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Blood Trails #10
Misdirection
Family can be tricky.
In the Otherworld, tricky can get you killed.
Shade’s latest case from her Unseelie master drags her into the home of a ruthless Seelie lord. A set of enchanted goblets has been stolen, and he wants her to find the thief. To make matters interesting, Flint has a relationship with the Seelie lord in question—
He’s his stepbrother.
Cael is proof that not all horrors come from the darkness. As the most infamous interrogator for the Court of Light and Illusion, he’s built a reputation for torture that goes beyond the physical. And he’s looking for a reason—any reason—to subject his stepbrother to his tender mercy.
The stakes are raised when a member of the household is murdered, and Shade's group joins the suspect list. Surrounded by secrets and treachery, Shade is forced to question the loyalties and motives of everyone around her.
Unfortunately, Cael’s patience is running out. Now he’s given Shade an ultimatum:
Catch the thief. Catch the killer.
Or pay for both with her own blood.
In the Otherworld, tricky can get you killed.
Shade’s latest case from her Unseelie master drags her into the home of a ruthless Seelie lord. A set of enchanted goblets has been stolen, and he wants her to find the thief. To make matters interesting, Flint has a relationship with the Seelie lord in question—
He’s his stepbrother.
Cael is proof that not all horrors come from the darkness. As the most infamous interrogator for the Court of Light and Illusion, he’s built a reputation for torture that goes beyond the physical. And he’s looking for a reason—any reason—to subject his stepbrother to his tender mercy.
The stakes are raised when a member of the household is murdered, and Shade's group joins the suspect list. Surrounded by secrets and treachery, Shade is forced to question the loyalties and motives of everyone around her.
Unfortunately, Cael’s patience is running out. Now he’s given Shade an ultimatum:
Catch the thief. Catch the killer.
Or pay for both with her own blood.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2021
58 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blackstream
55 books516 followersJennifer Blackstream is a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She is amazed and grateful to have made a writing career out of a Master’s degree in Psychology, hours of couch-detecting watching Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, and endless research into mythology and fairy tales. She firmly believes that whether it’s a village witch deciding she wants to be a private investigator, or a single mother having a go at being a full time writer, it’s never too late for a new adventure.
A fervent devotee of cooperative board games, Jennifer sets aside at least two nights a week for team-based adventures such as Mice & Mystics, Sentinels of the Multiverse, or Harry Potter: Battle at Hogwarts. She uses games with dice-based mechanics to lure in her ridiculously lucky-rolling son and daughter in the hope that they too will develop a passion for cooperative escapism.
Jennifer currently has three series going:
BLOOD PRINCE SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, COMPLETE):
Book 1 – Before Midnight
Book 2 – One Bite
Book 3 – Golden Stair
Book 4 – Divine Scales
Book 5 – Beautiful Salvation
Bonus Adventures in the Blood Prince World:
Book 2.5 – What Big Teeth You Have (free when you sign up for mailing list mentioned below)
Book 4.5 – The Pirate’s Witch
Book 5.5 – Dead to Begin With (available only between Thanksgiving and whenever Jennifer takes her Christmas tree down)
BLOOD REALM SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, IN PROGRESS SPIN-OFF OF BLOOD PRINCE SERIES):
Book 1 – All for a Rose
Book 2 – Blue Voodoo
Book 3 – The Archer
Book 4 – Bear With Me
Book 5 – Stolen Wish
BLOOD TRAILS SERIES (URBAN FANTASY, ONGOING)
Book 1 – Deadline
Book 2 – Monster
Book 3 – Taken
Book 4 – Corruption
Book 5 – Mercenary
Book 6 – Caged
Book 7 – Betrayal
A fervent devotee of cooperative board games, Jennifer sets aside at least two nights a week for team-based adventures such as Mice & Mystics, Sentinels of the Multiverse, or Harry Potter: Battle at Hogwarts. She uses games with dice-based mechanics to lure in her ridiculously lucky-rolling son and daughter in the hope that they too will develop a passion for cooperative escapism.
