Missing, Suspected Dead

Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective #3

by Rachel Graves

Her kid sister’s bridal shower is just one of the things making Spirit witch and private detective Elisabeth Hicks crave a vacation. The second thing? The cat she agreed to watch turns out to be a kidnapped baby werelion. A visit from a mutilated ghost proves the baby’s parents are killing their way toward him. Saddled with an adorable pint-sized problem, Hicks rushes to reunite the family before the violence comes to her.

Another thing - the werewolves related to her boyfriend are in town. Members of their pack have been disappearing, probably killed. It’s a family reunion no one wanted but the wolves won’t leave until someone agrees to help.

If she wants to live to take a well-deserved vacation Hicks needs to return the baby werelion and figure out where the wolves are going, all while she helps plan her sister’s wedding to Hollywood royalty.

Content Warning: This urban fantasy includes explicit romantic scenes between consenting adults, vampires, and witches. Intended for mature audiences, the story includes detailed erotic descriptions. If you are offended by suggestive language, cuss words, or erotic writing, this is not the book for you.

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2021

About the author

Rachel Graves writes mysteries that blend the supernatural with steamy, sexy scenes. Her work explores the many shades of gray found between the lines of right and wrong. Rachel's books focus on strong heroines who take charge of their own fate, their friends, and their families. Rachel is a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and uses research skills honed getting a graduate degree in psychology to seek out rare folklore and magical creatures. Her writing incorporates popular monsters like vampires and werewolves as well as diverse creatures like selkies and yuki onna. Rachel has lived in a cursed town, taken far too many ghost tours, and counts down to every Halloween starting in November. You can read short stories and learn more about her on her website: http://www.rachelgraves.com/.

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read the first book in this series, but somehow, I had missed the second. That was OK because there wasn’t any problem catching up. I had no problem remembering Hicks and Ted/Edward because they are such interesting, flawed, complex characters. In this latest, Ted’s mother returns with a vengeance needing help, and LaRue needs help with a kitten. Not only that, but Gina is also getting ready for her wedding, and she’s driving Hicks (and other family members) crazy with those plans. I thought this was a great book with interesting characters. Just like the first book, this is almost more about the dynamics between characters than about the mystery, but they come together so masterfully, you enjoy every minute. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Missing, Suspected Dead is the third Elizabeth Hicks paranormal romance/mystery by Rachel Graves. Released 13th Aug 2021, it's 188 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free, alongside the earlier books in the series.

There's certainly no dearth of urban fantasy gritty PI type series with badass female protagonists floating around. This one distinguishes itself by being better than average. The plotting and action driven story arc are well controlled and immersive. I never found my interest wandering or got yanked out of the story by clunky dialogue or unbelievable scenes (it's a paranormal fantasy, but it operates within the "rules").

The story is engaging with lots of personal and family drama against a backdrop of murder and mayhem in the magical community (weres, ghosts, vampires, psychics, the full package). It's pure escapist reading. The language is rough (lots of "f-bombs") and there is a full measure of graphic violence. There are descriptions of abuse, murder, and neglect which could be potentially problematic for some readers. There are frank descriptions of sex acts included. They're not egregious, they advance the plot and set scenes, but they are there.

Although it's the third book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone, and I had no trouble keeping the characters straight. There are spoilers for the earlier books, however, so readers who want to read them all will be better off reading them in order.

Four stars. Well written. Fans of Hamilton (Anita Blake) and Briggs (Mercy Thompson) will find a lot to like here.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missing, Suspected Dead (Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective, Book 3) by Rachel Graves
Published by the author
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Publication Date: August 13, 2021

Missing, Suspected Dead is the third book in the Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective series by Rachel Graves. I have read (& loved) the previous two books, but this can definitely be read as a standalone book.

I am so addicted to this series! There is so much to love about it!

The characters are great! Elizabeth Hicks, our heroine, is an Army Veteran turned private investigator and is fascinating! I loved seeing more of her family and getting a glimpse into the depth of who they all are.

The story is fast paced and kept me engaged the whole time! I really enjoyed the paranormal mystery. There was great intrigue surrounding the missing werewolves and the found lion cub. There were so many twists and turns that it make the book very exciting! I truly could not put this book down!

I thought that the author built an incredible storyline with depth and excitement. Her characters were truly special. The romance is hot and heavy (NSFW) and was so good! I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series!

I'm so grateful to Rachel Graves, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Ashley Reyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

After the events of the last two books, all Elisabeth wants is a vacation. But between the upcoming wedding for her sister and the other issues that come up, it’s looking like a long shot.

This was the third book in the series, and dealt with Ted/Edward’s past and trauma and a bit of were trafficking. Throughout the story, all of the main plots wove together rather well, including some callbacks to the previous two books in this series. Even though there were a lot of heavy issues for their relationship and for Ted, they helped balance and ground the overall story. This was a fun read, and let us get to know a big part of who some of these characters are. I look forward to reading the next one.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missing Suspected dead is the third and final book in the Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective series. It’s a quick read with well developed characters and an interesting storyline. I loved the werelion cub to cool added sone fun to the adventure! This book gs a higher heat level fir the amount of pages so for me it was a bit more on the erotic side then I prefer. There was a warning so I went in eyes open but managed to still be surprised so just be forwarded if that isn’t your thing this may not be for you. Otherwise, overall the story carries itself and was interesting.

[Anne Szlachcic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this series but in my opinion can be read as a standalone

Spirit Witch and Private Detective Elisabeth Hicks needs a vacation - her sisters wedding plans to Hollywood Royalty are driving everyone crazy . When she finds out the cat she is watching over is a kidnapped baby werelion she is determined to finds his parents ......... parents who are already tracking him down , killing all in their way.
To top it all her boyfriends werewolf relations are also in town , some are missing presumed dead , this looks to be a reunion to beat all reunions .
Elisabeth's plate is full , she needs to solve all these puzzles and take that well deserved vacation - if she can survive .

A fast paced , entertaining read with great characters - I look forward to more in the future

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elisabeth is a spirit witch and a detective. This is her third installment in this wonderful series. This adventure includes a gorgeous baby werelion and some other wild stuff you didn't think possible. The characters are complex and eccentric. The story is well written with an intriguing plot. It has everything... Drama, suspense, supernatural theme and action. I definitely recommend this amazing book.

[Karen Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very different take on "pack". Ted knows how they operate but his partner Elizabeth has no clue. In finding the parent of a werecub she finds so much more. Jo is a badass and more than a bit scary. The story is excellent and has a cute ending. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and freely leave this honest review.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great paranormal adventure

The worldbuilding is interesting in this alternate earth where magic, vampires, and shifters are real but not necessarily accepted. Edward and Elisabeth's PTSD is believable, and their relationship is lovely (and sometimes graphic). There is graphic violence. I'm enjoying this series, although the themes are darker than most of my recent reads.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this author's writing and plot driven books. I hope there is a 4th in this series.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series. A great urban fantasy novel with a big dash of romance.