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Crawford Investigations #3.8
Shadow Fox
I’ve been saved from imminent death not once, but twice.
And I’m sick of it.
My name is Juniper Crawford, a fox-shifting, private investigator whose special skill is survival. That’s right, after an abduction and an assassination attempt, continuing to breathe is my big bad claim to fame.
And like I said, I’m sick of it. Sick of being vulnerable. Sick of being the weak link. And sick of needing help.
When new and old dangers arise while working on a case for the family’s private investigation business, my limitations as a fox shifter are made abundantly clear. Again. The Lord of War promised to unlock my hidden power, but can I trust the dark fae to deliver?
And can I pay the price?
And I’m sick of it.
My name is Juniper Crawford, a fox-shifting, private investigator whose special skill is survival. That’s right, after an abduction and an assassination attempt, continuing to breathe is my big bad claim to fame.
And like I said, I’m sick of it. Sick of being vulnerable. Sick of being the weak link. And sick of needing help.
When new and old dangers arise while working on a case for the family’s private investigation business, my limitations as a fox shifter are made abundantly clear. Again. The Lord of War promised to unlock my hidden power, but can I trust the dark fae to deliver?
And can I pay the price?
- GenresUrban Fantasy
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2020
13 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
J.C. McKenzie
39 books460 followersJ. C. McKenzie is a book loving, gumboot-wearing, unapologetic science geek. She predominantly writes urban fantasy and fantasy romance. When she’s not spinning tales, she’s in the classroom sharing her passion for science and mathematics while secretly warping the young impressionable minds of our future to carry out her evil plans for world domination. She lives in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 18, 2021
I love this series
Ugh, it was over way too fast, but then again, these are always over too quickly. This was a great quick story furthering Junis character and world, and, oh crap, did she really do it this time. The Lord of War is a mysterious and interesting person who we have gotten snippets of all through this series and given the way this ended, I'm hoping for a deeper look into more of everything from him and his dastardly plans for Juni and her family. Friend or foe, we'll have to see.
Ugh, it was over way too fast, but then again, these are always over too quickly. This was a great quick story furthering Junis character and world, and, oh crap, did she really do it this time. The Lord of War is a mysterious and interesting person who we have gotten snippets of all through this series and given the way this ended, I'm hoping for a deeper look into more of everything from him and his dastardly plans for Juni and her family. Friend or foe, we'll have to see.
May 2, 2021
I love Juni. This fast paced short story packs a full novel punch. I love this authors writing style and look forward to more in thise series and by this author
April 30, 2021
I read this book in one day and I already want more
This book is Urban Fantasy and is the sixth in the Crawford Investigation Series, continuing the story of Juniper, who is Raven Crawford’s half sister. These books are set five years after the events in the first four books.
Since I read the first part of Juni’s story a couple of months ago, I have gone back to read the first four books in the series. I’m glad I did; although Juni’s story can be read separately, it definitely helps the clarity of the story to have read the rest of the series.
JC McKenzie’s writing style is easy to read and she tells a good story. Her characters have enough depth to get you invested in them and they develop well as the story unfolds. There are characters I love and characters I love to hate, which keeps me interested. There is good, clear worldbuilding, which is easy to grasp and keep track of.
This book has hints of romance with a slow burn. It has kept true to the Private Investigation theme alongside the paranormal, which I’m glad about.
I’ve really enjoyed this series so far. I read this book in one day and the end came far too quickly for me. It finishes with a revelation and a nice big shiny hook to reel you in for the next part of the story arc. I was definitely left wanting more and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
This book is Urban Fantasy and is the sixth in the Crawford Investigation Series, continuing the story of Juniper, who is Raven Crawford’s half sister. These books are set five years after the events in the first four books.
Since I read the first part of Juni’s story a couple of months ago, I have gone back to read the first four books in the series. I’m glad I did; although Juni’s story can be read separately, it definitely helps the clarity of the story to have read the rest of the series.
