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The Murder #1
For the Murder
A lone crow is a dead crow.
That’s what Diana Van Doren, exiled crow shifter, has always believed. The last murder of crow shifters known to exist wouldn’t accept her into the flock, leaving her vulnerable. Worse, her kleptomaniacal father’s schemes put them in a demon’s crosshairs. Without the support of the murder, Diana fears death will come all too quickly. So when an opportunity to steal a rare blade that can kill anything—even demons—crosses their path, she decides to play her father’s games one last time.
However, she isn’t the only one hoping to take the blade. Sasha Sokolov, a clairvoyant, has been forced from childhood to serve the very demon hunting Diana and her family. After two decades of service, his boss finally offers him what he can’t refuse: freedom. All he has to do is bring in the knife and the Van Dorens, and his bloodline will be free from serving the demon forever.
When Diana and Sasha meet at the auction, they strike an uneasy alliance. Diana sees a way to finally be welcomed into the murder. Sasha sees an opportunity to get his freedom. To get what they want, only one of them can walk away with the blade. But when their magic inexplicably links as they reluctantly work together to steal the knife, betraying each other for their own ends may no longer be an option.
That’s what Diana Van Doren, exiled crow shifter, has always believed. The last murder of crow shifters known to exist wouldn’t accept her into the flock, leaving her vulnerable. Worse, her kleptomaniacal father’s schemes put them in a demon’s crosshairs. Without the support of the murder, Diana fears death will come all too quickly. So when an opportunity to steal a rare blade that can kill anything—even demons—crosses their path, she decides to play her father’s games one last time.
However, she isn’t the only one hoping to take the blade. Sasha Sokolov, a clairvoyant, has been forced from childhood to serve the very demon hunting Diana and her family. After two decades of service, his boss finally offers him what he can’t refuse: freedom. All he has to do is bring in the knife and the Van Dorens, and his bloodline will be free from serving the demon forever.
When Diana and Sasha meet at the auction, they strike an uneasy alliance. Diana sees a way to finally be welcomed into the murder. Sasha sees an opportunity to get his freedom. To get what they want, only one of them can walk away with the blade. But when their magic inexplicably links as they reluctantly work together to steal the knife, betraying each other for their own ends may no longer be an option.
318 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2021
4 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Gabrielle Ash
5 books105 followersGabrielle Ash is a perpetually tired mom of four from Texas.
When not writing, she spends time with her husband, four daughters, and their dog.
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When not writing, she spends time with her husband, four daughters, and their dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 17, 2022
Gabrielle Ash has been an auto-buy author for me ever since I read the first paragraph of her debut last year. I love how she writes her characters with such heart and oh the banter and snark between Sasha and Diana got me y'all. Not only was I on the edge of my seat, rooting for these two to get their HEA, but I adored their character arcs. Found family is one of my favorite tropes and Ash does it with ultimate finesse. I am so happy Diana found her family, her murder--she is such a kick ass heroine and deserves nothing less. And Sasha, SWOON. I swear he'd lasso the moon for Diana if she asked for it. I love that he took care of her while also allowing her to be independent and work through her past. Now...can we talk about Nobu and Natsu?!? Oh, I love these two so much! Natsu gave me major Salem vibes but ya know, with a side of demon--which was absolutely brilliant. Seriously, I cannot ask for more as a reader. Ash has crafted an urban paranormal romance masterpiece with this incredibly unique and superb novel that will have readers clamoring for the next book in the series--heck, the next book she writes! I'd happily read anything Ash writes. Let me put it like this--if she wrote a math textbook, I'd buy it and read it from cover to cover (and math is not my thing, okay?) because I know that she will take the subject and put her unique spin on it and make it AMAZING. Do yourself a favor and read this brilliant novel--you will not be disappointed. Gabrielle is easily in my top 5 favorite authors and I am so thrilled about what she writes next.
January 6, 2022
For the Murder is a wonderfully creative, unique, fast-paced story about a crow shifter searching for a murder to belong to and an angel in service to a demon searching for freedom he never expected to find. Throw in some of Hell’s generals, a magic blade, a boy possessed by a cat demon, and werewolves and you might get the idea of how deliciously fun this story is!
The chemistry between Sasha and Diana sizzles. Sasha is the reluctant hero we all need and Diana is so beautifully portrayed as a woman abandoned over and over who finally finds a family. I think Natsu, the cat demon, is my favorite though!
I’m so thankful that Gabrielle Ash provided me with an early copy of this book. Highly recommend!!
The chemistry between Sasha and Diana sizzles. Sasha is the reluctant hero we all need and Diana is so beautifully portrayed as a woman abandoned over and over who finally finds a family. I think Natsu, the cat demon, is my favorite though!
I’m so thankful that Gabrielle Ash provided me with an early copy of this book. Highly recommend!!
April 7, 2022
Every character is brought to life with brilliant personalities.
Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 23, 2022
A shifter thief, a demon’s angelic henchman, and a cat demon (and its host) find common ground in the search to acquire a demon-killing knife in this found family heist urban fantasy.
Diana is a careless man’s careful daughter, a crow shifter exiled with her parents when her conman father conned the wrong demon and brought danger to the Murder (their crow shifter clan). Diana is now 28 and a professional thief, stealing items for her father and pining for the day Lead Crow allows her to rejoin the flock.
Sasha is a demon general’s right-hand man, born from an angelic bloodline and forced into servitude, using his talents to acquire whatever his employer desires. Taken from his mother as a child and raised by demons, he’s now 31 with a ledger stained red.
When a demon-killing knife goes up for auction, both are desperate to get their hands on it – Diana as an offering to her old Murder for a chance to be reunited and Sasha for a promise of freedom in exchange for the blade. The two join forces, along with Nobu, a young man possessed by a cat demon. Although working together, they all have their own agendas, and Sasha keeps his true motives under wraps as part of his own plan to use the other two to get his hands on the weapon.
While I was intrigued by the book’s description, I was not expecting to like it as much as I did. It’s kind of impossible not to become attached to this little motley crew, they are all so damaged and alone in their own ways and in need of a hug. It’s impossible to stay detached – something even the emotionally-distanced Sasha learns the hard way.
The author does a fantastic job of keeping the action and stakes high the whole way through. The bond that forms between the three conspirators is established naturally and organically as they plan, fight, and face vampires, werewolves, demons, and more side by side in their quest for the knife.
The romance between Diana and Sasha is a very slow burn, so slow that I started to think there wasn’t going to be one. Their connection is more of an emotional (and magical) bond than a physical one, but rest assured the two are very attracted to each other and do share a few kisses and embraces eventually.
Oh – also it’s Christmas. The book is set during Christmas, but the holiday happens in the background, it actually doesn’t play a part in the book and none of the characters celebrate it. I found that kind of quirky.
I really enjoyed For The Murder and was left wanting more. Fantastic plotting, incredibly likable complex characters (who doesn’t love damaged-but-redeemable characters with hearts of gold?), and the perfect blend of action & emotion made this an absolute page-turner for me. I can’t wait to see what these three are up to in book two (coming out this fall) and will absolutely read more books by this author.
*Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with review copy
Diana is a careless man’s careful daughter, a crow shifter exiled with her parents when her conman father conned the wrong demon and brought danger to the Murder (their crow shifter clan). Diana is now 28 and a professional thief, stealing items for her father and pining for the day Lead Crow allows her to rejoin the flock.
Sasha is a demon general’s right-hand man, born from an angelic bloodline and forced into servitude, using his talents to acquire whatever his employer desires. Taken from his mother as a child and raised by demons, he’s now 31 with a ledger stained red.
When a demon-killing knife goes up for auction, both are desperate to get their hands on it – Diana as an offering to her old Murder for a chance to be reunited and Sasha for a promise of freedom in exchange for the blade. The two join forces, along with Nobu, a young man possessed by a cat demon. Although working together, they all have their own agendas, and Sasha keeps his true motives under wraps as part of his own plan to use the other two to get his hands on the weapon.
While I was intrigued by the book’s description, I was not expecting to like it as much as I did. It’s kind of impossible not to become attached to this little motley crew, they are all so damaged and alone in their own ways and in need of a hug. It’s impossible to stay detached – something even the emotionally-distanced Sasha learns the hard way.
The author does a fantastic job of keeping the action and stakes high the whole way through. The bond that forms between the three conspirators is established naturally and organically as they plan, fight, and face vampires, werewolves, demons, and more side by side in their quest for the knife.
The romance between Diana and Sasha is a very slow burn, so slow that I started to think there wasn’t going to be one. Their connection is more of an emotional (and magical) bond than a physical one, but rest assured the two are very attracted to each other and do share a few kisses and embraces eventually.
Oh – also it’s Christmas. The book is set during Christmas, but the holiday happens in the background, it actually doesn’t play a part in the book and none of the characters celebrate it. I found that kind of quirky.
I really enjoyed For The Murder and was left wanting more. Fantastic plotting, incredibly likable complex characters (who doesn’t love damaged-but-redeemable characters with hearts of gold?), and the perfect blend of action & emotion made this an absolute page-turner for me. I can’t wait to see what these three are up to in book two (coming out this fall) and will absolutely read more books by this author.
*Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with review copy
February 22, 2022
For The Murder is a captivating urban fantasy full of shifters, witches, angels and imaginative demon lore. This beautifully written story contains subtle and sweet chemistry essential to the story as a whole, and Gabrielle Ash, the new queen of slow-burn romance, has made a lifelong fan out of me. Absolutely cannot wait to read the next installment of Diana and Sasha’s journey.
February 23, 2022
I've been dying to scream about this book! I had the privilege to read FOR THE MURDER early, and WOW!
In a literary landscape filled with shifters of every sort, I'd thought I'd seen then all until I met crow shifter Diana. I'm used to big strong, nearly invulnerable shifters, and along comes a cunning but vulnerable crow.
I was immediately drawn in by the unique world of paranormals- some comfortably familiar, some familiar but with a spin, some completely new. The voice grabbed me and held on. The pace kept me turning pages to the end.
Diana's story begins as an outcast in a crappy family situation, so it was easy to ride-or-die with her from page one.
Stoic Sasha can be cold, but it is never a turn off. His methodical nature is so fascinating, and his limited clairvoyant skills are so cool!
Together, the two are a couple to remember. As is this story! In the crowded urban fantasy market, author Gabrielle Ash has definitely claimed a spot with FOR THE MURDER.
In a literary landscape filled with shifters of every sort, I'd thought I'd seen then all until I met crow shifter Diana. I'm used to big strong, nearly invulnerable shifters, and along comes a cunning but vulnerable crow.
I was immediately drawn in by the unique world of paranormals- some comfortably familiar, some familiar but with a spin, some completely new. The voice grabbed me and held on. The pace kept me turning pages to the end.
Diana's story begins as an outcast in a crappy family situation, so it was easy to ride-or-die with her from page one.
Stoic Sasha can be cold, but it is never a turn off. His methodical nature is so fascinating, and his limited clairvoyant skills are so cool!
Together, the two are a couple to remember. As is this story! In the crowded urban fantasy market, author Gabrielle Ash has definitely claimed a spot with FOR THE MURDER.
March 1, 2022
This is an intriguing urban fantasy, where Diana is a crow shapeshifter who has been exiled from the murder she was born into through no fault of her own. This is a disaster for her as crows are highly sociable birds and being alone not only is emotionally damaging, but crow magic works best in concert. Worse, she is in thrall to her uncaring, abusive parents who are far too caught up in their own woes to waste any time worrying about their daughter. An unsuccessful con merchant, her father also has a bad habit of seriously upsetting very powerful, dangerous beings. Diana’s vulnerability and fragility is well portrayed without tipping over into pitiful victimhood, which would have made me lose patience with her. I was always rooting for Diana to survive throughout, which didn’t feel as if it was a guarantee.
I also liked Sasha, the lethal fixer for demon-general Madame. His uncaring façade and world-weary acceptance of the vicious deeds he is forced to commit comes over well. So the initial encounter and growing relationship between the two main protagonists is intriguing and mostly well handled. However, I do have a niggle that knocked off a point – there were times when I felt the pace stuttered as Ash reiterated, yet again, how much Sasha worried about his mother/the odd sensations he’s experiencing since first meeting Diana, while she is goes on reeling at the odd sensations she’s experiencing since first meeting Sasha and wondering whether to tell him why. The book would have been a more satisfying read if some of those internal musing were edited out, especially as the reader learnt nothing new in the process.
That said, this is an enjoyable world. The general nastiness is graphically conveyed in some gripping and brutal action scenes that are all the more shocking as a contrast to the delicate and nuanced characterisation. Ash is clearly an accomplished writer with a strong, individual writing style and I kept turning the pages to discover what happened next. I look forward to reading the next book in the series in due course. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy who enjoy a convincing, dangerous world, unusual characters and strong romantic thread running through the story. While I obtained an arc of For the Murder from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
I also liked Sasha, the lethal fixer for demon-general Madame. His uncaring façade and world-weary acceptance of the vicious deeds he is forced to commit comes over well. So the initial encounter and growing relationship between the two main protagonists is intriguing and mostly well handled. However, I do have a niggle that knocked off a point – there were times when I felt the pace stuttered as Ash reiterated, yet again, how much Sasha worried about his mother/the odd sensations he’s experiencing since first meeting Diana, while she is goes on reeling at the odd sensations she’s experiencing since first meeting Sasha and wondering whether to tell him why. The book would have been a more satisfying read if some of those internal musing were edited out, especially as the reader learnt nothing new in the process.
That said, this is an enjoyable world. The general nastiness is graphically conveyed in some gripping and brutal action scenes that are all the more shocking as a contrast to the delicate and nuanced characterisation. Ash is clearly an accomplished writer with a strong, individual writing style and I kept turning the pages to discover what happened next. I look forward to reading the next book in the series in due course. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy who enjoy a convincing, dangerous world, unusual characters and strong romantic thread running through the story. While I obtained an arc of For the Murder from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
March 2, 2022
Gabrielle Ash does it again in this quirky, suspenseful, surprisingly deep urban fantasy novel. Expertly crafting a diverse world of supernatural creatures that manages to make even the most familiar tropes feel fresh, she draws in the reader with irresistible characters thrown together in a high-stakes battle for survival and freedom.
