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Memento Mori #1
Madison Square Murders
Everett Larkin works for the Cold Case Squad: an elite—if understaffed and overworked—group of detectives who solve the forgotten deaths of New York City. Larkin is different from others, but his deduction skills are unmatched and his memory for minute details is unparalleled.
So when a spring thunderstorm uproots a tree in Madison Square Park, unearthing a crate with human remains inside, the best Cold Case detective is assigned the job. And when a death mask, like those prominent during the Victorian era, is found with the body, Larkin requests assistance from the Forensic Artists Unit and receives it in the form of Detective Ira Doyle, his polar opposite in every way.
Factual reasoning and facial reconstruction puts Larkin and Doyle on a trail of old homicide cases and a murderer obsessed with casting his victims’ likeness in death. Include some unapologetic flirting from Doyle, and this case just may end up killing Everett Larkin.
So when a spring thunderstorm uproots a tree in Madison Square Park, unearthing a crate with human remains inside, the best Cold Case detective is assigned the job. And when a death mask, like those prominent during the Victorian era, is found with the body, Larkin requests assistance from the Forensic Artists Unit and receives it in the form of Detective Ira Doyle, his polar opposite in every way.
Factual reasoning and facial reconstruction puts Larkin and Doyle on a trail of old homicide cases and a murderer obsessed with casting his victims’ likeness in death. Include some unapologetic flirting from Doyle, and this case just may end up killing Everett Larkin.
260 pages, ebook
First published September 28, 2021
234 people are currently reading
4968 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Poe
41 books1,290 followersC.S. Poe is an author of gay mystery, romance, and speculative fiction. She’s a winner of the Next Generation and e-Lit book awards, as well as a finalist of the Lambda Literary award.
She resides in New York City and is a Gilded Age New York historian and board director for the Victorian Society of New York. She loves Romanticism artwork, the films of Buster Keaton, coffee in the morning and whiskey in the evening, true crime, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.
C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.
Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.
cspoe.com
She resides in New York City and is a Gilded Age New York historian and board director for the Victorian Society of New York. She loves Romanticism artwork, the films of Buster Keaton, coffee in the morning and whiskey in the evening, true crime, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.
C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.
Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.
cspoe.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 832 reviews
December 2, 2024
AN ACTUAL MASTERPIECE WILL BE THE DEATH OF ME
This book literally scratches a brain itch SO DEEP. If this brain was scratched any deeper, I would come instantly. BECAUSE FUCK IT WAS SO GOOD.
I'm talking Jack and Ethan - LJ Hayward series, & Park and Cooper - Charlie Adhara levels of feral obsession here for me.
I am OBSESSED with Larkin and his fucking brilliant, beautiful, eidetic memory, silly goose brain.
This book (head scratcher)
↓
↑
Me (the dog hehe)
This book is one of these head massagers because my brain is fucking tingling, my dudes. This writing has crack in it. I felt satisfied to my core by how the writing flows.
It's witty, humorous, smart, blunt, sensual, flirty, sad, EVERYTHING.
It's fucking everything.
Plus, I love an mc with BDE?
Larkin calling people out like "What you just said was a lie, and here are the reasons"
BEFORE ROASTING THEM in academic facts 💅🏻 IS SO HOT.
The slow burn of this book is going to be the death of me, and I will gladly lay down my life for Larkin and Doyle.
The amount of joy I got from this, was INCALCULABLE.
This book literally scratches a brain itch SO DEEP. If this brain was scratched any deeper, I would come instantly. BECAUSE FUCK IT WAS SO GOOD.
I'm talking Jack and Ethan - LJ Hayward series, & Park and Cooper - Charlie Adhara levels of feral obsession here for me.
I am OBSESSED with Larkin and his fucking brilliant, beautiful, eidetic memory, silly goose brain.
This book (head scratcher)
↓
↑
Me (the dog hehe)
This book is one of these head massagers because my brain is fucking tingling, my dudes. This writing has crack in it. I felt satisfied to my core by how the writing flows.
It's witty, humorous, smart, blunt, sensual, flirty, sad, EVERYTHING.
It's fucking everything.
Plus, I love an mc with BDE?
Larkin calling people out like "What you just said was a lie, and here are the reasons"
BEFORE ROASTING THEM in academic facts 💅🏻 IS SO HOT.
The slow burn of this book is going to be the death of me, and I will gladly lay down my life for Larkin and Doyle.
The amount of joy I got from this, was INCALCULABLE.
January 18, 2023
Audiobook - 3.5 stars
Story - 4.25 stars
Crap! I have a book boyfriend named Doyle, now I have another potential one named Doyle. 😣🤦♀️
Anyhoo, I liked this one a lot. The mystery was engaging, characters likable even Larkin with all his baggage.
I want to see where the author takes the relationship, I love that it is already complicated. 😁😁
Story - 4.25 stars
Crap! I have a book boyfriend named Doyle, now I have another potential one named Doyle. 😣🤦♀️
Anyhoo, I liked this one a lot. The mystery was engaging, characters likable even Larkin with all his baggage.
I want to see where the author takes the relationship, I love that it is already complicated. 😁😁
January 18, 2025
4.5 stars
Everybody say hi to my new personality 👋 (at least until I finish the available books in the series and find a new series to obsess over.)
My love for crime thrillers and serial killer novels will never be satiated, so pls pls let this series go on forever because it also has romance and it was close to perfection🤧
The author gave me an mmc, Everet Larkin, that is basically Spencer Reid with a tragic past, a bit damaged AND he is socially awkward BUT takes no shit from anyone. He gave me THIS EXACT VIBE:
AND ANOTHER mmc, Doyle, that is hot, SASSY AS HELL, smooth-talking, funny and supportive but also with a tragic past. I AM OBSESSED WITH THEM😭😭😭😭
Larkin is this genius detective who works cold cases and Doyle is a forensic artist and they work together to solve a cold case. I loved everything with the crime aspect and hunting down the killer.
Their dynamic was IMPECCABLE. The banter, the humor, the deep convos omg I loved literally every single interaction they had💖💖💖 THE ONLY THING I didn't appreciate or wished would have been different was I wanted more slow-burn (They didn't do the deed but they kissed and I just wanted more UST because I love me some ANGST😅)
will def jump into book 2 after that cliffhanger? or maybe more like a hill-dangler😅
_________________________________
PRE-READ
I have a feeling I will loveobsess over this 🤞
Everybody say hi to my new personality 👋 (at least until I finish the available books in the series and find a new series to obsess over.)
My love for crime thrillers and serial killer novels will never be satiated, so pls pls let this series go on forever because it also has romance and it was close to perfection🤧
The author gave me an mmc, Everet Larkin, that is basically Spencer Reid with a tragic past, a bit damaged AND he is socially awkward BUT takes no shit from anyone. He gave me THIS EXACT VIBE:
AND ANOTHER mmc, Doyle, that is hot, SASSY AS HELL, smooth-talking, funny and supportive but also with a tragic past. I AM OBSESSED WITH THEM😭😭😭😭
Larkin is this genius detective who works cold cases and Doyle is a forensic artist and they work together to solve a cold case. I loved everything with the crime aspect and hunting down the killer.
Their dynamic was IMPECCABLE. The banter, the humor, the deep convos omg I loved literally every single interaction they had💖💖💖 THE ONLY THING I didn't appreciate or wished would have been different was I wanted more slow-burn (They didn't do the deed but they kissed and I just wanted more UST because I love me some ANGST😅)
will def jump into book 2 after that cliffhanger? or maybe more like a hill-dangler😅
_________________________________
PRE-READ
I have a feeling I will love
October 8, 2021
Hello C.S. Poe, nice to meet you, it's a real pleasure. 🥲🥲 Because I LOVED THIS BOOK!! 😍😍
Before I start fangirling with this, I wanna talk about the "cheating" part, which almost made me not read this, but thank God I did, so:
Larkin, the main guy, is married at the beginning of this book, but his marriage is falling apart. He has a condition that his husband just doesn't know how to deal with, so he treats him in a very toxic way, did I liked this trope? No, but I was really interested to know more about Larkin and Doyle to drop this, that's how good their characters are written.
And I also can't deny how I enjoyed the way Larkin treated his feelings for Doyle, once he admitted to himself what was happening he dumped Noah, he didn't overthink it and the author didn't drag it anymore, wich I'm grateful for. So yeah, there is a kissing that shouldn't have happened and yes, his relationship was going that route anyways, but that doesn't make it ok. I guess I loved the characters too much to get stuck in that 🤷🏻♀️.