JC McKenzie’s writing style is easy to read and she tells a good story. Her characters have enough depth to get you invested in them and they develop well as the story unfolds. There are characters I love and characters I love to hate, which keeps me interested. There is good, clear worldbuilding, which is easy to grasp and keep track of.
This book has hints of romance with a slow burn. It has kept true to the Private Investigation theme alongside the paranormal, which I’m glad about.
I’ve really enjoyed this series so far. I read this book in one day and the end came far too quickly for me. It finishes with a revelation and a nice big shiny hook to reel you in for the next part of the story arc. I was definitely left wanting more and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
March 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this short novella in this series - it was full of action, romance and deadly situations. Juni has a new PI case, which turned out to be quite funny in places, but during a stakeout, secrets are revealed and true feelings shared as well, which was a bit surprising.
Juni has a huge decision to make and can't quite make the choice - which is the right one? Unfortunately, in a dire situation, she is ultimately forced to choose and make a decision at long last. Was it the right decision? Only time will time I guess.
I loved Juni and Lincoln's scenes and how they seemed to be so right for each other despite their history. But this new situation Juni has gotten herself into may disrupt all the progress they both had finally made. I hope it doesn't though, but no idea how it will all pan out just yet.
The cliffhanger ending was great and definitely left me wanting more!
I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation, but this review is all my own.
Juni has a huge decision to make and can't quite make the choice - which is the right one? Unfortunately, in a dire situation, she is ultimately forced to choose and make a decision at long last. Was it the right decision? Only time will time I guess.
I loved Juni and Lincoln's scenes and how they seemed to be so right for each other despite their history. But this new situation Juni has gotten herself into may disrupt all the progress they both had finally made. I hope it doesn't though, but no idea how it will all pan out just yet.
The cliffhanger ending was great and definitely left me wanting more!
I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation, but this review is all my own.
May 3, 2021
Once again I am in awe of the cover. It really gives an amazing view of what happens in the book it brings it more alive in my opinion.
From the moment I started reading I was right back with Juni, still such a badass trying to do everything alone, in the name of protecting her family (tbh I would be the same). She is so funny and full of sass which makes her relatable.
This novella was full of action, epic fights, romance to die for and again an emotional rollercoaster.
I love that the story still focusses on the cases that it's still relevant to the story. But not only does she has to deal with her PI work but also crazy (and sometimes inhibited) neighbours, protective family, Bane AKA the Lord of War and the ever present Lincoln.
The only bad thing was again that cliffhanger, right on the edge of my seat screaming nooo don't do this to me. My heart broke, I can't deal with it, she has no luck and never a break, ...
From the moment I started reading I was right back with Juni, still such a badass trying to do everything alone, in the name of protecting her family (tbh I would be the same). She is so funny and full of sass which makes her relatable.
This novella was full of action, epic fights, romance to die for and again an emotional rollercoaster.
I love that the story still focusses on the cases that it's still relevant to the story. But not only does she has to deal with her PI work but also crazy (and sometimes inhibited) neighbours, protective family, Bane AKA the Lord of War and the ever present Lincoln.
The only bad thing was again that cliffhanger, right on the edge of my seat screaming nooo don't do this to me. My heart broke, I can't deal with it, she has no luck and never a break, ...
May 1, 2021
This was a great story...Juni is really loyal to her family and does not want to be their weakness but she is too stubborn to realise that strong does not mean alone..;she is still affected by what happened in her past so having Bane promising more power and a special item granting her a wish is making her think a lot.
Thankfully from the Shadow Lincon is watching, protecting and so terribly irresisting. I loved that he was protective but more importantly honest with her. Yes he made a mistake but eh dis doing all he can to repair that so he definitively won me over.
There are twists because with fae nothing is easy or clear, past ennemies....decison to be made so i was a real page turner. Only little downside is the ending kind of cliffhanger not really one but we sure want to learn how Juni will fare.
Better read in order but could work as stand alone
Thankfully from the Shadow Lincon is watching, protecting and so terribly irresisting. I loved that he was protective but more importantly honest with her. Yes he made a mistake but eh dis doing all he can to repair that so he definitively won me over.
There are twists because with fae nothing is easy or clear, past ennemies....decison to be made so i was a real page turner. Only little downside is the ending kind of cliffhanger not really one but we sure want to learn how Juni will fare.
Better read in order but could work as stand alone
May 2, 2021
Excellent. I truly enjoy stories that pull me directly into the tale and hold me captive until I complete it..
Well it seems like there’s a lot on the horizon that has yet to be revealed for the Crawford family and I can hardly wait for the next book.
Time is passing and the younger members of the family and their friends are growing up and maturing realizing that there is a price associated with power whether it be money, image, healing , etc. and sometimes the act required to obtain the reward has anticipated but unexpected results and additional costs.
Juni has learned this. Now….who or whom shall have to endure the price of her decisions besides herself.
Received this arc free in exchange of a free and honest review.
Loved it.
Well it seems like there’s a lot on the horizon that has yet to be revealed for the Crawford family and I can hardly wait for the next book.
Time is passing and the younger members of the family and their friends are growing up and maturing realizing that there is a price associated with power whether it be money, image, healing , etc. and sometimes the act required to obtain the reward has anticipated but unexpected results and additional costs.
Juni has learned this. Now….who or whom shall have to endure the price of her decisions besides herself.
Received this arc free in exchange of a free and honest review.
Loved it.
May 12, 2021
Wonderful enticing read
Juni’s second story was more about her, than the case she was working. Things unknowingly left undone come back to bite, leaving her to make a decision that is probably unwise. The story of course leaves us hanging on a cliff which will only be resolved by reading the next book.
Juni’s second story was more about her, than the case she was working. Things unknowingly left undone come back to bite, leaving her to make a decision that is probably unwise. The story of course leaves us hanging on a cliff which will only be resolved by reading the next book.
March 25, 2021
Juni is back and busy as usual with a case that was funny and trying to figure out her personal life. A few surprises popped up and so did a few hilarious scenes. Add in her crazy neighbors, family, Lord of War, and Lincoln and I got a great story that I enjoyed and read in one sitting late at night. Could not put it down and had to see what decisions Juni would end up making. Loved the ending and the setup for the next one. I moaned that I have to wait to see what happens next it was really good.
June 4, 2021
I started off reading Juni's story instead of Raven's and it's worked out great. I have enjoyed learning about Juni and watching her and Lincoln's relationship begin to evolve. It hooks you right from the beginning and is over way too quickly! I am always left wanting more and then having to wait. I want to know what happens next and that's great writing. I enjoy her relationship with her family and her P.I. jobs always keep me entertained. Good series so far!
March 18, 2021
Juni is the bomb. This reads like a full length novel. So much packed into our vixen's story that picks right up from the last book. Hidden powers, the dark war fae, and Lincoln. Well written action packed with a twisty, oh yes, twisty. Ouch. Cliffhanger. Bring it on, Juni's got it.
March 21, 2021
I'm loving the books in this universe.
Multiple supernaturals and gods as well as realm hopping along with Juni being an amusing character makes this short story a great read.
Multiple supernaturals and gods as well as realm hopping along with Juni being an amusing character makes this short story a great read.
March 31, 2021
Juni is such a fun character to read. Her personality is the right amount of take no crap and have a wee bit of fun. I’m so excited to see how she manages to get herself out of her latest pickle.
May 20, 2021
A wonderful continuation of the series. A plot full of mystical beings, adventure, and kick ass women that can take care of themselves. Love this series and the author is one of my favorites. I am voluntarily reviewing an arc gifted by the author with no obligation.
April 30, 2021
This review was originally published on Myth and Magic Book Club
Myth: 4/5
Juni’s short stories are great! This follows a short PI case as well as some fae underworld mischief, really everything we could have asked for. The case works to throw Juni and Lincoln together to further explore their feelings and the events from end of Juni’s first story come back to cause trouble exactly when we need them. This set things up perfectly for the next Raven Crawford novel.
Magic: 4/5
I love Juni’s stories because they explore her Inari heritage. So we have a little dark fae mischief as well as chasing down what it means to be related to Inari.