Diana is an outcast crow shifter determined to steal a powerful artifact. Sasha is a human assassin with angelic blood who's sworn his life to the demon who's hunting Diana's family. The dual POV keeps the reader on edge, waiting for their conflicting motives to blow up into betrayal and destroy the sweet, slow-burn bond between the two main characters. As a cold-blooded, hyper-confident killer who would do anything to protect his beloved mother, even sell his soul, Sasha is surprisingly likeable and sexy as hell. Meanwhile, Diana's self-sacrifice in her quest for acceptance by the family that rejected her hit me right in the feels. Along with a cat-demon possessed young man who has an agenda of his own to play out, these two are about to become dysfunctional found family whether they like it or not, thanks to Diana's shifter magic.
That brings me to the thing that most impressed me here: the way Gabrielle Ash presents what is essentially a classic "fated mates" shifter trope in a way that felt fascinating, seductive, and entirely fresh to this jaded reader. I especially appreciated the non-traditional shifter species and how their magic worked in ways that felt specific to crows. Even the werewolf, demon, and vampire side characters in this book behaved like three-dimensional characters in unexpected ways. This is no easy feat to achieve in such well-trodden genre ground and I give huge props for getting me to cheer for conventions I typically don't enjoy.
I could say so much more about this story because I loved every bit of it. Like THE FAMILY CROSS, I devoured it in record time. There's a nice setup for a sequel at the end of this one and I'd return to Diana and Sasha's world in a heartbeat. Gabrielle Ash is quickly becoming one of my favorite new authors in the urban fantasy genre and I'm looking forward to reading whatever she does next.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Diana is an outcast crow shifter determined to steal a powerful artifact. Sasha is a human assassin with angelic blood who's sworn his life to the demon who's hunting Diana's family. The dual POV keeps the reader on edge, waiting for their conflicting motives to blow up into betrayal and destroy the sweet, slow-burn bond between the two main characters. As a cold-blooded, hyper-confident killer who would do anything to protect his beloved mother, even sell his soul, Sasha is surprisingly likeable and sexy as hell. Meanwhile, Diana's self-sacrifice in her quest for acceptance by the family that rejected her hit me right in the feels. Along with a cat-demon possessed young man who has an agenda of his own to play out, these two are about to become dysfunctional found family whether they like it or not, thanks to Diana's shifter magic.
That brings me to the thing that most impressed me here: the way Gabrielle Ash presents what is essentially a classic "fated mates" shifter trope in a way that felt fascinating, seductive, and entirely fresh to this jaded reader. I especially appreciated the non-traditional shifter species and how their magic worked in ways that felt specific to crows. Even the werewolf, demon, and vampire side characters in this book behaved like three-dimensional characters in unexpected ways. This is no easy feat to achieve in such well-trodden genre ground and I give huge props for getting me to cheer for conventions I typically don't enjoy.
I could say so much more about this story because I loved every bit of it. Like THE FAMILY CROSS, I devoured it in record time. There's a nice setup for a sequel at the end of this one and I'd return to Diana and Sasha's world in a heartbeat. Gabrielle Ash is quickly becoming one of my favorite new authors in the urban fantasy genre and I'm looking forward to reading whatever she does next.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2022
I would like to thank LibraryThing, Owl City Press, and Gabrielle Ash for sending me an Advance Reader's Copy of For the Murder!
I tend to have mixed feelings about shifter books, I love the idea of characters who have the ability to shift into animals, but I often feel like these books follow the same tired tropes at best, and are just plain badly written at worst. But I had never read a crow shifter book, so I was intrigued enough to put my name in for an ARC of For the Murder - and I enjoyed it! For one thing, I feel like the characters were very well written and I enjoyed their individual journeys as well as their trajectory coming together. I think Nobu and Natsu turned out to be my favorite characters and I loved what Ash did with them. I also think that the relationship between Diana and Sasha was well done. Personally, I am not into super graphic love scenes, which is one of the reasons I usually steer clear of shifter books; it seems like they are all full of uncomfortably descriptive furry action (no offense or shame if that's your thing! It's just not mine). So I was pleasantly surprised out how clean and sweet Diana and Sasha's story turned out to be. There was also some great action, emotional development, and even humor. I found myself actually laughing out loud at times! A few things did knock this down from a five star to a 3.5-4 star for me. For one thing, Diana and Sasha's inner monologues could get pretty repetitive at times. Yes, we know that Diana wants a murder and is lonely. I get it that Sasha has done some bad stuff and feels irredeemable. Ok, moving on. There were a few glaring editing mistakes too. Not enough to make the book unreadable, but enough to be distracting. At one or two points the violence was a tad too graphic for my taste. And there were one or two loose ends that weren't entirely explained. (Why do crow shifters have three legs?? I thought that would come into play later, but it just...didn't). I do realize that this is the beginning of a series, though, so perhaps these things will be dealt with later.
Overall, a fun read, with interesting characters and some unique takes on supernatural mythology. Give this one a try!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I tend to have mixed feelings about shifter books, I love the idea of characters who have the ability to shift into animals, but I often feel like these books follow the same tired tropes at best, and are just plain badly written at worst. But I had never read a crow shifter book, so I was intrigued enough to put my name in for an ARC of For the Murder - and I enjoyed it! For one thing, I feel like the characters were very well written and I enjoyed their individual journeys as well as their trajectory coming together. I think Nobu and Natsu turned out to be my favorite characters and I loved what Ash did with them. I also think that the relationship between Diana and Sasha was well done. Personally, I am not into super graphic love scenes, which is one of the reasons I usually steer clear of shifter books; it seems like they are all full of uncomfortably descriptive furry action (no offense or shame if that's your thing! It's just not mine). So I was pleasantly surprised out how clean and sweet Diana and Sasha's story turned out to be. There was also some great action, emotional development, and even humor. I found myself actually laughing out loud at times! A few things did knock this down from a five star to a 3.5-4 star for me. For one thing, Diana and Sasha's inner monologues could get pretty repetitive at times. Yes, we know that Diana wants a murder and is lonely. I get it that Sasha has done some bad stuff and feels irredeemable. Ok, moving on. There were a few glaring editing mistakes too. Not enough to make the book unreadable, but enough to be distracting. At one or two points the violence was a tad too graphic for my taste. And there were one or two loose ends that weren't entirely explained. (Why do crow shifters have three legs?? I thought that would come into play later, but it just...didn't). I do realize that this is the beginning of a series, though, so perhaps these things will be dealt with later.
Overall, a fun read, with interesting characters and some unique takes on supernatural mythology. Give this one a try!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2022
Get ready for a sleek, irresistible story that has a little bit of everything: action, intrigue, romance, betrayal, werewolves, angels, and demon possession! For the Murder is truly a fantastical tour de force that will having you chewing through pages with bated breath, awaiting the next juicy plot twist. Gabrielle Ash has a unique talent for crafting family drama that is marvelously on display here along with top-notch worldbuilding that she uses to create a fascinating saga with a murder of crow shifters at the center. From the opening hook to the final page, For the Murder is a fast-paced ride that will pull you in and refuse to let go.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC to review!