And the mystery, I DIDN'T KNOW WHO WAS THE KILLER UNTIL LARKIN DID!!! And he was right there all the time!!! Like whuuut?? HOW? But yeah, the mystery was on point, the clues, the search and Larkin and Doyle were a wonderful pair that complemented each other beautifully.
The like between them, because this is the first book so there isn't love yet, was very respectful, very heartwarming and very understanding. Doyle knew what to do with Larkin's condition and Larkin was just stunned that he was being treated right, that someone could understand him, so that says a lot doesn't it?
IT'S OK BABY LARKIN I'LL PROTECT YOUR ASS!!! *puts him know her pocket*
So yeah, I loved this and I can't wait for the next. 😍😍
Any recs on other books from this author? 🤔
Before I start fangirling with this, I wanna talk about the "cheating" part, which almost made me not read this, but thank God I did, so:
Larkin, the main guy, is married at the beginning of this book, but his marriage is falling apart. He has a condition that his husband just doesn't know how to deal with, so he treats him in a very toxic way, did I liked this trope? No, but I was really interested to know more about Larkin and Doyle to drop this, that's how good their characters are written.
And I also can't deny how I enjoyed the way Larkin treated his feelings for Doyle, once he admitted to himself what was happening he dumped Noah, he didn't overthink it and the author didn't drag it anymore, wich I'm grateful for. So yeah, there is a kissing that shouldn't have happened and yes, his relationship was going that route anyways, but that doesn't make it ok. I guess I loved the characters too much to get stuck in that 🤷🏻♀️.
And the mystery, I DIDN'T KNOW WHO WAS THE KILLER UNTIL LARKIN DID!!! And he was right there all the time!!! Like whuuut?? HOW? But yeah, the mystery was on point, the clues, the search and Larkin and Doyle were a wonderful pair that complemented each other beautifully.
The like between them, because this is the first book so there isn't love yet, was very respectful, very heartwarming and very understanding. Doyle knew what to do with Larkin's condition and Larkin was just stunned that he was being treated right, that someone could understand him, so that says a lot doesn't it?
IT'S OK BABY LARKIN I'LL PROTECT YOUR ASS!!! *puts him know her pocket*
So yeah, I loved this and I can't wait for the next. 😍😍
Any recs on other books from this author? 🤔
August 17, 2025
The physiological death of a relationship built on the needs of the moment.
A coming of age for adults.
A realization that, as we keep growing and change, as we let ourselves really SEE who we are when our core stabilizes, so changes what we need.
What was medicine, can become toxic, and even the sweetest wine leads to an horrible hangover when drunk in excess.
In that moment, you realise how long that glass of water was overdue.
The absolute strength of this book is on the MMCs, those two broken, hot, cute, beautiful, smart, sad guys, who start growing on you since the very beginning. I've been a puddle of goo for all of their banter, and seeing their relationship start, is just a cozy blanket of feels.
It's also a first for me to start a book where the MMC is already married, and I think it's a very well done transition, albeit too fast time-wise imo, that's based on being human, and is very relatable and realistic.
My only comment here is that the author didn't go in much on what is that Noah was to Larkin in the beginning, to justify the whole relationship and the 7 years of marriage, making it appear a bit shallow. Noah seems just a bit too conveniently toxic and villanized.
As in my entry paragraph, we sometimes enter toxic relationships because that is what we needed at that moment, even if once healed of whatever issue made us do so, we realise that is not a good person for the stable version of our self. At this point if we are lucky and strong enough, we manage to get up and leave. I hope we will see a bit more introspection on what this was for Larkin going on. We can see ourselves how Ira is wholesomely perfect for Everett already. 🫠
I was very pleased by the writing style. The occasional use of lyrical prose, was not only beautiful, but also exalted the deepest moments of recollection, and remembrance. It was not abused, and combined with a very easy flowing clean style, its effect was maximized.
I was, rarely, but at times a bit confused about how information was doled out and had to re-read pieces, or had to Google some acronym of fact that would have been explained only a bit later in the book, alas.
I'm having difficulties deciding whether to rate this 4 or 5 stars.
I would rate this 5 stars emotionally for the sheer enjoyment it gave me.
4 stars if I focus on the objective things that I mentioned. The crime procedural was nice, but maybe a bit of the weak side, and I find myself not having anything to say about it when writing this review. This might even just be cause the banter and character building was so strong it eclipsed a normally good crime storyline as a side effect.
4 or 5 stars, it's still one excellent book, and one safe-space relationship that's a delight to read.
______
Reading
These two are just so delectable!! 🫠🫠🫠🥹
"God, I might be a little in love with you."
"I'd rather you weren't."
"It's too late," Doyle said with the ease and casualness of a man long-practiced at this sort of interplay. He undid the tie of his apron and removed it. "You're incredible at dirty talk—"
"Eye color probabilities isn't bedroom—" Larkin tried to correct.
"And you offer such passionate accolades," Doyle continued without missing a beat. Larkin blinked, "I was merely stating an obvious- "
But Doyle was shaking his head. "I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I think we're ready to take the next step in our relationship."
He picked up a black band from the tabletop that might have belonged to one of the wigs, got down on a knee, and held the hair tie out like a ring "Will you marry me?"
The door to Doyle's office opened without warning, and Senior Artist Bailey poked his head inside.
"Doyle, don't forget you're working with that Cold Case fellow—what re you doing?"
Doyle didn't seem fazed in the least as he said, "Proposing."
Bailey looked at Larkin, rolled his eyes, and said as he saw himself out, "I keep telling Hannah I'm hanging on until the big Six-oh-but this place a zoo." The door shut.
"Congratulations," Larkin said. "You'll likely be promoted due to the stroke your supervisor is going to suffer.“
"That a yes or no?"
"I'm already married and polygamy is illegal in the United States."
"You would strictly be my work husband."
"Absolutely not."
"I'm really hanging out on a limb here."
"Please get up."
Doyle raised the band higher. "Don't break a guy's heart"
Larkin snatched the hair tie, pondered what to do with it for half a second, then tugged it onto his left wrist. "There, Happy?"
Everytime I have to look away from this book, cause... *work... ugh...* I realise I'm there, thinking of it, feeling all mushy and fuzzy, already, only 50 pages in. These two are so lovable!!
Pre-read
15/Jan/25
Alright, this can't wait any longer. I've been trying to be good and follow my TBR plan for like 1 second, but I couldn't. I'm contrary even to myself.
@Youssra, starting this, was the sign that it was time to stop holding back.
_____
31/Dic/24
@Evie's superpowers made Amazon deliver this and the other books in the series) a week in advance 😁❤️
I'm lowkey groping these. The cover is so touchable for a paperback.
A coming of age for adults.
A realization that, as we keep growing and change, as we let ourselves really SEE who we are when our core stabilizes, so changes what we need.
What was medicine, can become toxic, and even the sweetest wine leads to an horrible hangover when drunk in excess.
In that moment, you realise how long that glass of water was overdue.
The absolute strength of this book is on the MMCs, those two broken, hot, cute, beautiful, smart, sad guys, who start growing on you since the very beginning. I've been a puddle of goo for all of their banter, and seeing their relationship start, is just a cozy blanket of feels.
It's also a first for me to start a book where the MMC is already married, and I think it's a very well done transition, albeit too fast time-wise imo, that's based on being human, and is very relatable and realistic.
My only comment here is that the author didn't go in much on what is that Noah was to Larkin in the beginning, to justify the whole relationship and the 7 years of marriage, making it appear a bit shallow. Noah seems just a bit too conveniently toxic and villanized.
As in my entry paragraph, we sometimes enter toxic relationships because that is what we needed at that moment, even if once healed of whatever issue made us do so, we realise that is not a good person for the stable version of our self. At this point if we are lucky and strong enough, we manage to get up and leave. I hope we will see a bit more introspection on what this was for Larkin going on. We can see ourselves how Ira is wholesomely perfect for Everett already. 🫠
I was very pleased by the writing style. The occasional use of lyrical prose, was not only beautiful, but also exalted the deepest moments of recollection, and remembrance. It was not abused, and combined with a very easy flowing clean style, its effect was maximized.
I was, rarely, but at times a bit confused about how information was doled out and had to re-read pieces, or had to Google some acronym of fact that would have been explained only a bit later in the book, alas.
I'm having difficulties deciding whether to rate this 4 or 5 stars.