Overall: 4/5
An action packed short story, giving us a little mystery, a little romance and a lot of mischief.
Myth: 4/5
Juni’s short stories are great! This follows a short PI case as well as some fae underworld mischief, really everything we could have asked for. The case works to throw Juni and Lincoln together to further explore their feelings and the events from end of Juni’s first story come back to cause trouble exactly when we need them. This set things up perfectly for the next Raven Crawford novel.
Magic: 4/5
I love Juni’s stories because they explore her Inari heritage. So we have a little dark fae mischief as well as chasing down what it means to be related to Inari.
Overall: 4/5
An action packed short story, giving us a little mystery, a little romance and a lot of mischief.
September 10, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
62% into the story and Juni's not working with the Lord of War to release her divinity, so the blurb is totally false advertising. -- She didn't even go ask him what it'd cost her to unlock her abilities, to decide she didn't want to pay the price!
All she's done is moon over and kiss the betrayer Lincoln, who talked her out of going to the Lord of War, after stalking her. He also failed to tell her at that time that the fae who tried to kill her is It's clear why Lincoln doesn't want her to get her goddess powers unlocked, because then she'd actually be able to defend herself, he likes her needing him to rescue her!
If you're actually a good guy now Lincoln, then why won't you answer Juni when she asks what work you do for her brother in law. -- Won't answer reasonable questions and wants her weak.... great love interest there.
But its okay because he loves her....
MC is an idiot.
1] She can forgive Lincoln for handing her over to the hyena pack when they were 15, that's fine and healthy. But to 'still' be attracted to him and decide to follow through on it. When he won't even tell you what his job is and he stalks you and wants you weak (she's already a target of Fae, her being a weak shifter didn't stop one from trying to kill her so his argument that her unlocking her powers will stop her being beneath their notice is moot -- he was the one who saved her from that fae would be killer!), so you need him to rescue you. No. I like my MC's to have taste in the person/s they chose to hook up with.
2] I also didn't find her plan to talk to the Lord of War about his stating he can unleash her divinity to be sensible, but that was the plot that got me to read and then didn't happen (at least not by the 62% in mark). -- I was wanting to read how she got out of that dumb idea and in doing so managed to unlock the inner goddess.... but no, we got a moon over the stalker, betrayer Lincoln story.
I'm really glad this is another free kindle unlimited read, because it feels like a total bait and switch!
Going to force myself to read the rest.... actually life is too short, its not worth it since I can't stand the love interest.
Another liked series, since these tie in books count as such, bites the dust! :( I'm sick of investing in book series for them to turn into crap!
Edited to add = Why does Juni have to be the one who is 'always' rescued? -- I just read the blurb for the next Raven book, so seems she does end up making a bargain with the Lord of War and of course Raven to the rescue.
Would it have killed the author to actually let Juni win for once!? Poor woman can't even win in her own books and she's always in need of rescuing in her sisters ones. You don't need to keep putting down your novella leads, to bolster the main series lead! Well not if you actually write a strong main lead! -- All this book has done is make me pity poor pathetic Juni and dislike Raven, who could have probably used whatever trick Bane did to release Juni's powers.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: No --- (Formerly rated this series original books, 3 star.... since you need to read all the books in the linked series to get the plots, I count them as one) -- The series of hers that I rated 4 stars has ended and I'm irritated and so I don't see myself bothering with any new series by her.
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
62% into the story and Juni's not working with the Lord of War to release her divinity, so the blurb is totally false advertising. -- She didn't even go ask him what it'd cost her to unlock her abilities, to decide she didn't want to pay the price!
All she's done is moon over and kiss the betrayer Lincoln, who talked her out of going to the Lord of War, after stalking her. He also failed to tell her at that time that the fae who tried to kill her is It's clear why Lincoln doesn't want her to get her goddess powers unlocked, because then she'd actually be able to defend herself, he likes her needing him to rescue her!
If you're actually a good guy now Lincoln, then why won't you answer Juni when she asks what work you do for her brother in law. -- Won't answer reasonable questions and wants her weak.... great love interest there.
But its okay because he loves her....
MC is an idiot.
1] She can forgive Lincoln for handing her over to the hyena pack when they were 15, that's fine and healthy. But to 'still' be attracted to him and decide to follow through on it. When he won't even tell you what his job is and he stalks you and wants you weak (she's already a target of Fae, her being a weak shifter didn't stop one from trying to kill her so his argument that her unlocking her powers will stop her being beneath their notice is moot -- he was the one who saved her from that fae would be killer!), so you need him to rescue you. No. I like my MC's to have taste in the person/s they chose to hook up with.
2] I also didn't find her plan to talk to the Lord of War about his stating he can unleash her divinity to be sensible, but that was the plot that got me to read and then didn't happen (at least not by the 62% in mark). -- I was wanting to read how she got out of that dumb idea and in doing so managed to unlock the inner goddess.... but no, we got a moon over the stalker, betrayer Lincoln story.
I'm really glad this is another free kindle unlimited read, because it feels like a total bait and switch!
Going to force myself to read the rest.... actually life is too short, its not worth it since I can't stand the love interest.
Another liked series, since these tie in books count as such, bites the dust! :( I'm sick of investing in book series for them to turn into crap!
Edited to add = Why does Juni have to be the one who is 'always' rescued? -- I just read the blurb for the next Raven book, so seems she does end up making a bargain with the Lord of War and of course Raven to the rescue.
Would it have killed the author to actually let Juni win for once!? Poor woman can't even win in her own books and she's always in need of rescuing in her sisters ones. You don't need to keep putting down your novella leads, to bolster the main series lead! Well not if you actually write a strong main lead! -- All this book has done is make me pity poor pathetic Juni and dislike Raven, who could have probably used whatever trick Bane did to release Juni's powers.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: No --- (Formerly rated this series original books, 3 star.... since you need to read all the books in the linked series to get the plots, I count them as one) -- The series of hers that I rated 4 stars has ended and I'm irritated and so I don't see myself bothering with any new series by her.
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
May 1, 2021
Good
Good, but ridiculously short. Personally, I'd rather wait for longer for the release, and get a book that lasts longer than a literal 20 minutes...
Good, but ridiculously short. Personally, I'd rather wait for longer for the release, and get a book that lasts longer than a literal 20 minutes...
August 29, 2023
This was a quick, fun read. I really enjoyed the relationship forming between Juni and Lincoln. And I really liked how mature Juni was being about everything that happened with him. She has forgiven him and believes he has paid for what he caused to happen to her. And though her mind tells her that she shouldn't trust him, her heart and body have different ideas. She has watched him go from being imprisoned in Raven's dungeons to flourishing as one of Cole's henchmen despite being human. And of course, he is always there to protect her. And with him recently openly flirting with her, it's impossible to resist the temptation that he is. Can't fault her there either. Lincoln was a lot of fun and has matured well. I loved having him around.
So this of course had a really small, quick case for Juni to work. Which mainly served to distract her from her other thoughts. She's got the issue with Bane promising to unlock her divinity, what she should do with the hoju, and oh, Hikaru isn't actually dead. Go figure. And boy is he mad. Plenty of stuff goes down in the end that will take us right to Raven's next book. And I am SO looking forward to it.
If I had one bad thing to say, it would be when did Juni get so stupid? Why did it take Lincoln pointing out sooooo many obvious things to her for her realize what she was about to do was a really really bad idea? Thank you Lincoln. For so much.
So this of course had a really small, quick case for Juni to work. Which mainly served to distract her from her other thoughts. She's got the issue with Bane promising to unlock her divinity, what she should do with the hoju, and oh, Hikaru isn't actually dead. Go figure. And boy is he mad. Plenty of stuff goes down in the end that will take us right to Raven's next book. And I am SO looking forward to it.
If I had one bad thing to say, it would be when did Juni get so stupid? Why did it take Lincoln pointing out sooooo many obvious things to her for her realize what she was about to do was a really really bad idea? Thank you Lincoln. For so much.
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