Jennifer currently has three series going:
BLOOD PRINCE SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, COMPLETE):
Book 1 – Before Midnight
Book 2 – One Bite
Book 3 – Golden Stair
Book 4 – Divine Scales
Book 5 – Beautiful Salvation
Bonus Adventures in the Blood Prince World:
Book 2.5 – What Big Teeth You Have (free when you sign up for mailing list mentioned below)
Book 4.5 – The Pirate’s Witch
Book 5.5 – Dead to Begin With (available only between Thanksgiving and whenever Jennifer takes her Christmas tree down)
BLOOD REALM SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, IN PROGRESS SPIN-OFF OF BLOOD PRINCE SERIES):
Book 1 – All for a Rose
Book 2 – Blue Voodoo
Book 3 – The Archer
Book 4 – Bear With Me
Book 5 – Stolen Wish
BLOOD TRAILS SERIES (URBAN FANTASY, ONGOING)
Book 1 – Deadline
Book 2 – Monster
Book 3 – Taken
Book 4 – Corruption
Book 5 – Mercenary
Book 6 – Caged
Book 7 – Betrayal
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 27, 2021
This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions for me, I needed to put it down in the middle so I wouldn't just inhale it. So good! And I was giddy to have seen it before Shade it (totally getting why she didn't though) and I just loved all the dynamics and undertones and ... well, I have a confession to make. I was teetering on the edge for quite some time now but this book... this book made me fall for Flint. The self-defense scene? Totally ripped my heart wide open for him. And I know we can't believe him and I know everything he does has an ulterior motive but... I just can't help myself anymore.
And Liam? Oh boy! The whole book was simmering goodness but the short talk at the end? It made me cry, he is so perfect.
I can't wait to read more about all of them because they are so very dear to my heart and I don't want this series to end!
And Liam? Oh boy! The whole book was simmering goodness but the short talk at the end? It made me cry, he is so perfect.
I can't wait to read more about all of them because they are so very dear to my heart and I don't want this series to end!
May 27, 2021
Peablossom is my fav
The level of who done it in this book was spectacular. Felt like I was playing clue. Finally read the blood realm series and things make so much more sense.
The level of who done it in this book was spectacular. Felt like I was playing clue. Finally read the blood realm series and things make so much more sense.
June 6, 2021
Hardly any magic
Shade all these books in is still essentially useless. It’s almost demeaning to call her a witch, there is very little magic from her and the little you get isn’t all that powerful. All the buildup surrounding her didn’t progress at all in this book. She is still taking orders from everyone around her and is a damsel in distress. It’s not that she isn’t brave or smart, it’s that she is weak and unable to genuinely handle the powerful foes she is up against. You know that’s true when you have to pull the “miraculous act of magic” gag to resolve the issue. Either make her powerful enough to handle her issues or not. The lack of consistency is annoying this far into the series. She is a half way okay detective but a failure as a witch. In this magical world she needs a lot more then okay detective skills to hold those people accountable for their actions against her or others.
Shade all these books in is still essentially useless. It’s almost demeaning to call her a witch, there is very little magic from her and the little you get isn’t all that powerful. All the buildup surrounding her didn’t progress at all in this book. She is still taking orders from everyone around her and is a damsel in distress. It’s not that she isn’t brave or smart, it’s that she is weak and unable to genuinely handle the powerful foes she is up against. You know that’s true when you have to pull the “miraculous act of magic” gag to resolve the issue. Either make her powerful enough to handle her issues or not. The lack of consistency is annoying this far into the series. She is a half way okay detective but a failure as a witch. In this magical world she needs a lot more then okay detective skills to hold those people accountable for their actions against her or others.
June 3, 2021
In Misdirection, her tenth volume starring modern Ohio village witch turned private eye Shade Renard and her pixie sidekick, Jennifer Blackstream turns everything I've come to love in this series up to 11!
The snappy banter and pixie snark, imaginative and dramatic displays of arcane might, magnificent and sometimes terrifying supernatural creatures (some legendary and some the author's creation and others a mix), and pulse-pounding battle scenes are satisfying as ever, yes indeed.
But it's the enchanting cast's inner conflicts and strong interpersonal relationships and complicated personal histories that get lots of in-depth exploration here and make my heart soar. Shade will need her closest allies and her wits as well as her magic about her to survive a few nights with her sidhe master's vicious in-laws and their cohorts as bodies start to drop. And who better than her best friend and familiar Peasblossom, Scath her cat-shifter sidhe bodyguard and werewolf Detective Sergeant Liam Osbourne?
Long time readers will rejoice to receive answers to tantalizing mysteries surrounding Scath. Like why so many fey seem either terrified of or obsessed with her, and why she so often retreats into her preferred panther-like form and runs away (typically via the Shadow Plane, where none can follow) rather than discuss her painful past.