I would rate this 5 stars emotionally for the sheer enjoyment it gave me.
4 stars if I focus on the objective things that I mentioned. The crime procedural was nice, but maybe a bit of the weak side, and I find myself not having anything to say about it when writing this review. This might even just be cause the banter and character building was so strong it eclipsed a normally good crime storyline as a side effect.
4 or 5 stars, it's still one excellent book, and one safe-space relationship that's a delight to read.
______
Reading
These two are just so delectable!! 🫠🫠🫠🥹
"God, I might be a little in love with you."
"I'd rather you weren't."
"It's too late," Doyle said with the ease and casualness of a man long-practiced at this sort of interplay. He undid the tie of his apron and removed it. "You're incredible at dirty talk—"
"Eye color probabilities isn't bedroom—" Larkin tried to correct.
"And you offer such passionate accolades," Doyle continued without missing a beat. Larkin blinked, "I was merely stating an obvious- "
But Doyle was shaking his head. "I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I think we're ready to take the next step in our relationship."
He picked up a black band from the tabletop that might have belonged to one of the wigs, got down on a knee, and held the hair tie out like a ring "Will you marry me?"
The door to Doyle's office opened without warning, and Senior Artist Bailey poked his head inside.
"Doyle, don't forget you're working with that Cold Case fellow—what re you doing?"
Doyle didn't seem fazed in the least as he said, "Proposing."
Bailey looked at Larkin, rolled his eyes, and said as he saw himself out, "I keep telling Hannah I'm hanging on until the big Six-oh-but this place a zoo." The door shut.
"Congratulations," Larkin said. "You'll likely be promoted due to the stroke your supervisor is going to suffer.“
"That a yes or no?"
"I'm already married and polygamy is illegal in the United States."
"You would strictly be my work husband."
"Absolutely not."
"I'm really hanging out on a limb here."
"Please get up."
Doyle raised the band higher. "Don't break a guy's heart"
Larkin snatched the hair tie, pondered what to do with it for half a second, then tugged it onto his left wrist. "There, Happy?"
Everytime I have to look away from this book, cause... *work... ugh...* I realise I'm there, thinking of it, feeling all mushy and fuzzy, already, only 50 pages in. These two are so lovable!!
Pre-read
15/Jan/25
Alright, this can't wait any longer. I've been trying to be good and follow my TBR plan for like 1 second, but I couldn't. I'm contrary even to myself.
@Youssra, starting this, was the sign that it was time to stop holding back.
_____
31/Dic/24
@Evie's superpowers made Amazon deliver this and the other books in the series) a week in advance 😁❤️
I'm lowkey groping these. The cover is so touchable for a paperback.
January 2, 2025
* ☘︎ :･ﾟTOP 10 AUDIO 2022 :･ﾟ☘︎ *
5***** stars
I’m honestly not sure who impressed me more here. Larkin, our main character, and his brilliant working mind or C.S. Poe, the author who invented him.
Everett Larkin was an unbelievably fascinating character and it pained me to witness how hard his genius was on him while everyone saw it as such a gift. And it really was impressive.
Ira Doyle was such an amazing character as well. In a total different way than Larkin, tho. He was very smart too, infinitely calm and collected while also being so warm, lovable and understanding. I honestly couldn’t get enough of him. (I would’ve died for even one chapter of his pov!!) And he calls Larkin "Evie" -- I loved it!! *clutches heart And Larkin did too.
The cold murder case was interesting and because of both detectives investigative skills this whole story pulled me in right from the beginning. And just for the record: I didn’t got that very last part after Doyle left at all. What was that about?
I also loved the blooming romance between Larkin & Doyle. Even with that one moment that is a no go for so many romance readers.
⚠️ this paragraph contains spoilers
Be it as it may. Larkin’s and his husband Noah’s state of marriage and my absolute understanding for Larkin’s feelings - what comes next shows one of my biggest fears when it comes to relationships: being left suddenly without seeing it coming. Despite everything, in that moment it broke my heart for Noah a little bit too.
All in all, this was such a blast; smart and with great writing. I highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys mystery novels with a spit of romance. ♡
I’m glad that the audio for the second book is expected to release before this year ends, hopefully not long after the book releases at the end of the month. The audio btw was fantastic. Kale Williams did an outstanding job with the narration in general and the voices he gave Larkin and Doyle felt amazingly fitting. Only, his voices for the females truly sucked. Fortunately there weren’t many *lmaoooo
side note: When re-read my review it feels a bit odd to refer to the characters by their last names but as this book was a lot about their detective work these were the names the author used the most as well - so I guess they stuck with me for both mc’s.
***********
Memento Mori Series
Book 1 - Madison Square Murders - 5.0 stars
Book 2 - Subway Slayings - 5.0 stars
Book 3 - Broadway Butchery - 5.0 stars
Book 4 - Hudson River Homicides - release 05/24
5***** stars
I’m honestly not sure who impressed me more here. Larkin, our main character, and his brilliant working mind or C.S. Poe, the author who invented him.
Everett Larkin was an unbelievably fascinating character and it pained me to witness how hard his genius was on him while everyone saw it as such a gift. And it really was impressive.
Ira Doyle was such an amazing character as well. In a total different way than Larkin, tho. He was very smart too, infinitely calm and collected while also being so warm, lovable and understanding. I honestly couldn’t get enough of him. (I would’ve died for even one chapter of his pov!!) And he calls Larkin "Evie" -- I loved it!! *clutches heart And Larkin did too.
The cold murder case was interesting and because of both detectives investigative skills this whole story pulled me in right from the beginning. And just for the record: I didn’t got that very last part after Doyle left at all. What was that about?
I also loved the blooming romance between Larkin & Doyle. Even with that one moment that is a no go for so many romance readers.
’Til death do us part.
And then, quite suddenly, Larkin’s mind silenced and only one thought rose to the top: I’m dying.
⚠️ this paragraph contains spoilers
Be it as it may. Larkin’s and his husband Noah’s state of marriage and my absolute understanding for Larkin’s feelings - what comes next shows one of my biggest fears when it comes to relationships: being left suddenly without seeing it coming. Despite everything, in that moment it broke my heart for Noah a little bit too.
All in all, this was such a blast; smart and with great writing. I highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys mystery novels with a spit of romance. ♡
I’m glad that the audio for the second book is expected to release before this year ends, hopefully not long after the book releases at the end of the month. The audio btw was fantastic. Kale Williams did an outstanding job with the narration in general and the voices he gave Larkin and Doyle felt amazingly fitting. Only, his voices for the females truly sucked. Fortunately there weren’t many *lmaoooo
side note: When re-read my review it feels a bit odd to refer to the characters by their last names but as this book was a lot about their detective work these were the names the author used the most as well - so I guess they stuck with me for both mc’s.
***********
Memento Mori Series
Book 1 - Madison Square Murders - 5.0 stars
Book 2 - Subway Slayings - 5.0 stars
Book 3 - Broadway Butchery - 5.0 stars
Book 4 - Hudson River Homicides - release 05/24
February 12, 2023
i'm glad i gave this book a second shot. this proves that it's worth rereading your dnfs sometimes.
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 19, 2022
4.5 stars ☆
Doyle went to the door, threw the deadbolt, then walked across the bathroom. He leaned against the wall beside Larkin—close enough that their shoulders were a breath apart. "People don't want to know." He was quiet, so absolute in his agreeance. Doyle cast Larkin a sideways glance. "But I do."
i've honestly been on a reading slump since the beginning of the month and this was the first book i picked up after two weeks of not reading anything (although it's not my longest slump, it always feels weird when i'm not reading lol). not to mention, i've had a constant streak of misses before that so yall have no idea how happy i am to finally discover another great read. 😭
i loved both mcs, Larkin and Doyle, so much. they have my whole heart. Larkin was cold and reserved on the outside, but he cared deeply inside for others (who deserve it, i mean. i love how he doesn't give a shit towards assholes in his work place though🤣) and it showed in the case he was working on in this book and how much it affected him. i also loved his dry sense of humor, lmao. on the other hand, Doyle was his complete opposite: carefree, straightforward and flirty (but definitely has his serious side when the situation calls for it and the way he's so patient when it comes to Larkin, my heart- 😭) and yet, these two just... somehow worked so well together. i loved how they seemed to understand one another on a deep level, in a way where they can see past the other's "facade". 🥺
the mystery was quite intriguing, especially with the whole concept of death masks and how creepy it was. i'm also excited to see where the development between Larkin and Doyle goes within the next books!! <3
Doyle went to the door, threw the deadbolt, then walked across the bathroom. He leaned against the wall beside Larkin—close enough that their shoulders were a breath apart. "People don't want to know." He was quiet, so absolute in his agreeance. Doyle cast Larkin a sideways glance. "But I do."
