabeth to protect her family, solve the mystery, and survive long enough to go on a second date.
Dead Man's Detective is a book that start of rough for me- only because I was trying to figure out what series it reminded me of, at least on the surface. (It was Melissa Olson's Boundary Magic series for those that are curious.) But when the story started rolling I was lost to the story and enjoyed it. I liked the characters and world building, although it took me a bit to figure out all the dynamics of the supernatural and humans in this world. I liked the juxtaposition of small town and wide variety of paranormal people, and that the complexities of the prejudice and wariness of 'different' is explored in an intelligent way. I liked the honest way the trials of returning to the civilian world after war is handled, and that the hardships of those left behind is considered. I thought Ted's character was very interesting, and that it added depth to some of those hard discussions and realizations. The family and friendship dynamics rang true, despite the otherworldly nature of he creatures pulling the strings. I think the author and I have read many of the same books in the past, because I saw shades of not only Melissa Olson's style, but some reminders of early Laurell K Hamilton's writing. I think this is an unconscious leaning or tribute to some great writers in the genre rather than anything else.
Dead Man's Detective is a solid series starter that has a good blend of action, romance, and world building.
Dead Man's Detective is a book that start of rough for me- only because I was trying to figure out what series it reminded me of, at least on the surface. (It was Melissa Olson's Boundary Magic series for those that are curious.) But when the story started rolling I was lost to the story and enjoyed it. I liked the characters and world building, although it took me a bit to figure out all the dynamics of the supernatural and humans in this world. I liked the juxtaposition of small town and wide variety of paranormal people, and that the complexities of the prejudice and wariness of 'different' is explored in an intelligent way. I liked the honest way the trials of returning to the civilian world after war is handled, and that the hardships of those left behind is considered. I thought Ted's character was very interesting, and that it added depth to some of those hard discussions and realizations. The family and friendship dynamics rang true, despite the otherworldly nature of he creatures pulling the strings. I think the author and I have read many of the same books in the past, because I saw shades of not only Melissa Olson's style, but some reminders of early Laurell K Hamilton's writing. I think this is an unconscious leaning or tribute to some great writers in the genre rather than anything else.
Dead Man's Detective is a solid series starter that has a good blend of action, romance, and world building.
December 4, 2020
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of DEAD MAN’S DETECTIVE (Book 1 of Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective) by Rachel Graves in exchange for an honest review. I was excited to get a chance to read this book because I thought the concept was interesting. Elisabeth Hicks has a medical discharge from the Army. During the war, she was attacked by a vampire and ended up being a multiple amputee. Magical augmentation allowed the replacement of the limbs, but she still suffers phantom pain. Her psychological counseling during her recovery revealed that Elisabeth is a spirit witch. Upon her release from the Army, Elisabeth returned home, moved into her parents’ house, and began to use her GI bill to pursue an education that holds no interest for her. Elisabeth makes some money on the side by assisting her fellow veterans in their investigations and borderline legal activities. When her army buddy takes a case against her advice and ends up dead, Elisabeth ends up embroiled with and working for his clients. Elisabeth, who still has PTSD flashbacks from her vampire attack, now has to spend a significant amount of time with them. I enjoyed the mystery and investigation portion.
I was not thrilled to discover that a large portion of this book was devoted to erotica. There were lustful thoughts, erotic fantasies, erotic shared memories, near sex with strangers, and detailed sexual encounters pervasive through the entire book. I don’t like erotic content. I find writers tend to use it as filler to lengthen the story. A romantic storyline in urban fantasy is expected, but erotic everything is just gross. I would classify this book as erotic paranormal romance. Any mystery, thriller, or urban fantasy aspect was incidental to the erotic content. I recommend this book to fans of erotic romance featuring the supernatural and a peripheral mystery. Though the writing and the mystery portions were good, I’m giving it three stars because I felt like advertising this book as a mystery, thriller, and urban fantasy was a bait & switch tactic.