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC to review!
February 12, 2022
I am always on the lookout for books even though I have more than enough to keep my reading for years, and this is one author I’ve always wanted to try. I dived into this one not understanding the title. I felt so silly when I figured it out. Diana is a crow shifter trying to help her family. She was not treated well all her life, and she isn’t prepared when her life changes in this interesting paranormal romance. I felt so bad for Diana, and I wished she had trusted Sasha sooner. Natsu was probably my favorite character, though, for some reason. This was a delightful book that could be a little dark at times. I’m looking forward to finding out how things will shake out for all of them. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
February 21, 2022
I don't even know how to begin describing where this book took me. Particularly if I want to avoid telling the readers that come after me all the best surprises contained in the plot. Simply saying how much I loved reading this book doesn't feel like enough; I feel like I'm damning it with faint praise. It doesn't begin to cover how complex and multifaceted the characters are, or the multiple layers of double crosses and misdirections that are at work. Now that I've had this opportunity to spend some time with Diana, Sasha, and Nobu I can't wait to find out where this series will take them next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
February 8, 2022
LOVED IT!
February 28, 2022
These last few days my neighbours could hear, figuratively speaking of course, (cough) a lot of whooping from yours truly, because I discovered two new authors and series I really like. Gabrielle Ash with her For the Murder series is one of them.
A good UF book/series has supernatural creatures from a new angle. Whether it's a different kind of vampire (f.e) or shows a fresh set of superpowers. Other ingredients are gripping character backstories, an exciting plot, scary enemies, and quite possibly a love interest that make our hearts beat faster. Of course we include emotional baggage to make a relationship hard. Oh, and a secret that'll come out in the worst possible way is always fun too. Throw all these ingredients together, stir and voila: your readers will eat it up!
Get your spoons out for For the Murder! It has it all. And while the Love-interest bit was a tad cliche, that is a word I'll not use again for this book! The extra spice is a main character that is not your run of the mill known supe - a shifter in this case. No, raven-haired beauty Diana van Doren is a crow. A crow! No worries, you will get your healthy dose of werewolves – though if you should truly want these, I doubt. Even non-sparkling vampires, scary demons and other creatures enter the fray. But creating a main character who isn't strong, doesn't particularly have any amazing superpowers and who is dead poor, looks emaciated when meeting her future beau, and is in hiding from pretty much everyone powerful to boot: that takes guts.
It is a writer's risk that pays off. You sympathise with Diana. The fact she does plenty with the little she has– and definitely with what she gains – makes her an even greater character. Sure, she's drop-dead gorgeous apparently,but you'll soon forgive her for that because life didn't exactly treat her right. And I also think she is not really aware.
The story starts when crowshifter Diana is forced by daddy dearest to steal a very special knife at an action in the hopes of -by gifting it to Lead Crow – gaining back entry to the murder that kicked him (and as a result also mom and herself) out. However, the heist becomes a giant failure due to the actions of Sasha Sokolov, an 'angelic' human with his own agenda.
Sasha inadvertently becomes her new accomplice: in exchange for helping her steal the knife he only wants a talk with her father. U-huh... With enemies breathing down her neck and a deep seated need to be accepted by the only remaining murder of crows, Diana agrees. She wants that knife! Together with her original accomplice, Nobu - a Japanese kid who was hired by her dad and is also much more than he seems - they hit the road.
In a fast paced, action- filled story our knife-hunting and constantly almost dying trio learns unexpected things about their fellow travelling companions, and themselves. And even though her journey becomes more dangerous by the minute, it's not just thoughts of her mission that fill Diana's every waking moment. Without realising at first she becomes a lot more attached to the closed off Sasha than she could've ever imagined... Up to the point that she's sitting on a rather important secret that could change her plans and entire future. Something that Sasha, with his own dangerous and heartbreaking secret, is slow to realise.
For the Murder is book one in a series and has everything to make readers want more “Murder”. Even though the original story of the first novel is finished and all loose ends have been dealt with (love that btw), the epilogue gives a nice set-up for more to come. Much more.
Gabrielle Ash has created three characters that are all, in their own way, likeable. She slowly reveals their back stories, their hurts, their reasons for doing what they do. The entire novel has a great tempo, no useless adjective vomit, a decent amount of conversations to understand the building friendships (even though Sasha and Diana fall for each other fast, as is normal these days in books), and it is all done in a nice writing style.
The book is easy to read and gripping. In a story without boring moments, there are still enough 'breaks' to learn more about our elusive and unlikely trio of friends. Even though I would've liked to see a tad more world building, primarily the role of the demon generals and how the supernatural-normal human relationship is. That remained rather vague. But I'm pretty sure we're about to get dunked in it -if you read the rest of the series that is.
Back to the start of it though: I really like how the author gave all characters obvious weaknesses instead of being all powerful. Don't get me wrong, I definitely dig the sassy, strong female lead with mega powers (like the Kate Daniels series) and a hot SO. But Diana being different, a weak supernatural in comparison, and still making it 'strong' through perseverance and character... it's something most readers might actually recognise themselves in, without the need to lose the magic.
So, Diana, Sasha, and Nobu have weaknesses, but obviously also certain powers. We're talking an urban fantasy setting after all. It is the big and minor differences in their and other powers compared to most UF series that makes me give this book another big thumbs up. Because I do not want to give too much away I'll focus on Diana again. She is a new kind of shifter if there ever was one. She might be able to fly and have excellent vision, but other than flap her wings at an enemy she's not much in a fight. And we get plenty of those. Though you'll read that her relationship with Sasha is about to give her an edge. And while most men in UF series with a female lead are emotionally stunted because of their "Me Alpha, you woman", our Sasha takes the cake. But not because he's like a 400yo alpha male. It's his youth and career. His background is such that his emotional issues led to problems in For the Murder, and will for sure lead to others in future books, with all the craziness they've invited into their lives now.
My hope for the rest of the series – fully on my wishlist now – is more character growth. There was a tiny bit in this book, but I think the new circumstances give plenty opportunities to have them all struggle with baggage... and eventually become the better for it. It's also what can make a good fantasy series great. And as said earlier, I would also love to see more of the supernatural world they're a part of. Even though For the Murder showed some intriguing antagonists, we were predominantly shown a small group. I definitely hope more explanations about the world they live in and wouldn't be against some unexpected creatures in this fantasy series. After Diana and Nobu, and Sasha in a lesser fashion, I expect an original sauce from Gabrielle Ash.
My rating will be short and sweet.
Four well deserved stars in any 5 star system. And an 8.25 out of 10.00 in my own. It's a cum laude start for this series and I truly hope book 2 is on its way fast.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A good UF book/series has supernatural creatures from a new angle. Whether it's a different kind of vampire (f.e) or shows a fresh set of superpowers. Other ingredients are gripping character backstories, an exciting plot, scary enemies, and quite possibly a love interest that make our hearts beat faster. Of course we include emotional baggage to make a relationship hard. Oh, and a secret that'll come out in the worst possible way is always fun too. Throw all these ingredients together, stir and voila: your readers will eat it up!