i've honestly been on a reading slump since the beginning of the month and this was the first book i picked up after two weeks of not reading anything (although it's not my longest slump, it always feels weird when i'm not reading lol). not to mention, i've had a constant streak of misses before that so yall have no idea how happy i am to finally discover another great read. 😭
i loved both mcs, Larkin and Doyle, so much. they have my whole heart. Larkin was cold and reserved on the outside, but he cared deeply inside for others (who deserve it, i mean. i love how he doesn't give a shit towards assholes in his work place though🤣) and it showed in the case he was working on in this book and how much it affected him. i also loved his dry sense of humor, lmao. on the other hand, Doyle was his complete opposite: carefree, straightforward and flirty (but definitely has his serious side when the situation calls for it and the way he's so patient when it comes to Larkin, my heart- 😭) and yet, these two just... somehow worked so well together. i loved how they seemed to understand one another on a deep level, in a way where they can see past the other's "facade". 🥺
the mystery was quite intriguing, especially with the whole concept of death masks and how creepy it was. i'm also excited to see where the development between Larkin and Doyle goes within the next books!! <3
January 11, 2025
I was in search of five-star reads, and this book certainly fulfilled that desire. It provided everything I was looking for: a healthy and slow-burning romance, a relatable protagonist who inspires a sense of protection, a love interest who exemplifies the ideal partner, and a plot that was so captivating I found myself eager to read it in one sitting if only work didn’t get in the way.
The case at the center of the story was intriguing, and I appreciated the author's detailed descriptions, which added depth to the narrative. I genuinely didn’t anticipate the identity of the killer until the very end, which was a refreshing surprise. Larkin’s explanation clarified everything and tied the plot together beautifully.
The relationship portrayed in this book was heartwarming and relatable. The author did a fantastic job of developing the character's connection; while they’re not officially together, they’re in that comfortable stage where both individuals can take their time without feeling pressured to rush into anything. It captures that delightful phase when you realize your crush feels the same way.
The author excels at writing relationships that resonate with my preferences. Larkin is wonderfully vulnerable, yet he has an undeniable strength that shines throughout the story. His humor is delightful, often bringing lightness to moments that could have been heavy.
Additionally, I appreciated the way the author depicted Larkin’s journey toward healing. The pacing felt realistic, avoiding the pitfall of rushing such an important process. Doyle emerges as the perfect match for Larkin—someone who truly gets him and can meet him in the middle.
Doyle, as a character, truly stands out with his undeniable charm and charisma. He radiates warmth and positivity, making him one of the most captivating love interests I've read in a long time. His qualities are like a breath of fresh air, embodying what it means to be a "green flag" in a partner. Each aspect of his personality draws you in.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next installment!
The case at the center of the story was intriguing, and I appreciated the author's detailed descriptions, which added depth to the narrative. I genuinely didn’t anticipate the identity of the killer until the very end, which was a refreshing surprise. Larkin’s explanation clarified everything and tied the plot together beautifully.
The relationship portrayed in this book was heartwarming and relatable. The author did a fantastic job of developing the character's connection; while they’re not officially together, they’re in that comfortable stage where both individuals can take their time without feeling pressured to rush into anything. It captures that delightful phase when you realize your crush feels the same way.
The author excels at writing relationships that resonate with my preferences. Larkin is wonderfully vulnerable, yet he has an undeniable strength that shines throughout the story. His humor is delightful, often bringing lightness to moments that could have been heavy.
Additionally, I appreciated the way the author depicted Larkin’s journey toward healing. The pacing felt realistic, avoiding the pitfall of rushing such an important process. Doyle emerges as the perfect match for Larkin—someone who truly gets him and can meet him in the middle.
Doyle, as a character, truly stands out with his undeniable charm and charisma. He radiates warmth and positivity, making him one of the most captivating love interests I've read in a long time. His qualities are like a breath of fresh air, embodying what it means to be a "green flag" in a partner. Each aspect of his personality draws you in.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next installment!
March 4, 2024
AUDIOBOOK - March 2024: I LOVE Larkin!
AUDIOBOOK- Dec 2021: Fantastic characterization of both MCs’❤️❤️❤️
ORIGINAL REVIEW- Sept 2021:
4.5 Stars….A WINNER! 👏👏👏
What wholly intriguing characters! I had a hell of a fun time getting to know these two men & figuring out whodunnit in CS Poe’s latest mystery!
Meet Larkin, (aka: Evie, Grim Reaper), a neurodivergent cold-case detective on the trail of a possible serial killer. Meet Doyle, a laid back sketch artist who attaches himself to Larkin’s case and to the man himself.
The plot and mystery were solid. There was a slow burn between the two men & nothing more than a kiss happens in this book—yet, I was so involved in the case, I didn’t miss the sex! 😱😍
The writing was solid, save for a bit of overwriting here and there, which I attribute to Larkin’s POV—am I right, Carol??
I love how Poe has a penchant for creating neurodiverse characters and making me fall in love with them!
Here’s to the rest of the series, which I need ASAP!
Thanks to the author for the ARC, all views and opinions are my own.
AUDIOBOOK- Dec 2021: Fantastic characterization of both MCs’❤️❤️❤️
ORIGINAL REVIEW- Sept 2021:
4.5 Stars….A WINNER! 👏👏👏
What wholly intriguing characters! I had a hell of a fun time getting to know these two men & figuring out whodunnit in CS Poe’s latest mystery!
Meet Larkin, (aka: Evie, Grim Reaper), a neurodivergent cold-case detective on the trail of a possible serial killer. Meet Doyle, a laid back sketch artist who attaches himself to Larkin’s case and to the man himself.
The plot and mystery were solid. There was a slow burn between the two men & nothing more than a kiss happens in this book—yet, I was so involved in the case, I didn’t miss the sex! 😱😍
The writing was solid, save for a bit of overwriting here and there, which I attribute to Larkin’s POV—am I right, Carol??
I love how Poe has a penchant for creating neurodiverse characters and making me fall in love with them!
Here’s to the rest of the series, which I need ASAP!
Thanks to the author for the ARC, all views and opinions are my own.
March 14, 2025
Wow, did I devour this 😳
This book had everything I love - an intriguing case that kept me guessing, fantastic character dynamics, and a fresh take on the murder mystery genre by blending classic elements with something entirely unique in form of the two detectives: Larkin, who’s exclusively working cold cases and who can’t forget anything and Doyle, who’s such a talented forensic artist. Such a brilliant combination.
The New York setting was rich with atmosphere, and the history of death masks added an eerie, fascinating layer.
What made this stand out in a big way for me though, wasn’t the case but these two incredible men:
Everett Larkin is such a compelling MC - fiercely intelligent, super snarky, and deeply complex. His HSAM makes him stand out, but it’s his vulnerability and the way he constantly doubts himself that really made me connect with him.
And then there’s Ira Doyle 🥹 I fear I 100% developed serious feelings for him. He’s easygoing and full of sunshine, but there’s an undeniable depth and pain beneath his charm.
His flirting, the hair tie, the Evie, the But I do; it all made me melt into a puddle of goo still shooting heart eyes.
Also, and maybe that’s an unpopular opinion, I actually enjoyed the fact that Larkin is still married in the beginning of this. I appreciated even more that the author didn’t go for the convenient ‘evil ex’ trope but showed us that relationships can end without one of the partners being horrible human beings.
Wow, this was such a fantastic start to the series, and I can’t wait for more ESPECIALLY AFTER THAT LAST PARAGRAPH, WTF WAS UP WITH THAT???
PS: Am I alone in thinking that they gave serious Park and Cooper vibes?! And I mean, is there a bigger compliment…
This book had everything I love - an intriguing case that kept me guessing, fantastic character dynamics, and a fresh take on the murder mystery genre by blending classic elements with something entirely unique in form of the two detectives: Larkin, who’s exclusively working cold cases and who can’t forget anything and Doyle, who’s such a talented forensic artist. Such a brilliant combination.
The New York setting was rich with atmosphere, and the history of death masks added an eerie, fascinating layer.
What made this stand out in a big way for me though, wasn’t the case but these two incredible men:
Everett Larkin is such a compelling MC - fiercely intelligent, super snarky, and deeply complex. His HSAM makes him stand out, but it’s his vulnerability and the way he constantly doubts himself that really made me connect with him.