#DeadMansDetective #NetGalley
I was not thrilled to discover that a large portion of this book was devoted to erotica. There were lustful thoughts, erotic fantasies, erotic shared memories, near sex with strangers, and detailed sexual encounters pervasive through the entire book. I don’t like erotic content. I find writers tend to use it as filler to lengthen the story. A romantic storyline in urban fantasy is expected, but erotic everything is just gross. I would classify this book as erotic paranormal romance. Any mystery, thriller, or urban fantasy aspect was incidental to the erotic content. I recommend this book to fans of erotic romance featuring the supernatural and a peripheral mystery. Though the writing and the mystery portions were good, I’m giving it three stars because I felt like advertising this book as a mystery, thriller, and urban fantasy was a bait & switch tactic.
#DeadMansDetective #NetGalley
December 16, 2020
Elisabeth is a young woman who served in the army and is trying to adjust to 'normal life' after 4 years, with artificial limbs after a vampire attack. She is a spirit witch and can feel other's emotions and memories by touching them. Next to that, she can speak to the dead and they sometimes ask her to relay messages.
When an army buddy - who asked her to help him with a dodgy case he took regarding a locket - is killed, she is dismayed to find the police classify his death a suicide. So, she decides to investigate.
I must admit I got no further than 25% in the story and skimmed after that. The writing, the whole atmosphere of the story, I never got into it. I felt detached from Elisabeth as a character. She finds a friend horribly murdered but simply goes on with her plans to have sex with her sister's boss. I cannot explain but it felt off to me.
Furthermore, I had not expected the erotic scenes in this urban fantasy.
I normally would not rate a book I DNF, but as I received this book as an ARC via Netgalley I give it 2 stars (just OK). It might just not be my cup of tea.
When an army buddy - who asked her to help him with a dodgy case he took regarding a locket - is killed, she is dismayed to find the police classify his death a suicide. So, she decides to investigate.
I must admit I got no further than 25% in the story and skimmed after that. The writing, the whole atmosphere of the story, I never got into it. I felt detached from Elisabeth as a character. She finds a friend horribly murdered but simply goes on with her plans to have sex with her sister's boss. I cannot explain but it felt off to me.
Furthermore, I had not expected the erotic scenes in this urban fantasy.
I normally would not rate a book I DNF, but as I received this book as an ARC via Netgalley I give it 2 stars (just OK). It might just not be my cup of tea.
April 27, 2021
This is the 1st book in the new Elizabeth Hicks , Witch Detective series by the Author
Elizabeth has returned home after being injured!!! in combat ............. she is trying to settle back into life as a civilian and living back with her parents .
But life in her small town is not as quiet as it seems - pushed into helping an old Army friend to carry out an illegal job by the Scary Vampire's lies she soon finds things going sideways ............. especially after she discovers her friend's dead body .
Matters go from bad to worse when the body disappears from the Morgue and a magical necklace lands in her lap - her birthday could not get any "better" .
With the Police refusing to investigate and the Vampire pressurising her to find his lost love she will need all her wits about her to solve the mysteries ....... can she protect her family , can she protect herself ???
This is a paranormal murder mystery with touches of "the Anita Blake" books but enjoyable non the less .
I look forward to reading the next book in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Elizabeth has returned home after being injured!!! in combat ............. she is trying to settle back into life as a civilian and living back with her parents .
But life in her small town is not as quiet as it seems - pushed into helping an old Army friend to carry out an illegal job by the Scary Vampire's lies she soon finds things going sideways ............. especially after she discovers her friend's dead body .
Matters go from bad to worse when the body disappears from the Morgue and a magical necklace lands in her lap - her birthday could not get any "better" .
With the Police refusing to investigate and the Vampire pressurising her to find his lost love she will need all her wits about her to solve the mysteries ....... can she protect her family , can she protect herself ???
This is a paranormal murder mystery with touches of "the Anita Blake" books but enjoyable non the less .
I look forward to reading the next book in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
December 29, 2020
This is my first book of the author and I really liked it. There are some minor inconsistencies but neglectable for now.
The MC is a 24 year old war veterans which got wounded in the war by a vampire who damaged her arm and leg. That leaves her with a great fear of vampires. In the war she discovers that she is a spirit witch. Beside seeing the death she can see/feel anything about a person by touch. She isn't trained much which leads to a near desaster when visiting a club. But her skill helps her uncover when she starts investigating.... (Can't tell more, would be spoiling). Already in the beginning she meets a guy, damaged like her who is a great fit.
The world- building is good, the characters far from perfect, the story telling fluent, and you find humor in the story. The sex scenes are ok. For my taste a bit to much but they fit into the story.
Overall a good start of a series. Hope the author keeps up or even improves the quality. Looking forward to the next book.
The MC is a 24 year old war veterans which got wounded in the war by a vampire who damaged her arm and leg. That leaves her with a great fear of vampires. In the war she discovers that she is a spirit witch. Beside seeing the death she can see/feel anything about a person by touch. She isn't trained much which leads to a near desaster when visiting a club. But her skill helps her uncover when she starts investigating.... (Can't tell more, would be spoiling). Already in the beginning she meets a guy, damaged like her who is a great fit.
The world- building is good, the characters far from perfect, the story telling fluent, and you find humor in the story. The sex scenes are ok. For my taste a bit to much but they fit into the story.
Overall a good start of a series. Hope the author keeps up or even improves the quality. Looking forward to the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2020
Elizabeth is trying to figure out her life. She is still recovering from an injury while serving, a life altering injury while also coming to grips with being a witch. While trying to help out an old army buddy she comes into contact with vampires and gets sucked into working for LaRue. Trying to navigate her families affections and pitfalls she meets Edward and maybe if she tries this new normal she also end up with a very interesting boyfriend.
I have never read a book by Rachel Graves but I'm so thrilled that I asked for this free ARC from NetGalley for my honest review. This book was so enjoyable, it had humor and excitement and so many interesting characters. The entire story was very good and I hope to see more in the future that I can purchase.
I have never read a book by Rachel Graves but I'm so thrilled that I asked for this free ARC from NetGalley for my honest review. This book was so enjoyable, it had humor and excitement and so many interesting characters. The entire story was very good and I hope to see more in the future that I can purchase.
December 5, 2020
I really liked the world building in this book. The premise of someone being the ‘spokesperson’ of the dead is neat and has been explored in other works, but this one was refreshing with the context involved. The MC is kick ass with a good dose of real world problems, and the storyline felt pretty relevant to today’s world (apart from the ghosts and vampires and werewolves!).
I also really liked the fact that the author decided to be LGBTQ inclusive, addressing a character’s identity as a given, not something that needs to be hidden away from the world but out there in the open, and understood. Looking forward to future installments in this series!
I also really liked the fact that the author decided to be LGBTQ inclusive, addressing a character’s identity as a given, not something that needs to be hidden away from the world but out there in the open, and understood. Looking forward to future installments in this series!
February 6, 2022
Elisabeth Hicks did her time in the Army and is now trying to heal from her injuries, deal with the fact that she’s a spirit witch and adjust to civilian life. She has been working with an Army buddy doing odd jobs. One that has gotten her buddy killed (sort of). This story takes us on a fast paced journey filled with magic, vampires, love, lust and self discovery. I really enjoyed and am looking forward to the next installment.
December 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters especially the main character Elizabeth, she's kick ass. It's a unique story and I was engrossed through out. I'd like to read more #DeadMansDetective #NetGalley
December 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this urban fantasy. The main character was complex, tough and likeable. The plot was engrossing. It is a great start to a series.
I was given a free copy by Netgalley. I am leaving my honest review.
I was given a free copy by Netgalley. I am leaving my honest review.
December 23, 2020
I quite liked this new urban fantasy. Great world building and a likable, badass heroine. Lots of fairly explicit sex, but it didn’t disrupt the plot TOO badly. I’ll be reading more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.
August 28, 2020
Lots of fun! As usual, be prepared for the juice sex scenes! I love the main character's sis and mom.
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