Get your spoons out for For the Murder! It has it all. And while the Love-interest bit was a tad cliche, that is a word I'll not use again for this book! The extra spice is a main character that is not your run of the mill known supe - a shifter in this case. No, raven-haired beauty Diana van Doren is a crow. A crow! No worries, you will get your healthy dose of werewolves – though if you should truly want these, I doubt. Even non-sparkling vampires, scary demons and other creatures enter the fray. But creating a main character who isn't strong, doesn't particularly have any amazing superpowers and who is dead poor, looks emaciated when meeting her future beau, and is in hiding from pretty much everyone powerful to boot: that takes guts.
It is a writer's risk that pays off. You sympathise with Diana. The fact she does plenty with the little she has– and definitely with what she gains – makes her an even greater character. Sure, she's drop-dead gorgeous apparently,but you'll soon forgive her for that because life didn't exactly treat her right. And I also think she is not really aware.
The story starts when crowshifter Diana is forced by daddy dearest to steal a very special knife at an action in the hopes of -by gifting it to Lead Crow – gaining back entry to the murder that kicked him (and as a result also mom and herself) out. However, the heist becomes a giant failure due to the actions of Sasha Sokolov, an 'angelic' human with his own agenda.
Sasha inadvertently becomes her new accomplice: in exchange for helping her steal the knife he only wants a talk with her father. U-huh... With enemies breathing down her neck and a deep seated need to be accepted by the only remaining murder of crows, Diana agrees. She wants that knife! Together with her original accomplice, Nobu - a Japanese kid who was hired by her dad and is also much more than he seems - they hit the road.
In a fast paced, action- filled story our knife-hunting and constantly almost dying trio learns unexpected things about their fellow travelling companions, and themselves. And even though her journey becomes more dangerous by the minute, it's not just thoughts of her mission that fill Diana's every waking moment. Without realising at first she becomes a lot more attached to the closed off Sasha than she could've ever imagined... Up to the point that she's sitting on a rather important secret that could change her plans and entire future. Something that Sasha, with his own dangerous and heartbreaking secret, is slow to realise.
For the Murder is book one in a series and has everything to make readers want more “Murder”. Even though the original story of the first novel is finished and all loose ends have been dealt with (love that btw), the epilogue gives a nice set-up for more to come. Much more.
Gabrielle Ash has created three characters that are all, in their own way, likeable. She slowly reveals their back stories, their hurts, their reasons for doing what they do. The entire novel has a great tempo, no useless adjective vomit, a decent amount of conversations to understand the building friendships (even though Sasha and Diana fall for each other fast, as is normal these days in books), and it is all done in a nice writing style.
The book is easy to read and gripping. In a story without boring moments, there are still enough 'breaks' to learn more about our elusive and unlikely trio of friends. Even though I would've liked to see a tad more world building, primarily the role of the demon generals and how the supernatural-normal human relationship is. That remained rather vague. But I'm pretty sure we're about to get dunked in it -if you read the rest of the series that is.
Back to the start of it though: I really like how the author gave all characters obvious weaknesses instead of being all powerful. Don't get me wrong, I definitely dig the sassy, strong female lead with mega powers (like the Kate Daniels series) and a hot SO. But Diana being different, a weak supernatural in comparison, and still making it 'strong' through perseverance and character... it's something most readers might actually recognise themselves in, without the need to lose the magic.
So, Diana, Sasha, and Nobu have weaknesses, but obviously also certain powers. We're talking an urban fantasy setting after all. It is the big and minor differences in their and other powers compared to most UF series that makes me give this book another big thumbs up. Because I do not want to give too much away I'll focus on Diana again. She is a new kind of shifter if there ever was one. She might be able to fly and have excellent vision, but other than flap her wings at an enemy she's not much in a fight. And we get plenty of those. Though you'll read that her relationship with Sasha is about to give her an edge. And while most men in UF series with a female lead are emotionally stunted because of their "Me Alpha, you woman", our Sasha takes the cake. But not because he's like a 400yo alpha male. It's his youth and career. His background is such that his emotional issues led to problems in For the Murder, and will for sure lead to others in future books, with all the craziness they've invited into their lives now.
My hope for the rest of the series – fully on my wishlist now – is more character growth. There was a tiny bit in this book, but I think the new circumstances give plenty opportunities to have them all struggle with baggage... and eventually become the better for it. It's also what can make a good fantasy series great. And as said earlier, I would also love to see more of the supernatural world they're a part of. Even though For the Murder showed some intriguing antagonists, we were predominantly shown a small group. I definitely hope more explanations about the world they live in and wouldn't be against some unexpected creatures in this fantasy series. After Diana and Nobu, and Sasha in a lesser fashion, I expect an original sauce from Gabrielle Ash.
My rating will be short and sweet.
Four well deserved stars in any 5 star system. And an 8.25 out of 10.00 in my own. It's a cum laude start for this series and I truly hope book 2 is on its way fast.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2022
Conflicted by the many betrayals Diana Van Dorens has experienced in her life she remains conflicted through out the book, she knows she shouldn’t trust Sasha Sokolov but at the same time her magic seems to know more than she does. When Diana describes Sasha by saying “He Is Murder”, she describes her connection to him but also an acknowledgement perhaps that she understands the easy way this intriguing man kills displays a darker side that she isn’t yet aware of.
This cloak and dagger theme runs through For the Murder, everyone has something to hide….why did Diana not get accepted to the Murder? What’s Sasha’s connection to the demon and what is Nobu all about!
I wasn’t sure for the first couple of chapters, Diana was difficult to connect with, she came across as someone with a chip on her shoulder and a point to prove and I felt myself switching off from the story, I’d read it all too many times before…I could not have been more wrong. I got to the auction and something change, the pace increased the deceptions began to unwind and I ended up sitting up until 1am reading it until it was finished I couldn’t not wait to find out how all the pieces of the puzzle fitted together and who was linked to who. A book that can do that for me is a true indicator of a strong read and the author has very cleverly left little snippets of clues throughout the book as to the ending but in some cases you don’t pick them up until the dramatic ending; I had many aha moments in the last couple of chapters.
The best bit is the sort of Happy Ending, sometimes I think Authors wrap up the endings with nice tidy bows and everyone skips off into the sunset not so here completely and I think that definitely leaves us wanting more.
This cloak and dagger theme runs through For the Murder, everyone has something to hide….why did Diana not get accepted to the Murder? What’s Sasha’s connection to the demon and what is Nobu all about!
I wasn’t sure for the first couple of chapters, Diana was difficult to connect with, she came across as someone with a chip on her shoulder and a point to prove and I felt myself switching off from the story, I’d read it all too many times before…I could not have been more wrong. I got to the auction and something change, the pace increased the deceptions began to unwind and I ended up sitting up until 1am reading it until it was finished I couldn’t not wait to find out how all the pieces of the puzzle fitted together and who was linked to who. A book that can do that for me is a true indicator of a strong read and the author has very cleverly left little snippets of clues throughout the book as to the ending but in some cases you don’t pick them up until the dramatic ending; I had many aha moments in the last couple of chapters.