And then there’s Ira Doyle 🥹 I fear I 100% developed serious feelings for him. He’s easygoing and full of sunshine, but there’s an undeniable depth and pain beneath his charm.
His flirting, the hair tie, the Evie, the But I do; it all made me melt into a puddle of goo still shooting heart eyes.
Also, and maybe that’s an unpopular opinion, I actually enjoyed the fact that Larkin is still married in the beginning of this. I appreciated even more that the author didn’t go for the convenient ‘evil ex’ trope but showed us that relationships can end without one of the partners being horrible human beings.
Wow, this was such a fantastic start to the series, and I can’t wait for more ESPECIALLY AFTER THAT LAST PARAGRAPH, WTF WAS UP WITH THAT???
PS: Am I alone in thinking that they gave serious Park and Cooper vibes?! And I mean, is there a bigger compliment…
November 18, 2022
Why didn’t I read this book sooner? I loved everything about it. I was sucked into the mystery from the very beginning. Maybe because it was original, and interesting. I adored the both MC’s, Everett Larkin and Ira Doyle. They are absolute opposite each other in every way, but they work smoothly together and are determined to solve the murder.
I listened to the audiobook and it was fantastic. The narrator, Kale Williams, gave a distinctive voice for each characters. I loved his voice for Larkin, very realistic.
It’s going to be hard not to jump into book 2, but I am going to try to wait for the audiobook.
Highly recommend.
I listened to the audiobook and it was fantastic. The narrator, Kale Williams, gave a distinctive voice for each characters. I loved his voice for Larkin, very realistic.
It’s going to be hard not to jump into book 2, but I am going to try to wait for the audiobook.
Highly recommend.
March 10, 2024
So I demolished this in one sitting. It was so easy to fall into this and get absorbed in the whole mystery.
I feel like I need to use that meme of “if I had a nickel for every time I read a police procedural murder mystery series with a queer detective lead and a forensic artist love interest, I would have 2 nickels, which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it’s happened twice”. This one seems to be less unhinged so far which is saying something, what with all the serial killing.
Everett Larkin plays an almost Sherlockian type detective who, after being hit in the head as a teenager during an assault now has a brain injury that manifests through a condition where he has near photographic long term memory but terrible short term memory.
His love interest in this is Ira Doyle, who is just the sweetest and so charming. I really loved him as a character and their chemistry gave me butterflies (every time he called Everett Evie I literally melted).
Somewhat spoilery- so stop here if you don’t want to know.
Last chance.
Okay. So slight trigger warnings for what could be considered emotional infidelity/actual infidelity because when Everett and Ira meet Everett is going through the dying days of his marriage and is desperately unhappy. Everett and Ira share one kiss together whilst he is still in a relationship and it is the catalyst to Everett calling it quits on his marriage. I don’t normally like these dynamics but I actually think this was done in a way that made sense to the characters and I didn’t get the ick from it. I know some people avoid it like the plague and I think it’s fair forewarning to have.
Additional trigger warnings for homophobic slurs and attitudes.
I’ll be definitely binging the rest of this series.
I feel like I need to use that meme of “if I had a nickel for every time I read a police procedural murder mystery series with a queer detective lead and a forensic artist love interest, I would have 2 nickels, which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it’s happened twice”. This one seems to be less unhinged so far which is saying something, what with all the serial killing.
Everett Larkin plays an almost Sherlockian type detective who, after being hit in the head as a teenager during an assault now has a brain injury that manifests through a condition where he has near photographic long term memory but terrible short term memory.
His love interest in this is Ira Doyle, who is just the sweetest and so charming. I really loved him as a character and their chemistry gave me butterflies (every time he called Everett Evie I literally melted).
Somewhat spoilery- so stop here if you don’t want to know.
Last chance.
Okay. So slight trigger warnings for what could be considered emotional infidelity/actual infidelity because when Everett and Ira meet Everett is going through the dying days of his marriage and is desperately unhappy. Everett and Ira share one kiss together whilst he is still in a relationship and it is the catalyst to Everett calling it quits on his marriage. I don’t normally like these dynamics but I actually think this was done in a way that made sense to the characters and I didn’t get the ick from it. I know some people avoid it like the plague and I think it’s fair forewarning to have.
Additional trigger warnings for homophobic slurs and attitudes.
I’ll be definitely binging the rest of this series.
October 27, 2022
October 2022: Audiobook = ***4.5 Stars***
*********************
October 2021:
This book broke my little heart...
*********************
October 2021:
"Remembrance is the greatest act of love there is. Because... because no one is truly dead and gone, so long as someone remembers them."
This book broke my little heart...
July 16, 2024
In my quest for another MM romantic suspense series to binge, I found Detectives Everett Larkin and Ira Doyle, not to be confused with Aslan Doyle of Valor & Doyle.
Nicky James published Valor & Doyle Mysteries #.05 in July 2022, a few months after this book was published in September 2021. I'm sure it's just an unfortunate coincidence, but I couldn't stop thinking of Aslan every time Ira's name was mentioned (and Aslan won every time).
Poe is an excellent writer, and I appreciated the complexity of both MCs and their backstories.
Initially, I thought Larkin had autism, but I don't think that's the case. He has a traumatic brain injury which seems to mimic certain characteristics of ASD.
Doyle is a police sketch artist and also a detective. He's laidback and flirty, and knows how to center Larkin.
Maybe if this series were on KU, I would continue, but I won't spend my money on the remaining Memento Mori books when so many things bothered me in this one:
1. This book is 99% mystery/suspense, 1% romance. Larkin is married to someone else and doesn't leave his toxic relationship until the end of the book. He's still not divorced.
I read through reviews for book 3, and it doesn't seem their relationship progresses much in the next two books. Sorry, but I want at least a side of romance with my mystery.
2. The mystery is dark and gruesome. So is the setting. There is no light here, only death and shadows.
3. We get only Larkin's POV. This is a big NOPE for me. I hate single POV narration and really missed Doyle's voice. Being in Larkin's head was exhausting, and the story felt very one-sided.
4. This story takes place over the course of three days, and way too much happens during this time: Larkin and Doyle meet, flirt, and kiss; they solve a 22-year cold case; a secondary character is almost killed; both MCs are hurt and hospitalized; Larkin leaves his husband.
Everything moves in hyperdrive. I absolutely don't believe the wheels of bureaucracy could spin this quickly.
5. Most of the secondary characters are hostile, homophobic, and terribly unpleasant. Everyone at the precinct hates Larkin and throws around insults like "cocksucker" and the F slur with no repercussions.
Maybe this is realistic, maybe not, but regardless, I don't want to read about it. It's disgusting and upsetting. Why the fuck would the author fling around so much hate on top of murder?
I can see why so many of my GR friends gave this book 5 stars. It's gritty. It's raw. And Larkin is a unique, multi-dimensional character.
I just didn't enjoy the story enough to rate it higher.
Nicky James published Valor & Doyle Mysteries #.05 in July 2022, a few months after this book was published in September 2021. I'm sure it's just an unfortunate coincidence, but I couldn't stop thinking of Aslan every time Ira's name was mentioned (and Aslan won every time).
Poe is an excellent writer, and I appreciated the complexity of both MCs and their backstories.
Initially, I thought Larkin had autism, but I don't think that's the case. He has a traumatic brain injury which seems to mimic certain characteristics of ASD.
Doyle is a police sketch artist and also a detective. He's laidback and flirty, and knows how to center Larkin.
Maybe if this series were on KU, I would continue, but I won't spend my money on the remaining Memento Mori books when so many things bothered me in this one:
1. This book is 99% mystery/suspense, 1% romance. Larkin is married to someone else and doesn't leave his toxic relationship until the end of the book. He's still not divorced.
I read through reviews for book 3, and it doesn't seem their relationship progresses much in the next two books. Sorry, but I want at least a side of romance with my mystery.
2. The mystery is dark and gruesome. So is the setting. There is no light here, only death and shadows.
3. We get only Larkin's POV. This is a big NOPE for me. I hate single POV narration and really missed Doyle's voice. Being in Larkin's head was exhausting, and the story felt very one-sided.
4. This story takes place over the course of three days, and way too much happens during this time: Larkin and Doyle meet, flirt, and kiss; they solve a 22-year cold case; a secondary character is almost killed; both MCs are hurt and hospitalized; Larkin leaves his husband.