Or maybe I should just say 'readers' will rejoice? Because if you're not a 'long-time' reader, you ought not be reading a review of the tenth book that will have spoilers regarding previous books. You just know Shade's mentor Mother Hazel (alias Baba Yaga) would not approve, and do you want to take that risk?
[Side note: A little background on Shade's two relationships which DO NOT form a love triangle (seriously, no) ...
At her first fey soiree, Shade wound up on the auction block and lusty leannan sidhe Flint Valencia bought a year of her service as a witch and investigator--NOT as his lover, though any objections to that are entirely hers.
Shade's new beau Liam, alpha of the Cleveland Rocky River werewolves and co-investigator on many cases, has failed in his resolve to avoid an entanglement of the heart until her contract with Flint is up. He's been patient with the sidhe's interference in Shade's cases and his flirting with her so far.
Still, the couple haven't yet found time for a cautionary conversation Liam wants to have with her about dating shifters. Oh, and the alpha renowned for his self-control has little warning about how much worse the innuendos and insults will get around Flint's snide in-laws.]
THE CASE: Shade contractually can't refuse the invitation from her master's haughty Seelie brother Lord Cael of House Pandora to unmask the thief who stole two of the many artifacts his house is famous for. And she must try to succeed by the night of a masquerade ball with a tradition of Seelie elites striking discreet deals for favors and items of power.
Closing this case won't be Shade's only problem, with nearly every member of House Pandora guarding a secret ambition to power or revenge or a return to better times, and more than one ready to go through her to achieve it.
What begins as a dance with a thief and a sadistic fey lord becomes a descent into a darker conspiracy, one where murder is the just the first step, and where one misstep could invite fates worse than death for the private eye witch and her closest allies.
THE CAST:
As usual Blackstream fleshes out a vivid and entertaining supporting cast of villains and supernatural creatures and potential allies, some of which (like Fay the artifact hunter and Astaire the elemental) I immediately hoped would reappear in future books.
But it's her main cast (except Flint, who has it coming) that I'm cheering on and returning for, always. Primarily Shade and Peasblossom and Scath, whose friendships are being tested by a growing number of secrets thanks to a binding geas.
If you enjoy Flint as an adversary, or (if you insist) as a dashing schemer and at times very solid backup in a fight or tense discussion, you'll be pleased to know there's a lot of him in these pages, and different sides to him and more background than has been revealed before.
If you weren't yet onboard for Shade and Liam's blossoming romance, then if this book doesn't get you there I don't have a clue what you're waiting for. He's as good at supporting Shade as a friend as he is professionally, he's amusingly gruff but with a rare flash of humor, and their chemistry just works.
WHEN A CAST OF A SERIES CASTS ITS SPELL OVER YOU, SPEAK UP--BOOST THE SIGNAL!
The snappy banter and pixie snark, imaginative and dramatic displays of arcane might, magnificent and sometimes terrifying supernatural creatures (some legendary and some the author's creation and others a mix), and pulse-pounding battle scenes are satisfying as ever, yes indeed.
But it's the enchanting cast's inner conflicts and strong interpersonal relationships and complicated personal histories that get lots of in-depth exploration here and make my heart soar. Shade will need her closest allies and her wits as well as her magic about her to survive a few nights with her sidhe master's vicious in-laws and their cohorts as bodies start to drop. And who better than her best friend and familiar Peasblossom, Scath her cat-shifter sidhe bodyguard and werewolf Detective Sergeant Liam Osbourne?
Long time readers will rejoice to receive answers to tantalizing mysteries surrounding Scath. Like why so many fey seem either terrified of or obsessed with her, and why she so often retreats into her preferred panther-like form and runs away (typically via the Shadow Plane, where none can follow) rather than discuss her painful past.
Or maybe I should just say 'readers' will rejoice? Because if you're not a 'long-time' reader, you ought not be reading a review of the tenth book that will have spoilers regarding previous books. You just know Shade's mentor Mother Hazel (alias Baba Yaga) would not approve, and do you want to take that risk?
[Side note: A little background on Shade's two relationships which DO NOT form a love triangle (seriously, no) ...
At her first fey soiree, Shade wound up on the auction block and lusty leannan sidhe Flint Valencia bought a year of her service as a witch and investigator--NOT as his lover, though any objections to that are entirely hers.