The best bit is the sort of Happy Ending, sometimes I think Authors wrap up the endings with nice tidy bows and everyone skips off into the sunset not so here completely and I think that definitely leaves us wanting more.
February 20, 2022
This highly imaginative story is a breath of fresh air in a world of all the same urban fantasy. I love the idea of crow shifters!
Gabrielle Ash does a great job in immersing you into her world just as she did with the Family Cross.
The cat demon was a nice touch as well.
I'm excited to read more of what Ash has to offer!
I don't want to give any spoilers but it's action packed and a fun read.
Gabrielle Ash does a great job in immersing you into her world just as she did with the Family Cross.
The cat demon was a nice touch as well.
I'm excited to read more of what Ash has to offer!
I don't want to give any spoilers but it's action packed and a fun read.
February 16, 2022
I loved this story that stars Diana ans Sasha tow people with a common goal. I loved the story itself, the characters and was entertained throughout the whole book. I was hooked from the beginning and could not put it down. I had to see if Diana would figure out Sasha and his real plan. And cannot forget about all the others in the story that added to all the fun. The ending was awesome and so so fitting that I laughed and cheered. And I thought it set up the series very well and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
July 24, 2023
I won this from Librarything. I think. Or I was supposed to have received it, and did not get it.
Regardless, the idea of crows as shape shifters caught my immediate interest. Real Corvids are absolutely fascinating. What could be better than a exiled one?
Diana is a victim of circumstance. Her murder (crow flock family) have banished her parents and as their daughter, her as well. For five years they have been living destitute.
Her father has tasked Diana into stealing a magic sword. One that can kill demons. He tells her it is the only way to redeem themselves and get them back into the murder. Diana is desperate for normalcy, acceptance and thinks this just work. If she dies in the attempt, death may be favorable to her present exsistence .
But of course someone else wants the sword - Sasha is a clairvoyant with angel blood. He is also under contract with a demon general. In this universe, there are demons who were expelled from Hell. Each one is battling for complete power of Earth.
Along for the ride is Norbo. A young man who happens to be possessed by a minor cat demon.
As a rule, I do not care for books with demons. Although the book is total fiction, there is enough unknown in the real world for this reader to stay clear. But the magic involved and chemistry between the 3 main characters made this book a fun read
Regardless, the idea of crows as shape shifters caught my immediate interest. Real Corvids are absolutely fascinating. What could be better than a exiled one?
Diana is a victim of circumstance. Her murder (crow flock family) have banished her parents and as their daughter, her as well. For five years they have been living destitute.
Her father has tasked Diana into stealing a magic sword. One that can kill demons. He tells her it is the only way to redeem themselves and get them back into the murder. Diana is desperate for normalcy, acceptance and thinks this just work. If she dies in the attempt, death may be favorable to her present exsistence .
But of course someone else wants the sword - Sasha is a clairvoyant with angel blood. He is also under contract with a demon general. In this universe, there are demons who were expelled from Hell. Each one is battling for complete power of Earth.
Along for the ride is Norbo. A young man who happens to be possessed by a minor cat demon.
As a rule, I do not care for books with demons. Although the book is total fiction, there is enough unknown in the real world for this reader to stay clear. But the magic involved and chemistry between the 3 main characters made this book a fun read
March 12, 2022
Oh the tangled web we weave.
This book had a lot of tropes that I find myself at home in. Found family, forced proximity, and a little bit of Enemies to lovers. The way each relationship in this book is handled is masterful, each character is described and portrayed with not only grace but a real respect for the various intricacies that go along with their particular standing in the world.
At the start of the book Diana really got to me. Her family is really crappy, her situation isn't at all ideal but she's still clinging to the hope that everything has the opportunity to turn around. The next deal her father participates in will see her and her parents back with their murder. It takes a lot of twists and turns before she's able to see the truth of the world around her and find refuge in those she wouldn't normally seek out. But once she does everything seemingly falls into place.
Sasha's story is this little morsel of bittersweet angst. He's done everything in his power to get to a point where he could truly be free of his previous life and now he's stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place. All of his previous choices seem a little bit empty and a little bit forced and he's finally seeing what really waits for him in a life that is formed by himself.
Don't get me started on my love for Nobu, a character you'll meet in the story. Or the tangled pieces of his influence in the story line. It all boils down to a fast-paced adventure/mystery tangled with a really heartwarming love story.
If I had one complaint it was that I wished there were more pieces of the burgeoning romance and friendship between Sasha and Diana. It's definitely not instalove/instalust but a lot of the build up is done under the covers of the pages. It's not really a front part of the story and I truly understand that there were more important pieces of the story to fully realize and build but it felt like the ending was a foregone conclusion rather than something we had to keep hoping for.
If paranormal romance and adventure are up your alley, this is definitely a book to pick up and devote a few days to reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book had a lot of tropes that I find myself at home in. Found family, forced proximity, and a little bit of Enemies to lovers. The way each relationship in this book is handled is masterful, each character is described and portrayed with not only grace but a real respect for the various intricacies that go along with their particular standing in the world.
At the start of the book Diana really got to me. Her family is really crappy, her situation isn't at all ideal but she's still clinging to the hope that everything has the opportunity to turn around. The next deal her father participates in will see her and her parents back with their murder. It takes a lot of twists and turns before she's able to see the truth of the world around her and find refuge in those she wouldn't normally seek out. But once she does everything seemingly falls into place.
Sasha's story is this little morsel of bittersweet angst. He's done everything in his power to get to a point where he could truly be free of his previous life and now he's stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place. All of his previous choices seem a little bit empty and a little bit forced and he's finally seeing what really waits for him in a life that is formed by himself.
Don't get me started on my love for Nobu, a character you'll meet in the story. Or the tangled pieces of his influence in the story line. It all boils down to a fast-paced adventure/mystery tangled with a really heartwarming love story.
If I had one complaint it was that I wished there were more pieces of the burgeoning romance and friendship between Sasha and Diana. It's definitely not instalove/instalust but a lot of the build up is done under the covers of the pages. It's not really a front part of the story and I truly understand that there were more important pieces of the story to fully realize and build but it felt like the ending was a foregone conclusion rather than something we had to keep hoping for.
If paranormal romance and adventure are up your alley, this is definitely a book to pick up and devote a few days to reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 2, 2022
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Diana needs a murder; a lone crow is a dead one. But to be accepted back into the murder that banished her, she needs to steal a very powerful blade. But others want it too, and Diana isn't too sure what's going on with her magic. Sasha isn't sure what these feelings are he has for Diana, but he also needs that blade to free himself from the demon who bound him. One of them will not be happy with the outcome.
This is different, and I do like me some different!
Diana is a crow shifter, with 3 legs (who knew?) but she isn't in a murder because her father is a bit of a con man (a LOT, really, by the time we get all the gory details!) and Diana, her mother and father were banished from the murder, but not her younger sister whose magic had been accepted by the murder. Dad wants Diana to steal this blade to get them back into the murder's good graces.