Everything moves in hyperdrive. I absolutely don't believe the wheels of bureaucracy could spin this quickly.
5. Most of the secondary characters are hostile, homophobic, and terribly unpleasant. Everyone at the precinct hates Larkin and throws around insults like "cocksucker" and the F slur with no repercussions.
Maybe this is realistic, maybe not, but regardless, I don't want to read about it. It's disgusting and upsetting. Why the fuck would the author fling around so much hate on top of murder?
I can see why so many of my GR friends gave this book 5 stars. It's gritty. It's raw. And Larkin is a unique, multi-dimensional character.
I just didn't enjoy the story enough to rate it higher.
October 27, 2023
Holy shit. Best murder mystery/romance I’ve read in a long while.
I’m still trying to sort through my thoughts after finishing it.
Let’s get to the first thing that I absolutely loved, but that got me a bit to get used to: Everett Larkin, who works in the Cold Case unit, is… something else. He’s suffering of Hyperthymesia, which - if you google - is the rare ability to recall nearly all past experiences in great detail. The causes of HSAM are currently unknown, but here, it seems to have its origins in a former head trauma. And you might say - that’s great, he’s the perfect cop, always taking everything in, never forgetting any detail, always analysing, processing, remembering. And the way the story is told, we’re in his head all the time, cataloguing, remembering, noticing details others would overlook. Every date, every time stamp makes him remember, his busy brain jumping around and making connections where others would see white noise.
So as you can see, it’s not just awesome. It’s a blessing and a curse. He’s remembering everything, reliving every detail, every traumatic, messy experience, every fight with his husband.
Because yes, he’s married. And his husband Noah isn’t a villain, but they’re not good together, both trying, but being toxic for each other nevertheless. And even though I really want to see Larkin and Doyle together, my heart broke a bit for Noah, too. He really tries, but he’s just not good with (and for) Larkin.
And there’s Ira Doyle. I KNOW, RIGHT???? Of all names, why another Doyle when we already have another awesome cop-couple, Valor & Doyle? But while both Doyles are cops, they’re different enough: Ira Doyle is an artist, specialised on reconstructing faces, or drawing accurate images of people from the description of others alone.
Ira is warm and charming where Larkin is not, has a warm voice where Larkin speaks with almost no infliction. And he instinctively knows how to deal with Larkin, touching - and awakening- him underneath his efficient, almost emotionless shell.
I can’t even begin to describe how their budding relationship moved me, and how my heart broke for how lonely Larkin was despite being married.
If you’re expecting smut - this is not it. It’s very slow burn, but their relationship develops just at the right pace to be believable and real.
The mystery had me on my toes: I’m usually pretty good with finding out who the murderer is, but here I think I found out at the same time Larkin did.
So good.
And the last paragraph???? Are you kidding me????
What I also LOVED was the narration by Kale Williams. It’s told from Larkin’s (3rd person) pov, and Larkin’s voice is - as mentioned - a bit toneless, at least usually. And he speaks (and thinks) quite quickly, so I really had to pay attention to what he said and thought. But once I got used to it, I realised that the voice Kale chose to give Larkin fit him perfectly.
So good. Really. I’m still reeling and can’t wait to start listening to book 2.
Thank you, Kati, again one of your recs managed to blow me away 🥰
I’m still trying to sort through my thoughts after finishing it.
Let’s get to the first thing that I absolutely loved, but that got me a bit to get used to: Everett Larkin, who works in the Cold Case unit, is… something else. He’s suffering of Hyperthymesia, which - if you google - is the rare ability to recall nearly all past experiences in great detail. The causes of HSAM are currently unknown, but here, it seems to have its origins in a former head trauma. And you might say - that’s great, he’s the perfect cop, always taking everything in, never forgetting any detail, always analysing, processing, remembering. And the way the story is told, we’re in his head all the time, cataloguing, remembering, noticing details others would overlook. Every date, every time stamp makes him remember, his busy brain jumping around and making connections where others would see white noise.
So as you can see, it’s not just awesome. It’s a blessing and a curse. He’s remembering everything, reliving every detail, every traumatic, messy experience, every fight with his husband.
Because yes, he’s married. And his husband Noah isn’t a villain, but they’re not good together, both trying, but being toxic for each other nevertheless. And even though I really want to see Larkin and Doyle together, my heart broke a bit for Noah, too. He really tries, but he’s just not good with (and for) Larkin.
And there’s Ira Doyle. I KNOW, RIGHT???? Of all names, why another Doyle when we already have another awesome cop-couple, Valor & Doyle? But while both Doyles are cops, they’re different enough: Ira Doyle is an artist, specialised on reconstructing faces, or drawing accurate images of people from the description of others alone.
Ira is warm and charming where Larkin is not, has a warm voice where Larkin speaks with almost no infliction. And he instinctively knows how to deal with Larkin, touching - and awakening- him underneath his efficient, almost emotionless shell.
I can’t even begin to describe how their budding relationship moved me, and how my heart broke for how lonely Larkin was despite being married.
If you’re expecting smut - this is not it. It’s very slow burn, but their relationship develops just at the right pace to be believable and real.
The mystery had me on my toes: I’m usually pretty good with finding out who the murderer is, but here I think I found out at the same time Larkin did.
So good.
And the last paragraph???? Are you kidding me????
What I also LOVED was the narration by Kale Williams. It’s told from Larkin’s (3rd person) pov, and Larkin’s voice is - as mentioned - a bit toneless, at least usually. And he speaks (and thinks) quite quickly, so I really had to pay attention to what he said and thought. But once I got used to it, I realised that the voice Kale chose to give Larkin fit him perfectly.
So good. Really. I’m still reeling and can’t wait to start listening to book 2.
Thank you, Kati, again one of your recs managed to blow me away 🥰
August 30, 2023
This was really good! The murder mystery was so fast paced and interesting, it held my attention the entire time. I had a hard time putting the book down, it was so engaging the entire time. I really loved Larkin & Doyle - such good characters.
There wasn't really any romance in this one, so I am hoping book 2 gives us something! I get why this book had such a slow set up with not much happening, but it really left me wanting more. Starting book 2 now so fingers crossed!
Thanks to Sarah for letting me know this book was on sale, I've been wanting to read it for a long time & such a good buddy read!
There wasn't really any romance in this one, so I am hoping book 2 gives us something! I get why this book had such a slow set up with not much happening, but it really left me wanting more. Starting book 2 now so fingers crossed!
Thanks to Sarah for letting me know this book was on sale, I've been wanting to read it for a long time & such a good buddy read!
September 1, 2024
What a fantastic read! I definitely didn’t expect to love this as much as I did🤩
WHY I LIKED THIS
- Larkin and Doyle. At first I thought Larkin was very Sherlock-the-TV-show Holmesian (i.e. aloof and standoffish) but then he just… broke down in his car and I knew at once I was in for a ride🥺 Doyle was equally fun to watch and Kale Williams ate with his voice🥵
- The murder mystery. It was well crafted and engaging to the end. There was a brief moment when I thought it was over and we would finally focus on Larkin and Doyle’s relationship but C.S. Poe balanced both the emotional and technical (mystery) conclusions really well.
- The slow burn. I usually prefer medium burn but for once I wasn't complaining.
- Mental health. I really like that C.S. Poe wasn’t in a rush to specify what mental illness Larkin has. As someone who was incredibly confused by overlapping symptoms before I got my ADHD diagnosis almost a decade ago, I saw myself in Larkin like I never have in a fictional character before.
BR with Christine with loads of encouragement from Ezra✨
WHY I LIKED THIS
- Larkin and Doyle. At first I thought Larkin was very Sherlock-the-TV-show Holmesian (i.e. aloof and standoffish) but then he just… broke down in his car and I knew at once I was in for a ride🥺 Doyle was equally fun to watch and Kale Williams ate with his voice🥵
- The murder mystery. It was well crafted and engaging to the end. There was a brief moment when I thought it was over and we would finally focus on Larkin and Doyle’s relationship but C.S. Poe balanced both the emotional and technical (mystery) conclusions really well.
- The slow burn. I usually prefer medium burn but for once I wasn't complaining.
- Mental health. I really like that C.S. Poe wasn’t in a rush to specify what mental illness Larkin has. As someone who was incredibly confused by overlapping symptoms before I got my ADHD diagnosis almost a decade ago, I saw myself in Larkin like I never have in a fictional character before.
BR with Christine with loads of encouragement from Ezra✨
May 4, 2024
⭐️4.5⭐️
Third read: as great as ever
***
Second read: I hate Noah more this time
***
First read: This book definitely found me at the right time. It wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read but I just enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t not give it five stars considering I don’t ever really love crime books. I’m so happy I only have to wait two months for the sequel.
Third read: as great as ever
***
Second read: I hate Noah more this time
***
First read: This book definitely found me at the right time. It wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read but I just enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t not give it five stars considering I don’t ever really love crime books. I’m so happy I only have to wait two months for the sequel.
January 30, 2025
Serious question... is it appropriate to just scream for my review? Like full-on uncontrollably scream at the sky because that is what I'm feeling after reading this book.
[insert your favorite screaming gif here and imagine it's me]
Wow. What can I say about this? I don't even know. I went into the book having only seen stellar reviews from my friends, but still I made sure to keep my expectations in check because nothing is worse than unmet expectations in a book, and I did not want to be letdown. Holy crap was I worried for nothing because this book BLEW ME OUT OF THE FREAKING WATER. I don't have words to explain how amazing it was, which is an obvious problem for this review, but wow.
The mystery was great, and I loved all of the deductions and discovering how Larkin's brain worked. It was fascinating. The way he and Doyle clicked as they worked together was a beautiful thing to behold. For Larkin who thought no one ever really wanted to know him, Doyle sure slipped in under the radar and rocked his world. Ugggggghh it was too perfect. I can't.
Anyway, how can a book that has no sex be one of the sexiest things I've ever read? For real. Just the way that Larkin thought about Doyle made me want to blush. And the way that Doyle flirted? Flip on the fan please because 😮💨 I honestly expected I cannot wait to read the next book because I need more of these two ASAP 🤲🏻
[insert your favorite screaming gif here and imagine it's me]
Wow. What can I say about this? I don't even know. I went into the book having only seen stellar reviews from my friends, but still I made sure to keep my expectations in check because nothing is worse than unmet expectations in a book, and I did not want to be letdown. Holy crap was I worried for nothing because this book BLEW ME OUT OF THE FREAKING WATER. I don't have words to explain how amazing it was, which is an obvious problem for this review, but wow.
The mystery was great, and I loved all of the deductions and discovering how Larkin's brain worked. It was fascinating. The way he and Doyle clicked as they worked together was a beautiful thing to behold. For Larkin who thought no one ever really wanted to know him, Doyle sure slipped in under the radar and rocked his world. Ugggggghh it was too perfect. I can't.
Anyway, how can a book that has no sex be one of the sexiest things I've ever read? For real. Just the way that Larkin thought about Doyle made me want to blush. And the way that Doyle flirted? Flip on the fan please because 😮💨 I honestly expected I cannot wait to read the next book because I need more of these two ASAP 🤲🏻
April 20, 2023
Not for me, TBH
April 2, 2024
A mystery/thriller, with a lead character who has HSAM. (Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory).
I had to look that up. Individuals with HSAM have a superior ability to recall specific details of autobiographical events, tend to spend a large amount of time thinking about their past and have a detailed understanding of the calendar and its patterns.
Information in this story is dribbled out in utter perfection. The writing is intelligent, sharp, witty, and emotional. The dialogue is on point.
"Are you looking to interview me because I’m a fucking fantastic detective with a track record to prove it, who is also gay, or do you want to interview me because I’m gay. Because being gay does not qualify me to be particularly good at any one thing. Nor does it make me a pleasant person, as you have likely gathered from this conversation.”
This book is filled with EMOTION, and flirty banter, but no actual steam. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
I had to look that up. Individuals with HSAM have a superior ability to recall specific details of autobiographical events, tend to spend a large amount of time thinking about their past and have a detailed understanding of the calendar and its patterns.
Information in this story is dribbled out in utter perfection. The writing is intelligent, sharp, witty, and emotional. The dialogue is on point.
"Are you looking to interview me because I’m a fucking fantastic detective with a track record to prove it, who is also gay, or do you want to interview me because I’m gay. Because being gay does not qualify me to be particularly good at any one thing. Nor does it make me a pleasant person, as you have likely gathered from this conversation.”
This book is filled with EMOTION, and flirty banter, but no actual steam. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
October 4, 2023
Reread/Relisten #2 October 2023
Because book three came out on audio I need to reread all these books, which isn’t a hardship lol! Love being back with these two!
Reread/Relisten #1 January 2023
One year later and this book still got me with that twist. I did a reread for book two which I am reading now since the audiobook just came out.
I love Larkin and Doyle, they are truly like Sherlock and Watson haha love it!
4.5-5 stars January 2022
This is a yes on all fronts…well almost all fronts there is a small moment of cheating where Larkin kissed Doyle and Larkin is still married (yes his marriage isn’t good and it was going down the shitter haha but still doesn’t make it right)
I will say even with that small bit of cheating, the mystery and the way that Doyle and Larkin worked together brought back the BBC Sherlock memories. They were like Sherlock and Watson and I lived for that!
Kale Williams also did a great job with the narration.
Yes this kind of ended in a cliffhanger… sooo kinda upset that I didn’t wait until there were more books out since we don’t have a date for the next book but now I know how addicting CS Poes writing is, I will try out some of her other books!!
Because book three came out on audio I need to reread all these books, which isn’t a hardship lol! Love being back with these two!
Reread/Relisten #1 January 2023
One year later and this book still got me with that twist. I did a reread for book two which I am reading now since the audiobook just came out.
I love Larkin and Doyle, they are truly like Sherlock and Watson haha love it!
4.5-5 stars January 2022
This is a yes on all fronts…well almost all fronts there is a small moment of cheating where Larkin kissed Doyle and Larkin is still married (yes his marriage isn’t good and it was going down the shitter haha but still doesn’t make it right)
I will say even with that small bit of cheating, the mystery and the way that Doyle and Larkin worked together brought back the BBC Sherlock memories. They were like Sherlock and Watson and I lived for that!
Kale Williams also did a great job with the narration.
Yes this kind of ended in a cliffhanger… sooo kinda upset that I didn’t wait until there were more books out since we don’t have a date for the next book but now I know how addicting CS Poes writing is, I will try out some of her other books!!
October 3, 2021
Compellingly written, as always. I dislike serial killer stories a lot, but the mystery itself was good (and fair).
I thought the main character was interesting, and the neurodivergence was well-done.
HOWEVER. This is a book that wants me to ship the MC plus his love interest, very badly, but if you want me to do that, don't do it by setting it up as adultery. Like, I'm sorry the MC doesn't like his husband at all, but that doesn't excuse any of his actions, and I see no reason that the love interest will ultimately be better for him than his husband (who's portrayed with all kinds of negative stereotypes that normally belong to the wives people want to justify cheating on, gross). The MC needs to find an actual therapist and not just people who want to study his memory condition. Maybe they could try couples counseling, IDK. But his "failed" relationship here, it sounds like a lot of it was his fault, and switching partners will not fix that. The LI seems magically amazing -- but in another book, so would his husband.
I thought the main character was interesting, and the neurodivergence was well-done.
HOWEVER. This is a book that wants me to ship the MC plus his love interest, very badly, but if you want me to do that, don't do it by setting it up as adultery. Like, I'm sorry the MC doesn't like his husband at all, but that doesn't excuse any of his actions, and I see no reason that the love interest will ultimately be better for him than his husband (who's portrayed with all kinds of negative stereotypes that normally belong to the wives people want to justify cheating on, gross). The MC needs to find an actual therapist and not just people who want to study his memory condition. Maybe they could try couples counseling, IDK. But his "failed" relationship here, it sounds like a lot of it was his fault, and switching partners will not fix that. The LI seems magically amazing -- but in another book, so would his husband.
Read
August 20, 2025Buy Links:
Ebook, Paperback, and Audio
audio narrated by Kale Williams
Italian edition
with Quixote Edizioni
French edition
with Juno Publishing
Ebook, Paperback, and Audio
audio narrated by Kale Williams
Italian edition
with Quixote Edizioni
French edition
with Juno Publishing
Read
June 5, 2024DNF(for now!) @ 25% - not because it’s not amazing because I could eat the chemistry between Larkin and Doyle up like a tasty snack, but everything else is giving me a sense of dread and misery. Not in the right headspace for a realistic representation of the working environment in law enforcement (i.e. casual and NOT-so-casual homophobia)🙃🙂↔️🙃🙂↔️
January 11, 2025
3,5*
The writing at times felt clunky and hard to read (also full of acronyms that were not always explained), the case itself was mediocre... but the characters, OH the characters more than made up for any shortcomings.