Shade's new beau Liam, alpha of the Cleveland Rocky River werewolves and co-investigator on many cases, has failed in his resolve to avoid an entanglement of the heart until her contract with Flint is up. He's been patient with the sidhe's interference in Shade's cases and his flirting with her so far.
Still, the couple haven't yet found time for a cautionary conversation Liam wants to have with her about dating shifters. Oh, and the alpha renowned for his self-control has little warning about how much worse the innuendos and insults will get around Flint's snide in-laws.]
THE CASE: Shade contractually can't refuse the invitation from her master's haughty Seelie brother Lord Cael of House Pandora to unmask the thief who stole two of the many artifacts his house is famous for. And she must try to succeed by the night of a masquerade ball with a tradition of Seelie elites striking discreet deals for favors and items of power.
Closing this case won't be Shade's only problem, with nearly every member of House Pandora guarding a secret ambition to power or revenge or a return to better times, and more than one ready to go through her to achieve it.
What begins as a dance with a thief and a sadistic fey lord becomes a descent into a darker conspiracy, one where murder is the just the first step, and where one misstep could invite fates worse than death for the private eye witch and her closest allies.
THE CAST:
As usual Blackstream fleshes out a vivid and entertaining supporting cast of villains and supernatural creatures and potential allies, some of which (like Fay the artifact hunter and Astaire the elemental) I immediately hoped would reappear in future books.
But it's her main cast (except Flint, who has it coming) that I'm cheering on and returning for, always. Primarily Shade and Peasblossom and Scath, whose friendships are being tested by a growing number of secrets thanks to a binding geas.
If you enjoy Flint as an adversary, or (if you insist) as a dashing schemer and at times very solid backup in a fight or tense discussion, you'll be pleased to know there's a lot of him in these pages, and different sides to him and more background than has been revealed before.
If you weren't yet onboard for Shade and Liam's blossoming romance, then if this book doesn't get you there I don't have a clue what you're waiting for. He's as good at supporting Shade as a friend as he is professionally, he's amusingly gruff but with a rare flash of humor, and their chemistry just works.
WHEN A CAST OF A SERIES CASTS ITS SPELL OVER YOU, SPEAK UP--BOOST THE SIGNAL!
February 27, 2023
Aaaafrrg!!!
Ok so FIRST- I LOVE THIS SERIES
BUT. BUUUT, with each book there are more questions than answers. There are HUGE questions still unanswered from book 1! No fight/battles/issues are ever really won, just narrowly escaped. Which means they are now BIGGER problems and MORE questions. She is so powerful but not powerful enough to demand an answer to a simple question. I love these characters, so ill continue the series, but as it is already, I have to read 1 or 2 completely different book from different author just to have the patience to come back to this series. Would I recommend this book? YES! 100% YES. I don't think most people are as impatient as I am.
Ok so FIRST- I LOVE THIS SERIES
BUT. BUUUT, with each book there are more questions than answers. There are HUGE questions still unanswered from book 1! No fight/battles/issues are ever really won, just narrowly escaped. Which means they are now BIGGER problems and MORE questions. She is so powerful but not powerful enough to demand an answer to a simple question. I love these characters, so ill continue the series, but as it is already, I have to read 1 or 2 completely different book from different author just to have the patience to come back to this series. Would I recommend this book? YES! 100% YES. I don't think most people are as impatient as I am.
June 4, 2021
OMG, The more learn the more questions I have.
I thought this is gonna be the book where I finally got some questions answered. Well, I was wrong. I was right. We're giving a little bit of insight Shade's Origin story.
†
†*************Possible spoiler alert=†****************
Who in the world is Mother Briar? Is any of the Fay's story true? And Who is the changeling child That was Shade's Sister?
I really liking the way Liam and Shades romance is goung
I thought this is gonna be the book where I finally got some questions answered. Well, I was wrong. I was right. We're giving a little bit of insight Shade's Origin story.
†
†*************Possible spoiler alert=†****************
Who in the world is Mother Briar? Is any of the Fay's story true? And Who is the changeling child That was Shade's Sister?
I really liking the way Liam and Shades romance is goung
January 17, 2024
Yeah for Shade
Whew this was a good one for Shade no making promises no getting herself into contract, actually paying attention and thinking. Liam helping her out Peasblossom being her usual brave self. Finding out the sister u thought u never see again.. Alas betrayed by your sibling. Scath. Asher is just funny to me
Whew this was a good one for Shade no making promises no getting herself into contract, actually paying attention and thinking. Liam helping her out Peasblossom being her usual brave self. Finding out the sister u thought u never see again.. Alas betrayed by your sibling. Scath. Asher is just funny to me
March 30, 2024
Great series
The book is well paced with lots of twists. The characters are great and the series is an auto buy for me. I love Shade and her quirky friends. There was plenty of action and misdirects in this one. Fun to see how Shade figures it all out. Looking forward to the next one.