But, seriously, things are NOT as they seem. And Sasha wants that blade to free him from the demon who bound him to a lifetime of servitude. Something though, goes ping in both Diana and Sasha and instead Nobu, a cat shifter who really isn't, and they end up fighting together, rather than against each other.
I liked this, a lot. Like I said different. Humans with angel blood who are bound to demons. Shifters of all manner of being. There was a LOT going on, and at times I did struggle to keep up.
And I think this is the only reason I can't stretch to 5 stars, cos I did feel a little bit overwhelmed at points. Oh don't get me wrong, its a bloody good book, it really was, especially as this appears to be only the third book written by this author, and it is not short book, some 350 pages.
It's violent, some graphic scenes but I think they really are needed. Not explicit in any way, but there is romance, of a fashion, between Diana and Sasha, as their magic combines.
I really hope there are more books about the people in this book, a follow up for Diana and Sasha would be great!
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Diana needs a murder; a lone crow is a dead one. But to be accepted back into the murder that banished her, she needs to steal a very powerful blade. But others want it too, and Diana isn't too sure what's going on with her magic. Sasha isn't sure what these feelings are he has for Diana, but he also needs that blade to free himself from the demon who bound him. One of them will not be happy with the outcome.
This is different, and I do like me some different!
Diana is a crow shifter, with 3 legs (who knew?) but she isn't in a murder because her father is a bit of a con man (a LOT, really, by the time we get all the gory details!) and Diana, her mother and father were banished from the murder, but not her younger sister whose magic had been accepted by the murder. Dad wants Diana to steal this blade to get them back into the murder's good graces.
But, seriously, things are NOT as they seem. And Sasha wants that blade to free him from the demon who bound him to a lifetime of servitude. Something though, goes ping in both Diana and Sasha and instead Nobu, a cat shifter who really isn't, and they end up fighting together, rather than against each other.
I liked this, a lot. Like I said different. Humans with angel blood who are bound to demons. Shifters of all manner of being. There was a LOT going on, and at times I did struggle to keep up.
And I think this is the only reason I can't stretch to 5 stars, cos I did feel a little bit overwhelmed at points. Oh don't get me wrong, its a bloody good book, it really was, especially as this appears to be only the third book written by this author, and it is not short book, some 350 pages.
It's violent, some graphic scenes but I think they really are needed. Not explicit in any way, but there is romance, of a fashion, between Diana and Sasha, as their magic combines.
I really hope there are more books about the people in this book, a follow up for Diana and Sasha would be great!
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
September 30, 2022
Finding Your Murder
Book review by Erin Michaela Sweeney
Collective nouns are super wonderful. An ambush of tigers. A huddle of penguins. A raft of otters. A murder of crows. I’m not sure if Gabrielle Ash knew that last one when she began writing For the Murder, the first title in her anticipated The Murder Series, but I’m guessing so.
The book opens from the point of view of Diana Van Doren, a crow shifter. She and her no-good parents have been in exile in the central Texas hill country for five years. All the 28-year-old part human, part three-legged crow wants is to finally be accepted into the magical murder of crows.
Diana’s father, Charles, tells her to steal a demonic knife from an auction. He plans to use the knife to bargain his way back into the murder’s good graces. And promises Diana an entrée into the magical group.
We’re introduced to Sasha Sokolov’s perspective in Chapter 2. Sasha, a 32 year old with angel blood, is from the Russian Urals region and loathes the hot Texas winter. He’s in Dallas to meet with Madame, his demon boss.
Madame will grant Sasha his freedom after 20 years of servitude if he gets her the demon blade on auction and tracks down Charles Van Doren.
Soon the two main characters, Diana and Sasha, are at the auction. Diana’s accompanied by a demon cat who possesses a teenage boy named Nobu. Meanwhile, Sasha avoids a flirtatious vampire and stays clear of a pack of werewolves.
Other supernatural beings in this thriller fantasy universe include witches, sphinxes, and selkies. The book toggles between Diana’s and Sasha’s points of view. The author wisely chooses to use the third person, thus avoiding the possible pitfalls of first-person melodramatic inner monologues.
This fast-paced read has a solid plot, and I enjoyed the dialogue, which the author crafted so well. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
*I received a free ebook of For the Murder as a LibraryThing Early Reviewer member in exchange for an unbiased review. (This review also appears on LibraryThing and Amazon)
Book review by Erin Michaela Sweeney
Collective nouns are super wonderful. An ambush of tigers. A huddle of penguins. A raft of otters. A murder of crows. I’m not sure if Gabrielle Ash knew that last one when she began writing For the Murder, the first title in her anticipated The Murder Series, but I’m guessing so.
The book opens from the point of view of Diana Van Doren, a crow shifter. She and her no-good parents have been in exile in the central Texas hill country for five years. All the 28-year-old part human, part three-legged crow wants is to finally be accepted into the magical murder of crows.
Diana’s father, Charles, tells her to steal a demonic knife from an auction. He plans to use the knife to bargain his way back into the murder’s good graces. And promises Diana an entrée into the magical group.
We’re introduced to Sasha Sokolov’s perspective in Chapter 2. Sasha, a 32 year old with angel blood, is from the Russian Urals region and loathes the hot Texas winter. He’s in Dallas to meet with Madame, his demon boss.
Madame will grant Sasha his freedom after 20 years of servitude if he gets her the demon blade on auction and tracks down Charles Van Doren.
Soon the two main characters, Diana and Sasha, are at the auction. Diana’s accompanied by a demon cat who possesses a teenage boy named Nobu. Meanwhile, Sasha avoids a flirtatious vampire and stays clear of a pack of werewolves.
Other supernatural beings in this thriller fantasy universe include witches, sphinxes, and selkies. The book toggles between Diana’s and Sasha’s points of view. The author wisely chooses to use the third person, thus avoiding the possible pitfalls of first-person melodramatic inner monologues.
This fast-paced read has a solid plot, and I enjoyed the dialogue, which the author crafted so well. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
*I received a free ebook of For the Murder as a LibraryThing Early Reviewer member in exchange for an unbiased review. (This review also appears on LibraryThing and Amazon)
March 4, 2022
I was in the mood for a shifter tale and this one sounds rather unique with crow-shifters. The only problem I had with the book is having to keep adjusting my perception of the word ‘murder’ because most of the time, in this novel, it refers to ‘a group of crows’ instead of a killing act. I guess it’s not really a problem but I do have to stop myself for a second or two to actually makes sense of the sentence now and again and this is all me, not the book.
All her life, Diana Van Doren just wanted to belong. To be appreciated. To be loved. She’s a very good thief, though, and also generous and selfless despite her personal circumstances. Sasha Sokolov, on the other hand, wants only one thing: his & his family’s freedom at whatever cost. Yet, when freedom beckons near, he’s found something even more precious he wanted to hold on to. The story is told of their alternating perspectives so we do get to see secrets they kept from each other and how each grows throughout the book.
I love these characters and well, I do have a thing for a Russian romantic interest too so I was totally shipping them all the way from the beginning. The story was real easy to read with more than enough twists & turns and sparks to keep me engage for a single sitting read. I’m definitely keen to find out what this ‘murder’ get up to next!
My thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for this copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
All her life, Diana Van Doren just wanted to belong. To be appreciated. To be loved. She’s a very good thief, though, and also generous and selfless despite her personal circumstances. Sasha Sokolov, on the other hand, wants only one thing: his & his family’s freedom at whatever cost. Yet, when freedom beckons near, he’s found something even more precious he wanted to hold on to. The story is told of their alternating perspectives so we do get to see secrets they kept from each other and how each grows throughout the book.
I love these characters and well, I do have a thing for a Russian romantic interest too so I was totally shipping them all the way from the beginning. The story was real easy to read with more than enough twists & turns and sparks to keep me engage for a single sitting read. I’m definitely keen to find out what this ‘murder’ get up to next!
My thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for this copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
March 9, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book had it all. New twist on Urban fantasy, action, slow burn romance and demons. Who doesn't love a sort of nice demon. Dianna was a little difficult for me to understand/like. Usually the main female character is kick ass, full of confidence; Dianna was the total opposite of that. A new concept for me. As I got a glimpse of what her life was, I was blown away with her ability to still empathize with others. Her confidence has been destroyed by those that should of cared for her. Still she continues to try each day. Then we have Sasha; he and Dianna have so much in common. Yet both are shielding themselves from the other, because the past and what they are living with now have proven trust is unattainable.
Then we have Nobu/Natsu bringing in a side kick/best friend with such a huge story of his own was brilliant. I honestly don't know which character I like better between the 3. I could not put this book down. I could not wait for Sasha and Dianna to figure out working together was the only way. Getting to know who Nobu/Natsu was a nice treat. Here is to a long series.
Then we have Nobu/Natsu bringing in a side kick/best friend with such a huge story of his own was brilliant. I honestly don't know which character I like better between the 3. I could not put this book down. I could not wait for Sasha and Dianna to figure out working together was the only way. Getting to know who Nobu/Natsu was a nice treat. Here is to a long series.
February 26, 2022
When I saw another release from Gabrielle Ash, I knew I really wanted to read it. For the Murder was a great read. It was similar to her other great releases but so much more layered and intriguing. The list of characters almost reads like a Russian novel but all were crucial to the story. There is not a clear line between black and white, good and evil and this book tells that there is usually good and bad in all. The H, Sasha, has come under contract by an evil general from hell. So he’s done many things he’d rather not remember. But his motives are good, to protect another. Diana, the h, the crow shifter, has always tried to be accepted and loved. She has learned that she can neither trust nor be trusted by others, again for those grey areas of good and bad. Nobu, the boy, is endearing, daring and lovable. Natsu, the cat demon who possesses him, again has good and bad and is a very interesting character. The story had so many twists and turns, it was so exciting to follow. I highly recommend this and it looks like it’s the first of a series. I look forward to future releases.
March 16, 2022
4 stars
I very much enjoyed this book, so much so, purchased the Kindle copy even though I did receive the paperback for free from City Owl Publishing!
This book is about a Crowshifter trying to get back in the good graces of her murder IE pack. To do so her father sends her on a suicide mission to retrieve a Demon killing knife, at said auction she meet Sasha- the Angel blooded mercenary hired by a demon and Nobu a teenager possessed by a benevolent demon.
Together they work together and survive many attempts at their lives while trying to retrieve Demon killing knife.
Though I almost always prefer lots of Romance in my stories I am glad this one was very light. The heroine has been hurt by everyone in her life and she suspects Sasha is helping her for his own benefit and we get to see their relationship and trust grow.
I very much enjoyed this book, so much so, purchased the Kindle copy even though I did receive the paperback for free from City Owl Publishing!
This book is about a Crowshifter trying to get back in the good graces of her murder IE pack. To do so her father sends her on a suicide mission to retrieve a Demon killing knife, at said auction she meet Sasha- the Angel blooded mercenary hired by a demon and Nobu a teenager possessed by a benevolent demon.
Together they work together and survive many attempts at their lives while trying to retrieve Demon killing knife.
Though I almost always prefer lots of Romance in my stories I am glad this one was very light. The heroine has been hurt by everyone in her life and she suspects Sasha is helping her for his own benefit and we get to see their relationship and trust grow.
March 15, 2022
I enjoyed this book. Diana is an interesting main character, struggling against a poor situation she is in for no fault of her own. Her abusive parents are very well drawn. Sasha too is in a very difficult position and watching them both develop and first have opposing aims then begin to work together made for a really good read. The action takes precedence over the romance as they try to fight their way out of the awful circumstances they are both in.
This is clearly the beginning of a series, but the crisis they face in this book is resolved , so no cliff hanger (a personal dislike, so yay).. Looking forward to the next in the series.
This is clearly the beginning of a series, but the crisis they face in this book is resolved , so no cliff hanger (a personal dislike, so yay).. Looking forward to the next in the series.
March 29, 2022
Diana. a crow shifter has been exiled from her Murder. Sasha, a part angel Clairvoyant, is bound by a demon and works with Diana to steal a dagger that could give both of them everything they want. This was a great book with excellent world building, adventure and a good storyline in a supernatural world. I loved Nobu as a side character with a good backstory. You can feel how trapped and helpless Diana and Sash have been in their lives. The end is great with everyone getting their just rewards. I enjoyed this book and recommend it highly to fantasy readers. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.
March 2, 2022
For the Murder is a wonderful written fast paced book with the perfect romance! The romance is a slow burn but it is absolutely perfect. The chemistry between Sasha and Diana is as steamy as they come! This is one of those books that has something for everyone! There's shifters, witches, romance, betrayal, angels and action! And honestly there's more than that! I truly enjoyed reading this book. I'm looking forward to being able to return to these characters in the next book!
Thank you Xpresso Book Tours and Gabrielle Ash for sharing this book with me!
Thank you Xpresso Book Tours and Gabrielle Ash for sharing this book with me!
April 13, 2022
Diana Van Doren is a werecrow never accepted by her family’s murder. Her parents were thieves who had been kicked out of the murder for endangering the flock. Her father sets her a task to steal a magical knife For the Murder (ebook from City Owl Press). Enter Sasha Sokolov, a quarter angel whose family has been forced to work for a Queen of Hell exiled to Earth. He will get his freedom if he gets the knife. Gabrielle Ash tells a fun, exciting tale of romance and excitement. It’s a fun world I wouldn’t mind revisiting. I really liked the demon cat.
April 3, 2022
A well written, interesting book. Author has a deft touch with creating humane, relatable characters. The two MCs struggle to overcome their horrible childhoods, which adds interest.
My one complaint is about grammar. The word "drug" is not the past tense of 'drag". While not the worst mistake, it did take me out of the story as it was so out of place.
Despite that, I hope there is a sequel.
I was given a free ARC and this is my honest review.
My one complaint is about grammar. The word "drug" is not the past tense of 'drag". While not the worst mistake, it did take me out of the story as it was so out of place.
Despite that, I hope there is a sequel.
I was given a free ARC and this is my honest review.
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