I didn't always like Larkin but I really enjoyed reading about him, he's an incredibly interesting character and I'm rooting for him (although not all his deductions made sense, some of them were wild leaps of logic made with incomplete information; therefore completely incorrect. Not many authors can truly pull off a Sherlockian character and make him believable...). And Ira Doyle? Swoon-worthy, I completely fell for him. He's my favorite, no contest. Their relationship reminds me of Quiad and Aslan, though more low-key. The only thing that kind of bugs me is that their connection was way too instantaneous. It felt like they should know and understand each other like that in a few weeks/months at least, but it was actually TWO DAYS O.o
Oh and Ira's job as a forensic artist was insanely interesting to read about!
Nevertheless, I'm here for their budding relationship (though I hope there won't be unnecessarily big drama concerning Noah - I kind of pity him) and I'm ready to dive into the next book.
The writing at times felt clunky and hard to read (also full of acronyms that were not always explained), the case itself was mediocre... but the characters, OH the characters more than made up for any shortcomings.
I didn't always like Larkin but I really enjoyed reading about him, he's an incredibly interesting character and I'm rooting for him (although not all his deductions made sense, some of them were wild leaps of logic made with incomplete information; therefore completely incorrect. Not many authors can truly pull off a Sherlockian character and make him believable...). And Ira Doyle? Swoon-worthy, I completely fell for him. He's my favorite, no contest. Their relationship reminds me of Quiad and Aslan, though more low-key. The only thing that kind of bugs me is that their connection was way too instantaneous. It felt like they should know and understand each other like that in a few weeks/months at least, but it was actually TWO DAYS O.o
Oh and Ira's job as a forensic artist was insanely interesting to read about!
Nevertheless, I'm here for their budding relationship (though I hope there won't be unnecessarily big drama concerning Noah - I kind of pity him) and I'm ready to dive into the next book.
December 15, 2024
"Love and sex can only be used for good"
WOW!!!!!
After an incredible 2024 of reading, I did not expect to be completely bowled over in early December.
This book and the subsequent series is absolutely incredible. Larkin and Doyle are the toppest of the most top-tier couples of all time. Larkin's unique mind and dry hilarity and Doyle's adorable warm patience and exceptional talent were the Maccas chocolate sundae and fries combo I am always searching for.
For those (like me) who love a horny book, there is pretty much zero sex, but I did not even notice because it was still so stupidly hot. For those (like me) who usually find a murder mystery plot annoying because it gets in the way of the ROH-MANCE, the buddy comedy and slow burn of these two detectives working so fucking perfectly together (hang on a sec while I scream-bite my fist) made me root for them and the victims they were trying to find justice for with every single millisecond that passed.
To say that the writing is wonderful is an understatement, just about every few minutes I was listening to a line that I smiled, nodded and sighed about.
The narrator was perfection and brought these characters and this world to life like nothing I have ever heard before. Kale has never been so satisfying.
SPOILER: Thes next book is even better!!!! Waaaaahhhh!!!!!
March 12, 2022
I loved this! CS Poe continues to amaze me with the stories she writes. I feel smarter after I read one of her books!
This is a mystery story but also a story about Everett Larkin who is suffering the aftermath from a traumatic event that occurred on August 2, 2002. Ever since that incident he has had HSAM, Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory. He can recall dates, events, emotions but he does not have a good short term memory.
When bones are discovered under a fallen tree in Madison Square there is also a death mask. Larkin calls upon Ira Doyle, a detective with the Forensic Artists Unit. Doyle is the total opposite of Larkin, he’s handsome, tall and flirtatious. Larkin thinks this will be a nightmare being paired up with him. I loved Doyle right away, it’s hard not too. He is so sweet and a people person. Where Larkin is gruff Doyle is gentle. These two work so well together and Larkin learns there is so much more to Doyle.
Larkin is married to a selfish man who doesn’t understand him at all. Noah was so aggravating! What Larkin can’t find in anyone, even his husband, is someone who gets him. Doyle is that person. Their interactions were so sweet! I love the self discovery Larkin made because of Doyle. This is a romance that is going to be so good!!!!
I feel like there was so much more to this book than the mystery and I cannot wait for the next one. Poe really hit it out of the park with this one.
March 2022 Audiobook Review:
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
I still adored this story and I feel like C.S. Poe is amazing. She does her research and if you follow any of her social media accounts she shares her research. It’s always fascinating to me.
I loved the mystery, I loved Larkin and I think Doyle is the perfect book boyfriend! Every time he called Everett “Evie” I melted. I am super excited to read more about their relationship and watching it grow.
Kale Williams is the narrator and I enjoy his work. I think he was a great choice for this book but sometimes I felt like it was hard to differentiate between Larkin and Doyle. He gives all the characters different voices but there were a few times those two were a bit similar.
I also felt like I could tell he was reading at times. Since Larkin is very monotone it presents a challenge because the narrator can’t put too much inflection into the voice therefore it sounds like it’s just being read and doesn’t sound like it’s coming naturally. He did the performance and that’s probably a good thing he sounded like that. It was just something I wasn’t used to from him.
This is a mystery story but also a story about Everett Larkin who is suffering the aftermath from a traumatic event that occurred on August 2, 2002. Ever since that incident he has had HSAM, Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory. He can recall dates, events, emotions but he does not have a good short term memory.
When bones are discovered under a fallen tree in Madison Square there is also a death mask. Larkin calls upon Ira Doyle, a detective with the Forensic Artists Unit. Doyle is the total opposite of Larkin, he’s handsome, tall and flirtatious. Larkin thinks this will be a nightmare being paired up with him. I loved Doyle right away, it’s hard not too. He is so sweet and a people person. Where Larkin is gruff Doyle is gentle. These two work so well together and Larkin learns there is so much more to Doyle.
Larkin is married to a selfish man who doesn’t understand him at all. Noah was so aggravating! What Larkin can’t find in anyone, even his husband, is someone who gets him. Doyle is that person. Their interactions were so sweet! I love the self discovery Larkin made because of Doyle. This is a romance that is going to be so good!!!!
I feel like there was so much more to this book than the mystery and I cannot wait for the next one. Poe really hit it out of the park with this one.
March 2022 Audiobook Review:
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
I still adored this story and I feel like C.S. Poe is amazing. She does her research and if you follow any of her social media accounts she shares her research. It’s always fascinating to me.
I loved the mystery, I loved Larkin and I think Doyle is the perfect book boyfriend! Every time he called Everett “Evie” I melted. I am super excited to read more about their relationship and watching it grow.
Kale Williams is the narrator and I enjoy his work. I think he was a great choice for this book but sometimes I felt like it was hard to differentiate between Larkin and Doyle. He gives all the characters different voices but there were a few times those two were a bit similar.
I also felt like I could tell he was reading at times. Since Larkin is very monotone it presents a challenge because the narrator can’t put too much inflection into the voice therefore it sounds like it’s just being read and doesn’t sound like it’s coming naturally. He did the performance and that’s probably a good thing he sounded like that. It was just something I wasn’t used to from him.
June 7, 2024
Re-read June 2024 in preparation for book 4 coming out - just as good the second time! Loved this!
First read Aug 2023-
Brilliant! This murder mystery kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved Larkin, his character was so interesting and well written in all his complexity’s. I have a feeling Doyle is a dark horse and will have his own backstory to come, I hope in a future book we have his POV so I can see how he views Larkin. The writing here was great, very tight, fast pace, Larkin’s unique character was in place at all times, for every scene.
I’m looking forward to the romance blooming between them but am also really enjoying the slow burn and the interesting way things have started out with Larkin already married. This was very well handled in my opinion.
Jumping straight into book 2, can’t wait to see what happens next.
Also, I didn’t realise how creepy the concept of death masks are until this book.
First read Aug 2023-
Brilliant! This murder mystery kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved Larkin, his character was so interesting and well written in all his complexity’s. I have a feeling Doyle is a dark horse and will have his own backstory to come, I hope in a future book we have his POV so I can see how he views Larkin. The writing here was great, very tight, fast pace, Larkin’s unique character was in place at all times, for every scene.
I’m looking forward to the romance blooming between them but am also really enjoying the slow burn and the interesting way things have started out with Larkin already married. This was very well handled in my opinion.
Jumping straight into book 2, can’t wait to see what happens next.
Also, I didn’t realise how creepy the concept of death masks are until this book.
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