The book is well paced with lots of twists. The characters are great and the series is an auto buy for me. I love Shade and her quirky friends. There was plenty of action and misdirects in this one. Fun to see how Shade figures it all out. Looking forward to the next one.
January 16, 2025
Whee, fun new characters, and some tantalizing backstory hints! However... I can suspend my disbelief for witches and werewolves and a dazzling array of oddly specialized fae, but I have a really hard time believing anyone can come up with a scheme as convoluted as [character] apparently did here and have all the unwitting participants play their parts so well.
May 28, 2021
Amazing as usual
Glad we got to see more of Flint's past etc...and moved Shade and Liam's relationship along and MAYBE found out some scant info on Scath...I can never put these down!
Glad we got to see more of Flint's past etc...and moved Shade and Liam's relationship along and MAYBE found out some scant info on Scath...I can never put these down!
June 19, 2021
Another enjoyable book
This is such a great series. This book kept me hooked until the very end. I love the characters, especially Peachblossom and Bizbee, and the entertaining interaction between them. I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend.
This is such a great series. This book kept me hooked until the very end. I love the characters, especially Peachblossom and Bizbee, and the entertaining interaction between them. I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend.
July 21, 2021
Another fun supernatural romp!
This was a great book, super fast paced while working through a complex plot with so many moving parts. The deep dive into Flints family history alone was insane.
This was a great book, super fast paced while working through a complex plot with so many moving parts. The deep dive into Flints family history alone was insane.
January 11, 2022
Loved this book.
I love the relationships between the characters. Normally this far into a series I would be boar
Normally this far into a series I get board with the same old plot line. Ever book is so different and yet the character relationships are the best!
I love the relationships between the characters. Normally this far into a series I would be boar
Normally this far into a series I get board with the same old plot line. Ever book is so different and yet the character relationships are the best!
June 13, 2021
Another WINNER
I absolutely love this series. Scaths mystery slowly starts to puzzle piece together. I loved the Liam and Shade dynamics as well as the Peasblossom antics.
I absolutely love this series. Scaths mystery slowly starts to puzzle piece together. I loved the Liam and Shade dynamics as well as the Peasblossom antics.
September 6, 2021
Shade is caught in another one of Flint's plans, and things are starting to get a bit scary for her. I'm so excited to know more, and I can't wait for the next book.
September 22, 2021
Loved it
I love Shade and Liam, and what can I say this world jennifer built is always unfolding and enthralling definitely a one click author for me
I love Shade and Liam, and what can I say this world jennifer built is always unfolding and enthralling definitely a one click author for me
October 25, 2021
This is a pretty good series. It is, however, starting to stagnate. Please start moving some of the story lines forward. Resolve something. Anything. Same old mysteries with no end in sight. Sigh...
February 22, 2022
This one was good , closer and closer to answers.
October 12, 2022
4.5 Stars:)
May 30, 2021
Enjoyed it as usual, but I missed having Andy around.
August 8, 2021
Keep writing
Would you please keep writing I enjoy this story, all the twists and all of her worlds. Aloha and mahalo
Would you please keep writing I enjoy this story, all the twists and all of her worlds. Aloha and mahalo
January 7, 2022
It definitely had a lot more plot points going on than in prior books so far within the series as a whole(in my personal opinion) and as such definitely revealed a lot in terms of moving the overall arc of the series as a whole forward.
Having said that everything that was revealed plot wise felt rushed(in my personal opinion) so for me I felt no sense of "finally that part of the story makes sense" as I would have with plot points being revealed so far into a series.
I will still be reading future books in the series. 5 and half out of 10.
Having said that everything that was revealed plot wise felt rushed(in my personal opinion) so for me I felt no sense of "finally that part of the story makes sense" as I would have with plot points being revealed so far into a series.
I will still be reading future books in the series. 5 and half out of 10.
March 26, 2022
As with all the previous books in the series, there are so many unexpected twists and turns. New characters are introduced and more secrets are revealed. Jennifer Blackstream has an incredible ability to keep this series going, to hold the interest of the reader who enjoys urban fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews