Countdown to Murder

A Paranormal Halloween #3

by Candace Blevins

Mira was raised to be an assassin, brought up without emotion or empathy. Her martial arts training began when most kids are in preschool. She’s adept with firearms, knives, and her bare hands. She’s twenty-seven years old and can’t tell you how many people she’s been sent to kill. As far as she knows, no one kept count. Including her.

Panda is a lion shifter, and while he doesn’t consider himself an assassin, he’s the man Drake Security sends in when someone will probably end up dead. Panda is sanctioned and paid by the Concilio to kill supernaturals who are in danger of leaking the secret to humans, but the choice of whether to kill or apprehend is always his. No one pays him in advance to kill.

Panda works alone, but the Amakhosi has decreed he’s going to partner with this adorable little snake shifter. She’s competent, completely logical and pragmatic, and not prone to emotion, but the latter bit is the problem. He wants to make her scream with bliss, but she’s his partner and he has to be professional. Add to that the fact he doesn’t do virgins, and now the Concilio is threatening to kill him if he alters her status.

It’s never a good idea to give a cat an ultimatum.

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Vampires, Romance, Suspense

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2020

About the author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Candace Blevins writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, epic fantasy contemporary BDSM romance, and two kick-ass motorcycle club series. She’s published more than fifty books. Candace lives with her husband of twenty-four years and their two teenaged daughters. The family’s beloved, goofy, retired racing greyhounds are usually at her side as she writes, quietly keeping her company. Or sometimes not so quietly.

Her urban fantasy series, Only Human, gives us a world where weredragons, werewolves, werelions, three different species of vampires, and a variety of other mythological beings exist.

Candace's various paranormal romance series are all sister series to the Only Human series, and give some secondary characters their happily ever after.

Her Dark(ish) Faerie Tale series gives us a close-up and personal look at Queen Mab, and her Dark Underbelly series is, as you’d expect, dark and (if you’re a little twisted) oh-so-yummy.

Her contemporary Safeword series gives us characters who happen to have some extreme kinks. Relationships can be difficult enough without throwing power exchange into the mix, and her books show characters who care enough about each other to fight to make the relationship work. Each couple in the Safeword series gives the reader a different take on the lifestyle.

You can visit Candace on the web at candaceblevins.com. Feel free to friend her on Facebook at facebook.com/candacesblevins and Goodreads at goodreads.com/CandaceBlevins. You can also join facebook.com/groups/CandacesKinksters to get sneak peeks into what she's writing now, images that inspire her, and the occasional juicy teaser.

Stay up to date on Candace’s newest releases, and get exclusive excerpts by joining her mailing list at http://bit.ly/cb-new-release.

Only Human series, urban fantasy
• Only Human
• An Unhuman Journey
• Of Humans and Monsters
• Defining Human
• Edge of Humanity
• Infinitely Human
• Unhuman Acts

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club
• Duke
• Brain
• Bash Volume I
• Bash Volume II
• Bash Volume III
• Horse
• Gonzo
• Nix
• Ghost
• Bud
• Razor
• Bubbles
• McGyver

The Birmingham RTMC
• Bobcat
• Dementor
• Frost
• Squatch

Cat out of Hell, series, paranormal romance:
• Cat out of Hell Volume I
• Cat out of Hell Volume II
• Cat out of Hell Volume III

The Dark Underbelly of The Chattanooga Supernaturals
• Pride (A short story featuring The Lion King)
• Indentured Freedom: Owned by the Vampire
• Leashed
• An Elegant Weapon

A Dark(ish) Faerie Tale
• Slave
• Lady
• Consort
• Queen

A Paranormal Halloween, paranormal romance
• Hallowed Destiny – Forged by Darkness
• Unhallowed Murder
• Countdown to Murder
• Unholy Murder

Pleasure Times Four Christmas series, ménage/RH paranormal romance
• Unexpected Gifts
• The Gift
• Present Tense
• Imperfect Gifts

Chattanooga Supernaturals series, paranormal romance:
• The Dragon King
• Riding the Storm
• Acceptable Risk
• Careful What You Ask For
• Uncaged
• Cocky Queen

The Safeword series, intense BDSM contemporary romance
• Safeword Rainbow
• Safeword: Davenport
• Safewords: Davenport and Chiffon
• Safeword: Quinacridone
• Safeword: Matte
• Safeword: Matte – In Training
• No Safeword: Matte – The Honeymoon
• No Safeword: Matte – Happily Ever After
• Safeword: Arabesque
• Safeword: Mayday (TBA)

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace Blevins has given us a Halloween treat! Lion shifter Panda is zen and kicked back unless you need to die then not so much. King cobra shifter Mira may have a higher body count then Panda but he doesn’t care he just knows she moves him like no other woman has. Watching them work together and watching Mira grow was a total delight.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy getting lost in the world that Candace Blevins weaves for us and this time was no different.

I have been charmed by the king cobra and lion shifters! Both Mira and Panda grabbed me from the start and never let go, seriously I devoured this book in one day and was bummed when it ended.

You can read my full review here: https://bit.ly/NBReviewCtM




**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Jeanny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Halloween story. I’m calling it a Halloween story bc it took place during & around Halloween. Also the 🐍 thing is freaky AF. 😂

4.5 stars

[Leslie OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, when I got the ARC for this book, I loaded it to my Kindle. Just to make sure it would open properly. Really. And it landed on the prologue. So I thought I’d read it. Next thing I know, I’m one-third of the way through the story and have to force myself to stop reading and step away. If you’re a reader of Candace Blevins’ books, then you understand what I’m describing. If this is your first, then be prepared to get sucked in to some damn good storytelling.

If you were to ask me what I like most about Ms. Blevins’ books, I’d tell you it’s the relationship part. Whether there’s gods, demigods, demons, vampires, shifters, slayers, or humans; first there’s the relationship, which usually resembles most any relationship where communication is key, the chemistry is electric (okay, maybe that doesn’t happen in real life), and the problems are real (even when it involves saving the world). Then she adds in the paranormal aspects, which raises the storytelling and entertainment value that much higher. Throw in a great plotline. And, I definitely shouldn’t leave out the sex—whether straight up vanilla and down and dirty kinky, you know it’s going to be good. And just when you think she couldn’t add anything more, it’s a holiday-themed story for Halloween.

So, there you have it. The makings for great storytelling. Every. Single. Time.

But since this review is specifically about Countdown to Murder, here are my likes: Mira is a great character grappling with what it means to be “human” in a world where she’s only ever meant to be a weapon. Watching her sexuality come forward was great, but I also REALLY LIKED her weapon side. And then there’s Panda. The kind of guy you only ever want to be on his good side. The two seemed to mesh so well together, I couldn’t get enough. And of course, since these are all part of the Kirsten O’Shea universe, readers get to mingle with other well-known characters, which is always good for me. There are so many other things in the story that I’d love to share, but those would be spoilers and I’m avoiding those. Suffice to say, if you’re looking for a great PNR that will leave you yearning for more, then start here. And then, check out Ms. Blevins’ website for the book order and start at the beginning. Or in the middle. But start somewhere.

[Titania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Panda isn't used to working with a partner. Mira isn't used to working with a partner. But that is all about to change as Mira starts her new job with Drake Security. Can Panda see past Mira's defenses? Can Mira accept the new changes that come with being around Panda?
Countdown to Murder is the latest story penned by Candace Blevins and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mira is a trained assassin and while Ms. Blevins does not go into detail about that training she gives us enough to know it is brutal. But Mira has a second chance to learn something besides her training. Can she accept the chance she is given? I love seeing Mira blossom. She doesn't quite know what to expect as she works closely with Panda but she knows this is her shot. Now if she could get a grasp on these pesky new feelings.
Panda isn't quite sure how to read Mira but he can read his body perfectly fine. The feelings he is beginning to have are unexpected and not quite wanted. Can he accept and be the man Mira needs? I couldn't wait to find out in this well written story by Candace Blevins.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, we got two mystery’s in this book, and both were great to be along for the unravelling. But the stars of the book are Panda and Mira. These two have an instant connection, even from their unorthodox first meeting. Straightforward and not at all schooled in being subtle, Mira brings out honesty in Panda, as they work their way through the mystery’s and their growing attraction. This Hallowe’en story even has our main characters dressing up to hand out treats, in true shifter manner. Lots of story and unveiling, a few familiar favourites, and it had me glued to the pages as the next thing, and the next things, and the next thing, was revealed to bring us to the climax, with Panda and Mira together and in love!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who better than Candace Blevins, whose books are filled books with Olympic gods, vampires, demons, shapeshifters and other assorted creatures, to write a Halloween mystery/suspense novel? She has elevated paranormal romance to an art form and aren't we lucky for that? This time out she created a new group of supernaturals who add another level in the hierarchy in the supernatural world.

Panda and Mira are both loners and lethal weapons. One tiny, fierce and can probably kill in 60 different ways. The other large, equally deadly but with a laid back vibe. She's led a sheltered, focused existence but with Panda she starts experiencing emotions and feelings very foreign to her. He always thought he wasn't built for relationships but this diminutive woman knocks him for a loop. He and his lion want her with every fiber of their being.

[Evita · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you start reading a Candace Blevins story, you immediately get immersed into such vivid details. The story flows so well that before you know you it, you’ve spent a few hours totally engrossed in the story she just created.

Panda and Mira are partnered up to protect an actress, as they get to know and learn about each other, many twists and turns abound as the story progresses.

I love that Panda, being an alpha, can see Mira for the person/shifter she is and let’s her take lead as they work together. A lion shift and a king cobra snake shifter, who would have thought, but Candace does an amazing job in weaving a story that not only has your attention from the first page, but the suspense had me biting my nails. I love that it took place around Halloween, as that is one of my favorite holidays.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Sharon Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I didn't know and love this writer's work, I probably would not have read it based on the first few pages. Yes, I'm a bit of a delicate flower, and it hit some triggers. But because I KNOW Candace's storytelling, I skipped about three pages from the beginning, and then was perfectly happy with the rest of the book. My biggest whine...it ended and I wanted more. Great written visualization throughout with a fun Halloween tie-in.
Loved the Shifter characters...Panda the Lion (IKR? But it is explained), and Mira the King Cobra. Loved googling both on the internet as I read. An intriguing storyline with a creative twist and I was quite impressed with the amount of detail given about their job skills!
If you like erotic Shifter stories...then this one is a YES from me!!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love comes in all shapes and sizes … and all kinds of combinations! Who’d have thought a lion and King Cobra shifter would be such a spectacular match? Candace Blevins, that’s who! Once again Candace crafts a story that is intricately woven and pulls you into the Supernatural world in Chattanooga. Candace is a go-to writer for me and Panda and Mira’s story captured my heart from the beginning! The tug and pull between them and the evolution of their relationship through multiple obstacles kept me reading into the night. This is a must read! =]

[Sherry Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading this book.
The story was very well written and sucked me in from page one.
Panda and Mira work for Drake Security.
Mira is a snake shape shifter and Panda is a lion.
They are tasked with a mission together.
There is a lot of sexual tension between them.
You will have to read the book to find out what happens.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book from an
advanced reader copy.

[Gab · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lion and a cobra come into a diner...
When you read a sentence like this, you know you're in Candace Blevins supernatural world.
You'll expect vampires and slayers, shifters and gods, Nathan and Aaron, and you'll get all of that. Plus the tale of unimaginably in-depth training to produce living weapons. When one of those "weapons", against all odds, develops a decidedly "human" side, she gets help in the form of a partner that would be able to handle her should she backslide into her old self.
What you also get, is a hotly simmering story that reaches a boiling point with revelations that will spin your mind and make you hope for an outcome that will satisfy your sensibilities.
Knowing Ms Blevins, I'm fairly certain you'll get your wish and much more!

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candace Blevins has spun her magic and given us another wonderfully entertaining book filled with well written, engaging characters and a story that will keep you reading because you want to see where this unexpected relationship goes.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Cheri Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. Mrs. Blevins's stories always captivate my imagination. So I set aside a day to just sit back and just lose myself in this book which is exactly what happened. I was completely enthralled with this story. This is a great story and I highly recommend it!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world that Candace Blevins has created is detailed and, just when we think we know most things, full of surprising little details.

The two characters in this book are not ones that I remember meeting in any other book so I had no preconceived ideas about them. Mira and Panda were both interesting in an intellectual way for me until I was about 1/4 of the way through and then I became invested.

Mira has some characteristics that I associate with women with high-functioning autism and others that I associate with neglect as a child. I don't know if those were inspirations for the author but it did help me figure out why Mira had some reactions and actions in her dealings with other characters.

Panda was someone I understood more and I was rooting for him to succeed in his efforts.

The two of them together didn't seem to work, on the surface, but they did. Watching the two of them progress from strangers to each other and fall in love was engrossing. By the time the story ended, I was hoping we'd see them in the future in another book as main side characters!

I do think this is a fine stand alone book but it definitely is better having read the other series first.

[Pat Orendorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the beginning I was intriguided by the premise of seeing what happens when two loners are forced to work together. And then the inventiveness that they must find to carry out the mission.
This story called to me in many ways. The main one being the challenges of duty versus feelings. Another one is watching Panda who is usually the "in charge guy" when he realizes that Mira is the better one to handle circumstances in a part of this assignment, he doesn't let his ego get in the way of accepting she has better experience than he does.
Then there are the supposedly good guys not acting like they should and yet they believed what they were doing was the good for all. Panda wanted to beat them in a heated response to their heartlessness and I wanted to help him.
Once again Ms. Blevins has taken two very independent characters and shared with us a slice of their lives. And it included romance the very best thing in my opinion.
Like so many times before I had to immediately read it a second time and I enjoyed it even more catching some of the tiny bits that added to the story that I missed the first time.
I believe you will enjoy it as much as I did. I highly recommend it.

[Jaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very unlikely couple star in this latest foray into the supernatural, and the fact that they "live" in this particular world that just keeps on giving, is a bonus. I think I used words like "my new favourites" in the last book, so I have to say that these two are my new favourites - for now. One has to leave room in their reader-heat for, well, more.

I love a good, believable dark-horse story and when two such long-shots come together in a really interesting setting-slash-circumstance, and you can actually "see" what you're reading, its about as perfect as a read can get.

A Drake-associated suspense kicks off the story and its so easy to get into the situation at hand while learning all about Mira and Panda as they discover things they never knew about themselves. The suspense and the politics are engrossing and when some interesting character foibles or, conversely, strengths reveal themselves in old favourites, it adds some dimension to this chronicle and to the world overall. The tale finishes on a much more personal level, though is no less captivating in its own right.

Just superb.

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace makes you fall in love with shifters all over again. *smiles* the animals she brings alive I'd never think of as a shifter possibility.

Emotionless... what makes an assassin the top of their game? to be able to do what they do without batting an eye. Now turn that around and relearn the things that were tortured out of you, the very things that set you aside from being a 'monster'.

The Concilio yeah nothing redeeming about them I personally think, *smirks a lot* but damn that sexy vampire is all about keeping what he feels is his. I was more surprised by the way Aaron acted at first than Nathan. I get it but was still thinking it would have been like Nathan.

Secrets and NDA seems a big thing. Enters the big bad Zen Lion, not really forthcoming but then no one else really is either.

Is Fate working its little monkey wrench in things for this Halloween story? You're going to have to read it and find out. A Fab story a job well done Mrs. Blevins. enjoy

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite must read. I adored this book and read it several times already. I did receive it as an arc and ended up buying a copy. To see my full review, click on the image below.

[FreyaJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slitherin'

If you like snakes or speak Parsel Tongue then this book is for you. This is my favorite book in the mega series. Mira is the perfectly trained warrior. My favorite scene is her short and sweet workhouse in the Vermont home. I was amazed and envious of her core and upper body strength. Thank you for making this my best read ever. I hope to hear more about their work as a team. Please buy this 5 book set. It is amazing.

[Tawnya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am trying to figure out why I liked this book so much….I think it is because so many of the people in Candace’s world are coming together. The sex wan’t over the top on this one, which is fine. Must say I do miss it a little but it wouldn’t have fit in this story line at all.

I just really liked Mira and Panda’s characters. Insta love at its best.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trick or treat? Countdown to Murder is definitely a treat! I loved it! A suspenseful tale that is classic Candace Blevins and will suck you in and won’t let go. I couldn’t put it down. I read it all in one sitting as I was captivated from the start. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

[laura redwine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halloween mystery yumminess

I’m in love with Panda and Mira -Panda because who doesn’t love a lion shifter named Panda? And Mira because she is one bad @ss who deserves love and happiness more than anyone!

[Lori Cantalupo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a definite must read. Panda and Mira are an amazing couple and their story had me hooked right from the beginning.

[Tee Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all of Ms.Blevins books she gives us another great one. Panda is in charge of making sure Mira is ready for a world of not being an assassin. Panda is attracted to her from the get go. He just isn't the type to get involved not sure why he is drawn to her. Bur she was always to do was what she was told. Do the job don't get involved. Such a great read.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I think I say that about every book this author writes. Mira is such a contradiction. She has been trained not to show any emotions, but her first meeting with Panda makes her feel something. She just doesn't know what that something is yet. Panda is interested in Mira, but not until they aren't working together. I love how detailed these books are. The description of how Mira was trained was shocking even for this author.

The author takes the time to write the whole story, not finish it quickly because of an arbitrary word count. The book is so engrossing, I couldn't put it down! I think you'll really enjoy this book.