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Snow & Winter #5
The Mystery of the Spirits
Antique dealer Sebastian Snow and Homicide detective Calvin Winter have been happily married for a year and a half. In that time, there’s been nary a mystery in sight, and for a recovering sleuth like Sebastian, an uneventful life is exactly what he needs.
That is, until Calvin’s lieutenant enters the Emporium and demands insight on a bizarre object known as a spiritoscope, hailing from the early days of the Spiritualism movement. Sebastian’s extensive knowledge of Victorian curiosities leads him to consulting for the NYPD—putting him at odds with his husband. And as the bodies begin to stack up, so do the seemingly dead-end clues, which if Sebastian can’t make sense of, might result in a whole lot more death.
Mystery, murder, and marriage… Sebastian’s back.
That is, until Calvin’s lieutenant enters the Emporium and demands insight on a bizarre object known as a spiritoscope, hailing from the early days of the Spiritualism movement. Sebastian’s extensive knowledge of Victorian curiosities leads him to consulting for the NYPD—putting him at odds with his husband. And as the bodies begin to stack up, so do the seemingly dead-end clues, which if Sebastian can’t make sense of, might result in a whole lot more death.
Mystery, murder, and marriage… Sebastian’s back.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2021
54 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Poe
41 books1,312 followersC.S. Poe is an author of gay mystery, romance, and speculative fiction. She’s a winner of the Next Generation and e-Lit book awards, as well as a finalist of the Lambda Literary award.
She resides in New York City and is a Gilded Age New York historian and board director for the Victorian Society of New York. She loves Romanticism artwork, the films of Buster Keaton, coffee in the morning and whiskey in the evening, true crime, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.
C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.
Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.
cspoe.com
She resides in New York City and is a Gilded Age New York historian and board director for the Victorian Society of New York. She loves Romanticism artwork, the films of Buster Keaton, coffee in the morning and whiskey in the evening, true crime, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.
C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.
Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.
cspoe.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
January 4, 2024
Note: this a review for the whole series, not just this particular book.
I miss the feeling of unbridled joy that comes with starting a new series that just clicks. At the same time, I didn't really want to reread The Adrien English Mysteries again... just something very much like it. Enter the Snow and Winter series.
Sebastian Snow is a grumpy antiquarian, stoically bearing the burden of achromatopsia, but a fan of all things Victorian. Oh and he's also unapologetically gay.
Calvin Winter is an NYPD homicide detective, ex-military, whose constant battle with PTSD has turned him into a workaholic.
Ever since the two meet, Victorian-inspired crimes skyrocket in New York City, but at least they have the decency to serve as an excellent backdrop for their star-crossed romance.
I adore the sizzling chemistry between the two protagonists, especially Calvin's outward expression of endearment, that seem in complete contrast to his tough guy persona. I genuinely enjoyed most of mysteries being investigated... at least when it came to unearthing the culprit's underlying motive. The rest however, just didn't really click for me.
I'm well aware that these types of romantic murder mysteries come with a heavy dose of amateur sleuthing. Normally, I even enjoy the way civilian characters try to solve cases, in spite of their inadvisable actions. Sebastian's way of handling things though is just unreasonably dangerous. 9 times out of 10 he'd decide to go sleuthing out of spite... or because he felt annoyed that someone told him not to. It gets especially annoying once he realises just how much unnecessary stress this puts on Calvin, yet still does it.
Score: anywhere between 2/5 and 3/5 stars
On the one hand, I got the whole sizzling chemistry and swoon-worthy romance, just like I wanted. But on the other hand, the author was clearly going for much more substance only to either forget to deliver, or just jump ahead to the favourable conclusion. But then I read the short story collection (Interlude), which actually managed to fill in most of the blanks I had in terms of relationship development... except for Sebastian and Neil's.
That relationship is just plain weird and highly unrealistic.
You want to make it toxic? Fine! Blow it up! Burn that bridge to the ground, baby! But you don't get to make a sudden u-turn claiming that it was all a misunderstanding and that they're now BFFs.
I miss the feeling of unbridled joy that comes with starting a new series that just clicks. At the same time, I didn't really want to reread The Adrien English Mysteries again... just something very much like it. Enter the Snow and Winter series.
Sebastian Snow is a grumpy antiquarian, stoically bearing the burden of achromatopsia, but a fan of all things Victorian. Oh and he's also unapologetically gay.
Calvin Winter is an NYPD homicide detective, ex-military, whose constant battle with PTSD has turned him into a workaholic.
Ever since the two meet, Victorian-inspired crimes skyrocket in New York City, but at least they have the decency to serve as an excellent backdrop for their star-crossed romance.
I adore the sizzling chemistry between the two protagonists, especially Calvin's outward expression of endearment, that seem in complete contrast to his tough guy persona. I genuinely enjoyed most of mysteries being investigated... at least when it came to unearthing the culprit's underlying motive. The rest however, just didn't really click for me.
I'm well aware that these types of romantic murder mysteries come with a heavy dose of amateur sleuthing. Normally, I even enjoy the way civilian characters try to solve cases, in spite of their inadvisable actions. Sebastian's way of handling things though is just unreasonably dangerous. 9 times out of 10 he'd decide to go sleuthing out of spite... or because he felt annoyed that someone told him not to. It gets especially annoying once he realises just how much unnecessary stress this puts on Calvin, yet still does it.
Score: anywhere between 2/5 and 3/5 stars
On the one hand, I got the whole sizzling chemistry and swoon-worthy romance, just like I wanted. But on the other hand, the author was clearly going for much more substance only to either forget to deliver, or just jump ahead to the favourable conclusion. But then I read the short story collection (Interlude), which actually managed to fill in most of the blanks I had in terms of relationship development... except for Sebastian and Neil's.
That relationship is just plain weird and highly unrealistic.
You want to make it toxic? Fine! Blow it up! Burn that bridge to the ground, baby! But you don't get to make a sudden u-turn claiming that it was all a misunderstanding and that they're now BFFs.
January 11, 2022
***4.5 Stars***
Yep, I couldn't have said it any better to sum up this book. Or the whole series for that matter.
Sebastian's dad said it on point, though:
And I love him for that and all his quirks. Umm, Sebastian, not his dad. Although, he comes a close second - argh, sorry Pop -third after Calvin. Definitely my favorite of the whole series!
"But now I had this... curiosity. And a curiosity for me was like a hickey- fantastic in the moment, problematic in the future."
Yep, I couldn't have said it any better to sum up this book. Or the whole series for that matter.
Sebastian's dad said it on point, though:
"I don't know how one man manages to be a menace to nine million people, but leave it to my son to find a way.
And I love him for that and all his quirks. Umm, Sebastian, not his dad. Although, he comes a close second - argh, sorry Pop -third after Calvin. Definitely my favorite of the whole series!
December 31, 2021
My favorite!! Yes, this one is my favorite of the series.
Why?
-I loved seeing Seb and Calvin as an established couple working on the rough parts of their relationship.
-I loved delving into the amazing inner workings of Seb’s brain.
-Everyone and no one was right for the killer.
-I’ve always dug the Spiritualism movement & enjoyed seeing it front and center in this mystery.
-As always, the mystery and the romance fit well together.
I’ll miss these guys, but look forward to meeting more of Poe’s quirky characters in future works.
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this novel!
Why?
-I loved seeing Seb and Calvin as an established couple working on the rough parts of their relationship.
-I loved delving into the amazing inner workings of Seb’s brain.
-Everyone and no one was right for the killer.
-I’ve always dug the Spiritualism movement & enjoyed seeing it front and center in this mystery.
-As always, the mystery and the romance fit well together.
I’ll miss these guys, but look forward to meeting more of Poe’s quirky characters in future works.
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this novel!
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August 20, 2025Buy Links:
Ebook, Paperback, and Audio
audio narrated by Wyatt Baker
French edition
with Mnemosyne Lit.
Italian edition
with Triskell Edizioni
coming soon... German edition with deadsoft verlag
Ebook, Paperback, and Audio
audio narrated by Wyatt Baker
French edition
with Mnemosyne Lit.
Italian edition
with Triskell Edizioni
coming soon... German edition with deadsoft verlag
April 8, 2022
Ya casi 2 anos despues de su ultimo aventura, y mas de ano y medio casado con Calvin, Sebastian lleva una vida tranquila, donde su trabajo y su familia son lo principal, se aleja de cualquier misterio que se acerque a su puerta y deja el trabajo de investigar y perseguir a los criminales a su esposo Calvin. Pero cuando el Teniente jefe de Calvin le pide que sea consultor en el caso que llevan actualmente, no puede negarse y no solo porque hay un extrano aparato involucrado, sino porque le van a pagar por la consultoria y cualquier ingreso que lo ayude a pagar sus numerosas deudas siempre es bienvenido. Pero Calvin intenta por todos los medios no involucrarlo demasiado, pero como siempre los recursos de Sebastian y su interaccion con las personas resultan en pistas que la policia no hubiera podido conseguir de otra forma.
Ahora solo tiene que hacerle entender a Calvin que no hay manera de que se retire de la investigacion, ademas que tiene que convencerlo que con su ayuda tienen muchas mas probabilidades de descubrir quien es el asesino y detenerlo.
No parece el final de una serie, es mas como otro capitulo, la trama es interesante, no muy diferente de las anteriores, pero si muchisimo mas sencilla. Los sospechosos realmente no lo eran, y no habian suficientes pistas para que uno pudiera ni siquiera hacer cualquier conjetura, asi que como misterio no tiene mucho que aportar a la serie. Como historia extra o epilogo tiene mucho mas peso, ya que vemos casi exclusivamente a Sebastian haciendo de Sebastian, el resto de los personajes no llevan a aportar gran cosa a la trama, ni siquiera las pocas escenas romaticas-eroticas de la pareja le dan gran peso a la trama.
En fin, el libro anterior tenia mucha mejor trama, mucha mejor logica para ser el ultimo, y este mas de ser un libro intermedio de la serie, pero quien sabe si el autor quiere crear publicar mas libros de esta serie, quizas cruzandolo con otros personajes de otros de sus libros, quizas por eso escribio este libro, ya que vemos algo de Audry, quien pertenece a otro de sus libros Southernmost Murder.
Asi que leer este autor me ha resultado muy entretenido, su personajes son divertidos, bastante bien definidos y faciles de leer, tambien la historia tiene cierto nivel de misterio que se mezcla bien con el romance, pero sin hacerlo realmente dulce o dramatico, asi que si, mas adelante leere otros libros de ella.
Ahora solo tiene que hacerle entender a Calvin que no hay manera de que se retire de la investigacion, ademas que tiene que convencerlo que con su ayuda tienen muchas mas probabilidades de descubrir quien es el asesino y detenerlo.
No parece el final de una serie, es mas como otro capitulo, la trama es interesante, no muy diferente de las anteriores, pero si muchisimo mas sencilla. Los sospechosos realmente no lo eran, y no habian suficientes pistas para que uno pudiera ni siquiera hacer cualquier conjetura, asi que como misterio no tiene mucho que aportar a la serie. Como historia extra o epilogo tiene mucho mas peso, ya que vemos casi exclusivamente a Sebastian haciendo de Sebastian, el resto de los personajes no llevan a aportar gran cosa a la trama, ni siquiera las pocas escenas romaticas-eroticas de la pareja le dan gran peso a la trama.
En fin, el libro anterior tenia mucha mejor trama, mucha mejor logica para ser el ultimo, y este mas de ser un libro intermedio de la serie, pero quien sabe si el autor quiere crear publicar mas libros de esta serie, quizas cruzandolo con otros personajes de otros de sus libros, quizas por eso escribio este libro, ya que vemos algo de Audry, quien pertenece a otro de sus libros Southernmost Murder.
Asi que leer este autor me ha resultado muy entretenido, su personajes son divertidos, bastante bien definidos y faciles de leer, tambien la historia tiene cierto nivel de misterio que se mezcla bien con el romance, pero sin hacerlo realmente dulce o dramatico, asi que si, mas adelante leere otros libros de ella.
December 31, 2021
Apparently CS Poe had always intended to write a 5th book in her amazing Snow & Winter series, and now almost 2 years later, it is here .... and it is good.
Immediately I realized that I desperately need to reread the entire series because I have forgotten too much about the earlier books, and also because seeing Sebastian and Calvin where they are right now in their relationship is so perfect that I need to go back to the beginning and watch it all unfold again.
"Even after a year and a half, I still had these fleeting, surreal moments of holy shit, I'm married to my soul mate." [...] We complimented each other, enhanced strengths, reinforced weaknesses. Snow or Winter weren't inherently better or lesser without the other - we were simply something unique when together."
Sebastian is hired as a consultant by the NYPD and the case involves spiritualism, the Fox sisters, Robert Hare and his spiritoscope, feuding mediums, and of course all sorts of absolutely fascinating history. In addition to the meticulous research and intricate crafting of the murder plot, Poe tosses in a few good suspects and deftly ties it all together in a denouement that is equal part terrifying and very satisfying. I also enjoyed keeping in touch with Neil, Sebastian's ex, as well as Aubrey Grant from Poe's Southernmost Murder.
I highly recommend The Mystery of the Spirits and strongly suggest that you cannot go wrong with anything penned by CS Poe! 5 stars.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Immediately I realized that I desperately need to reread the entire series because I have forgotten too much about the earlier books, and also because seeing Sebastian and Calvin where they are right now in their relationship is so perfect that I need to go back to the beginning and watch it all unfold again.
"Even after a year and a half, I still had these fleeting, surreal moments of holy shit, I'm married to my soul mate." [...] We complimented each other, enhanced strengths, reinforced weaknesses. Snow or Winter weren't inherently better or lesser without the other - we were simply something unique when together."
Sebastian is hired as a consultant by the NYPD and the case involves spiritualism, the Fox sisters, Robert Hare and his spiritoscope, feuding mediums, and of course all sorts of absolutely fascinating history. In addition to the meticulous research and intricate crafting of the murder plot, Poe tosses in a few good suspects and deftly ties it all together in a denouement that is equal part terrifying and very satisfying. I also enjoyed keeping in touch with Neil, Sebastian's ex, as well as Aubrey Grant from Poe's Southernmost Murder.
I highly recommend The Mystery of the Spirits and strongly suggest that you cannot go wrong with anything penned by CS Poe! 5 stars.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2021
What I love about this book is that I can clearly see how much both Calvin and Sebastian have grown since the beginning of the series and how they settled into themselves. Even now it's still a work in progress but both men try and open up. There were some heartwarming scenes that just made me tear up and sigh.
The mystery, as always, is complex and well thought out with wealth of historical tidbits that I found quite fascinating. I am a fan of amateur sleuthing, and coupled with self deprecating well placed humor and deeply researched topics this story became irresistible to me.
The steam is low but it's not needed here since it's the intimacy of knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses that brings Cal and Seb close. I loved the sometimes exasperated but always affectionate way Cal looked at Seb as well as bashful yet humorous way Seb responded to Cal. It was a treat. I genuinely enjoyed this book. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
The mystery, as always, is complex and well thought out with wealth of historical tidbits that I found quite fascinating. I am a fan of amateur sleuthing, and coupled with self deprecating well placed humor and deeply researched topics this story became irresistible to me.
The steam is low but it's not needed here since it's the intimacy of knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses that brings Cal and Seb close. I loved the sometimes exasperated but always affectionate way Cal looked at Seb as well as bashful yet humorous way Seb responded to Cal. It was a treat. I genuinely enjoyed this book. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
December 23, 2021
It was so wonderful to be back in Sebastian's mind: I missed his snarky, old-man attitude, his funny-as-hell sarcasm, his never-ending curiosity and his clever, clever brain, so damn much. This book was the PERFECT Christmas gift (even though it's set during a heat wave in June) because it feels like being finally reunited with old friends. With family.
A year and a half has passed since the events of Sebastian's last mystery and his marriage with Calvin is going strong: he's put to rest his sleuthing, his business is doing great and Calvin is, finally, in a much better mental space. They're both happily (and safely) married, but when Sebastian is hired to be a consultant for the NYPD for a fresh, grisly murder and a possible new serial killer on the loose with a penchant for Victorian age gadgets, his relationship with Calvin and his life are both put on the line. And obviously, our favourite snarky, retired, amateur sleuth can hardly resist going back to sleuthing (sorry, enquiring politely!) for one last hurrah.
First things first: Sebastian Snow is one of my all-time favourite MCs. I've always had a weakness for amateur sleuths: I find their "whoops, I casually found myself involved in a murder, or six, and now I MUST investigate" absolutely irresistible and Sebastian is, by far, one of the most irresistible and reckless amateur sleuths I've ever read about. He's also funny and a bit broken, knowledgeable and clever and I really loved being back in his mind. I loved seeing his and Calvin's married life, the way they still manage to grow and make their relationship stronger, through fights and hard conversations and intimate, touching moments and steamy and sexy ones too, and the way they always care for the other and cheer each other on. I already knew they were soulmates, but this book just confirms it: they are devoted to one another, they're in this for life, through thick and thin (even though Sebastian tries really hard to give Calvin ulcers!).
The side characters were as wonderful: Max is the same hilarious twentysomething I recalled and Pop the same utterly wonderful parent. Neil deserves a special mention because I would like to reiterate (for the umpteenth time) that I would sell my soul for his book, hands down, no regrets, right now. I love his so much, and his relationship with Sebastian? Priceless.
The murder mystery plot was absolutely bonkers, a rollercoaster ride: it kept me guessing non-stop, it was creepy and gruesome and, as usual, so damn interesting. C.S. Poe is a truly talented writer and storyteller and her prose is wonderful and so vivid, but she's also a fantastically thorough researcher too: the stuff she enriches her book with, the weird and particular historical facts, is just *chef's kiss*. The sheer amount of details and accuracy are a delicious treat to a fellow facts-obsessed researcher.
I'm going to be re-reading these books sometime soon because now that I've been back inside Sebastian's mind, I don't want to leave him. I loved this fifth book so so much and if you've read any of the previous books, you won't be disappointed. If you're new to this series, well, what are you waiting for? RUN, DON'T WALK.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A year and a half has passed since the events of Sebastian's last mystery and his marriage with Calvin is going strong: he's put to rest his sleuthing, his business is doing great and Calvin is, finally, in a much better mental space. They're both happily (and safely) married, but when Sebastian is hired to be a consultant for the NYPD for a fresh, grisly murder and a possible new serial killer on the loose with a penchant for Victorian age gadgets, his relationship with Calvin and his life are both put on the line. And obviously, our favourite snarky, retired, amateur sleuth can hardly resist going back to sleuthing (sorry, enquiring politely!) for one last hurrah.
First things first: Sebastian Snow is one of my all-time favourite MCs. I've always had a weakness for amateur sleuths: I find their "whoops, I casually found myself involved in a murder, or six, and now I MUST investigate" absolutely irresistible and Sebastian is, by far, one of the most irresistible and reckless amateur sleuths I've ever read about. He's also funny and a bit broken, knowledgeable and clever and I really loved being back in his mind. I loved seeing his and Calvin's married life, the way they still manage to grow and make their relationship stronger, through fights and hard conversations and intimate, touching moments and steamy and sexy ones too, and the way they always care for the other and cheer each other on. I already knew they were soulmates, but this book just confirms it: they are devoted to one another, they're in this for life, through thick and thin (even though Sebastian tries really hard to give Calvin ulcers!).
The side characters were as wonderful: Max is the same hilarious twentysomething I recalled and Pop the same utterly wonderful parent. Neil deserves a special mention because I would like to reiterate (for the umpteenth time) that I would sell my soul for his book, hands down, no regrets, right now. I love his so much, and his relationship with Sebastian? Priceless.
The murder mystery plot was absolutely bonkers, a rollercoaster ride: it kept me guessing non-stop, it was creepy and gruesome and, as usual, so damn interesting. C.S. Poe is a truly talented writer and storyteller and her prose is wonderful and so vivid, but she's also a fantastically thorough researcher too: the stuff she enriches her book with, the weird and particular historical facts, is just *chef's kiss*. The sheer amount of details and accuracy are a delicious treat to a fellow facts-obsessed researcher.
I'm going to be re-reading these books sometime soon because now that I've been back inside Sebastian's mind, I don't want to leave him. I loved this fifth book so so much and if you've read any of the previous books, you won't be disappointed. If you're new to this series, well, what are you waiting for? RUN, DON'T WALK.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2022
Snow and Winter are back! And we also get appearances from Pop, from Neil (OMG give me his spin off!), from Aubrey! OMG I just love revisiting this world.
I love that we got a full new story with Sebastian and Calvin, I just love them so much. And I love seeing them a year and a half later after their got married and how solid they are. I also love how well they communicated and are so totally end game together. It's so great to see how far they have come since the first book to where they are now - Calvin especially.
The mystery in this one was great - it kept me guessing and I also loved all the history with spiritualism and how it all related to the murders.
You definitely need to read this series in order, but like - this one might be my favorite? I'm a huge fan of established couple books, where you get to see them after that first HEA and how they continue to make it work. And I LOVE how much Seb and Cal love each other - how strongly they feel for each other and are unashamed to say it now. I just love them.
Thank you for more with these guys!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I love that we got a full new story with Sebastian and Calvin, I just love them so much. And I love seeing them a year and a half later after their got married and how solid they are. I also love how well they communicated and are so totally end game together. It's so great to see how far they have come since the first book to where they are now - Calvin especially.
The mystery in this one was great - it kept me guessing and I also loved all the history with spiritualism and how it all related to the murders.
You definitely need to read this series in order, but like - this one might be my favorite? I'm a huge fan of established couple books, where you get to see them after that first HEA and how they continue to make it work. And I LOVE how much Seb and Cal love each other - how strongly they feel for each other and are unashamed to say it now. I just love them.
Thank you for more with these guys!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
The Mystery of the Spirits is the surprise fifth book in C.S. Poe’s Snow and Winter series. The fourth book, The Mystery of the Bones, was announced as the last one (though we did get a book of short stories earlier this year). So it was an exciting treat to find out that Poe was giving us one more mystery for Sebastian and Calvin.
The mystery here is an interesting one, focusing on the time of the Spiritualist movement and a pair of sisters who were at its start. Poe is amazing at research and historical detail and I feel like I always learn something interesting (and crazy) when I read her books. I love the way the mysteries always combine the antiquities with the modern day. The investigation takes some interesting twists and I found it very engaging.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
The Mystery of the Spirits is the surprise fifth book in C.S. Poe’s Snow and Winter series. The fourth book, The Mystery of the Bones, was announced as the last one (though we did get a book of short stories earlier this year). So it was an exciting treat to find out that Poe was giving us one more mystery for Sebastian and Calvin.
The mystery here is an interesting one, focusing on the time of the Spiritualist movement and a pair of sisters who were at its start. Poe is amazing at research and historical detail and I feel like I always learn something interesting (and crazy) when I read her books. I love the way the mysteries always combine the antiquities with the modern day. The investigation takes some interesting twists and I found it very engaging.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
December 31, 2021
Going to miss this pair. I have loved their adventures and the mysteries.
This was another good story and I bet people wont have realized the killer until the big reveal.
This was another good story and I bet people wont have realized the killer until the big reveal.
August 18, 2025
"If Calvin didn’t put Dweeby Killjoy on my headstone when I died, I was going to come back and haunt his ass, with or without the help of Midtown Mediums."
In The Mystery of the Spirits we are a year and a half into the future (or more) with Sebastian and Calvin in the Snow & Winter series. Wow, book 5. Sebastian has been keeping his nose clean and not sleuthing, like the good civilian husband he is. But when he is getting paid to look into a mysterious murder involving a spiritoscope, all hell breaks loose and Sebastian has to juggle this job and getting Calvin to lay off him.
I enjoyed this book for the entire tarot reading, psychic backstory, and all that. I like that sort of thing. I enjoy learning about origins of people talking to ghosts and having séances, so I thought that part was particularly interesting to me personally. It felt good to be back with Sebastian and Calvin. I wouldn’t say this is my favorite story of theirs, but it was still a good one.
I think there could have been MORE emotional tension and frustration when the “fight” Calvin and Sebastian had came to a head. I think showing that they aren’t a perfect couple, or that Calvin isn’t this perfect man, would be nice — but it was wrapped up nicely after only a few pages, which I find kind of lackluster. I love me some drama.
Either way, I thought I knew who did what and why, but I was wrong. But take that with a grain of salt because I have a low IQ when it comes to solving murder mysteries. But that’s why they are usually just all so fun to me. I enjoyed this.
As always with this series, the knowledge that Sebastian has on things is the biggest treat of the book. I don’t know if there will ever be another book about these two, but if not I suppose this is a good stopping point. I won’t be mad if we get more of the two of them in the future.
In The Mystery of the Spirits we are a year and a half into the future (or more) with Sebastian and Calvin in the Snow & Winter series. Wow, book 5. Sebastian has been keeping his nose clean and not sleuthing, like the good civilian husband he is. But when he is getting paid to look into a mysterious murder involving a spiritoscope, all hell breaks loose and Sebastian has to juggle this job and getting Calvin to lay off him.
I enjoyed this book for the entire tarot reading, psychic backstory, and all that. I like that sort of thing. I enjoy learning about origins of people talking to ghosts and having séances, so I thought that part was particularly interesting to me personally. It felt good to be back with Sebastian and Calvin. I wouldn’t say this is my favorite story of theirs, but it was still a good one.
I think there could have been MORE emotional tension and frustration when the “fight” Calvin and Sebastian had came to a head. I think showing that they aren’t a perfect couple, or that Calvin isn’t this perfect man, would be nice — but it was wrapped up nicely after only a few pages, which I find kind of lackluster. I love me some drama.
Either way, I thought I knew who did what and why, but I was wrong. But take that with a grain of salt because I have a low IQ when it comes to solving murder mysteries. But that’s why they are usually just all so fun to me. I enjoyed this.
As always with this series, the knowledge that Sebastian has on things is the biggest treat of the book. I don’t know if there will ever be another book about these two, but if not I suppose this is a good stopping point. I won’t be mad if we get more of the two of them in the future.
November 29, 2025
I stretched that series out as long as I could, but I finally finished it. C.S. Poe writes creative, interesting characters and Sebastian is one of the most unique lol. Each book has a unique and complex mystery, but you'll need to read these books in order because of the romance with hunky police detective Calvin.
The audio version of The Mystery of the Spirits is nicely performed by Wyatt Baker.
The audio version of The Mystery of the Spirits is nicely performed by Wyatt Baker.
January 31, 2022
This was my favorite of the series and the first one I would give 5 stars to. I wish these books were longer!
December 30, 2021
I was so pleasantly surprised to see that another Snow & Winter book would be released. The series is one of my favorites and I couldn’t wait to get more of Sebastion and Calvin once I heard. The couple is happily married now and have settled into their lives. Seb gets hired as a consultant for the NYPD for a case involving some antiques and of course he gets involved more than he should although he isn’t sleuthing, he is making “polite inquiries” about the case.
The mystery was top notch and the book is packed with historical info much like the prior books in the series. Seeing Seb and Cal happy but still working on their relationship was like visiting with old friends and I would not be mad to see these two in another mystery!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The mystery was top notch and the book is packed with historical info much like the prior books in the series. Seeing Seb and Cal happy but still working on their relationship was like visiting with old friends and I would not be mad to see these two in another mystery!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2022
I love antiques and I am a huge fan of history, so this series has been an enjoyable adventure for me. C.S. Poe has blended both into her Snow and Winter series plus she has created great characters in Sebastian Snow and Calvin Winter. She has given them the gift of each other and allowed them to find happiness and contentment. They've been married for a year and a half at the start of this story and it's good to see a couple whose attraction and life together is thriving simply because they’re in love, and their love paints everything about the way one sees the other. As with every book in this series, I find that at the end of the book, I am both satisfied by the resolution and also sad to say goodbye to these characters and their shenanigans. I sincerely hope that there will be books number six, and seven, and eight....if not there is the gift of rereading a wonderful series.
February 19, 2022
I am so happy to return to Calvin and Seb. Honestly this book came as a happy surprise I wasn’t expecting to get any more but I’m def not complaining. We get more snark and sleuthing from our favorite non detective and his actual detective husband trying his best to keep him safe despite Seb’s best efforts.
More mystery of course and this time the police are actually coming to Sebastian for his help when a strange antique is found with a body and no one knows weird old stuff like Sebastian. Of course just looking and reporting his knowledge isn’t enough for Seb and when he starts asking questions more bodies start appearing.
Poe is great at hiding the killer I had no clue it would be them and in the end my suspicions were all off 😅Having more Seb and Calvin in their new married life is so amazing and crazy to think this whole series spans only about a year. Sebastian really has a knack for getting himself into some strange murdery situations. Here’s hoping we get more Snow and Winter. I’m really excited to get more Neil, we do get an appearance in this one, his and Sebs snark is adorable. 10/10 would reread entire series.
Second read through was in audio. Narrated by Wyatt Baker, he does a fantastic job bringing my boys to life. I’ve only listened to his Poe books but I see he does some Merikan books so I bet those are great too.
More mystery of course and this time the police are actually coming to Sebastian for his help when a strange antique is found with a body and no one knows weird old stuff like Sebastian. Of course just looking and reporting his knowledge isn’t enough for Seb and when he starts asking questions more bodies start appearing.
Poe is great at hiding the killer I had no clue it would be them and in the end my suspicions were all off 😅Having more Seb and Calvin in their new married life is so amazing and crazy to think this whole series spans only about a year. Sebastian really has a knack for getting himself into some strange murdery situations. Here’s hoping we get more Snow and Winter. I’m really excited to get more Neil, we do get an appearance in this one, his and Sebs snark is adorable. 10/10 would reread entire series.
Second read through was in audio. Narrated by Wyatt Baker, he does a fantastic job bringing my boys to life. I’ve only listened to his Poe books but I see he does some Merikan books so I bet those are great too.
April 14, 2025
2nd re-listen.
I'm lowering my rating from 5 stars to 4 stars, because although I still feel like I did on my first review, I found Sebastian's high handedness annoying and I'm a bit salty with the narrator's interpretation of Calvin.
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***minor spoilers ahead***
I have to say that this series has really grown on me with each book and I freaking loved this addition. It made me laugh, it made me feel all the feels when Calvin broke down about Sebastian's advisory role and when they fought!
I adore listening to Sebastian give answers and information to all things Victorian and Gothic Curiosities, I adore Calvin's fierce protectiveness to Sebastian's disregard of knowing better but still not being able to leave it well enough alone. I love their dynamic and listening to them navigating their relationship and marriage.
When it comes to narration although I have a tough time discerning Wyatt Baker's voices for Sebastian and Calvin, his performance is top notch and together with C.S. Poe's writing the story plays cinematic in my head while listening.
I'm lowering my rating from 5 stars to 4 stars, because although I still feel like I did on my first review, I found Sebastian's high handedness annoying and I'm a bit salty with the narrator's interpretation of Calvin.
-----
***minor spoilers ahead***
I have to say that this series has really grown on me with each book and I freaking loved this addition. It made me laugh, it made me feel all the feels when Calvin broke down about Sebastian's advisory role and when they fought!
I adore listening to Sebastian give answers and information to all things Victorian and Gothic Curiosities, I adore Calvin's fierce protectiveness to Sebastian's disregard of knowing better but still not being able to leave it well enough alone. I love their dynamic and listening to them navigating their relationship and marriage.
When it comes to narration although I have a tough time discerning Wyatt Baker's voices for Sebastian and Calvin, his performance is top notch and together with C.S. Poe's writing the story plays cinematic in my head while listening.
January 9, 2024
I’m constantly impressed by how clever this authors writing is. It’s very well researched, intensely detailed yet also quirky and interspersed with a dry sarcasm that I love. There is a surprising lightness that complements the intensity and fast pace. It also has a cozy vibe in the lovely cast of secondary characters who are great yet always have the potential to be the murderer so I feel I can never completely trust their actions until the very end. Except for Pop of course, he is a gem.
I’m sad that this is the end of Calvin and Sebastian’s stories, I’d happily read more and would love some spin offs for Max and Neil.
For anyone unfamiliar with this author her Memento Mori series is also (even more so) excellent.
I’m sad that this is the end of Calvin and Sebastian’s stories, I’d happily read more and would love some spin offs for Max and Neil.
For anyone unfamiliar with this author her Memento Mori series is also (even more so) excellent.
August 28, 2025
Bardzo fajna seria o antykwariuszu i detektywie :)
W pierwszym tomie miałam ochotę sama zamordować Snowa. Rozumiem jego fascynację tajemnicą, chęć rozwiązania zagadki, znalezienie mordercy, ale... ile razy można "zapomnieć" przekazać dowodów policji i samemu pchać się w podejrzane miejsca? Dodajmy fakt, że Snow jest daltonistą, ma spore problemy z wzrokiem, jest bardziej typem biurowego profesora niż facetem, który potrafi się obronić. Podziwiałam Wintera za jego anielską cierpliwość i opanowanie, gdy znajdował swojego faceta tam, gdzie zupełnie nie powinno go być.
W kolejnych częściach Seba wcale się nie poprawił, ale chyba już przyzwyczaiłam się do jego zrzędliwości i wsadzania palca między drzwi :)
Jeżeli chodzi o romans, miałam wrażenie, że ich uczucie bardzo szybko wzniosło się na wyżyny i na początku nie bardzo czułam tę chemię między nimi. Na szczęście to szybko minęło.
Od strony kryminalnej jak zwykle rewelacja. Bardzo podoba mi się wplatanie historycznych faktów w każdą sprawę :)
Brakuje mi czegoś o rodzinie WIntera. Z jednej strony pojawia się na chwilę jego brat, z drugiej mam wrażenie niedokończonej historii. Nie wiemy czego chciał, czy ich relacje uległy zmianie, czy w ogóle rozmawiali w końcu. Taki urwany wątek, który mam nadzieję zostanie poruszony w dodatku.
4+ za całość :D
W pierwszym tomie miałam ochotę sama zamordować Snowa. Rozumiem jego fascynację tajemnicą, chęć rozwiązania zagadki, znalezienie mordercy, ale... ile razy można "zapomnieć" przekazać dowodów policji i samemu pchać się w podejrzane miejsca? Dodajmy fakt, że Snow jest daltonistą, ma spore problemy z wzrokiem, jest bardziej typem biurowego profesora niż facetem, który potrafi się obronić. Podziwiałam Wintera za jego anielską cierpliwość i opanowanie, gdy znajdował swojego faceta tam, gdzie zupełnie nie powinno go być.
W kolejnych częściach Seba wcale się nie poprawił, ale chyba już przyzwyczaiłam się do jego zrzędliwości i wsadzania palca między drzwi :)
Jeżeli chodzi o romans, miałam wrażenie, że ich uczucie bardzo szybko wzniosło się na wyżyny i na początku nie bardzo czułam tę chemię między nimi. Na szczęście to szybko minęło.
Od strony kryminalnej jak zwykle rewelacja. Bardzo podoba mi się wplatanie historycznych faktów w każdą sprawę :)
Brakuje mi czegoś o rodzinie WIntera. Z jednej strony pojawia się na chwilę jego brat, z drugiej mam wrażenie niedokończonej historii. Nie wiemy czego chciał, czy ich relacje uległy zmianie, czy w ogóle rozmawiali w końcu. Taki urwany wątek, który mam nadzieję zostanie poruszony w dodatku.
4+ za całość :D
December 31, 2021
It was so good reading more about Sebastian and Calvin! Sebastian is such a fun and unique character and he is so remarkable! I love that he has so much knowledge about antiques and oddities. He’s so entertaining. Calvin is a dream! He’s sweet and lovable and they balance each other out perfectly!
The mystery was very interesting but I have to admit the whodunnit part was a bit disappointing. I wasn’t fully satisfied with how that wrapped up but all in all I don’t care because the book was so good! Sebastian getting to the end made it all worth it. I love being a part of his journeys! And I can’t wait for Neils book!!!
**ARC received from the author for my honest review.. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
October 11, 2024
(3.25/5) I liked the idea behind the case, but the execution not so much (the whole thing was just a bit random), but ultimately I didn't think the book was bad.
I really think this series had lots and lots of potential, but with the similarities between all five books, the plot holes in Sebastian and Calvin's relationship, and the little to no character development, it just wasn't absolutely phenomenal.
I still really enjoyed the series and I really liked all the characters, but I'm unfortunately not completely satisfied. Especially not with this ending. Their story just doesn't feel finished. There's still so much to explore... it's quite disappointing.
I really think this series had lots and lots of potential, but with the similarities between all five books, the plot holes in Sebastian and Calvin's relationship, and the little to no character development, it just wasn't absolutely phenomenal.
“Your world sounds a lot better.”
“It’s just different.”
“Lucky me, I get to be a part of it.”
I still really enjoyed the series and I really liked all the characters, but I'm unfortunately not completely satisfied. Especially not with this ending. Their story just doesn't feel finished. There's still so much to explore... it's quite disappointing.
July 22, 2025
Voto: 4.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Questo volume finale inizia un anno e mezzo dopo la fine del quarto libro e Seb e Calvin sono felicemente sposati.
Mentre Calvin continua la sua missione di catturare i cattivi della città, Seb è ben convinto nel rimanere fuori dai guai… se non fosse che proprio il capo di Calvin vuole assumerlo per una consulenza ufficiale per un caso dal sapore occulto.
Calvin non ne è felice, ma riconosce che Seb ha un’immensa conoscenza su argomenti astrusi e i giusti agganci per risolvere questa serie di omicidi, con tavole collegate allo spiritismo, a oggetti antichi e fattucchiere.
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Questo volume finale inizia un anno e mezzo dopo la fine del quarto libro e Seb e Calvin sono felicemente sposati.
Mentre Calvin continua la sua missione di catturare i cattivi della città, Seb è ben convinto nel rimanere fuori dai guai… se non fosse che proprio il capo di Calvin vuole assumerlo per una consulenza ufficiale per un caso dal sapore occulto.
Calvin non ne è felice, ma riconosce che Seb ha un’immensa conoscenza su argomenti astrusi e i giusti agganci per risolvere questa serie di omicidi, con tavole collegate allo spiritismo, a oggetti antichi e fattucchiere.
Continua sul nostro blog!
February 28, 2022
Calvin and Sebastian are still amazing and it was great to catch up with them.
As usual, great mystery and wonderful story.
As usual, great mystery and wonderful story.
June 29, 2025
sapere che questa serie è conclusa mi spezza il cuore 💔 stupenda dall' inizio alla fine ❤️
June 5, 2025
I love this series. CS Poe can do no wrong
March 3, 2024
2024 audio
See below. 😆😆 One of my all time favorite series and characters. Narration was great!
2023 ebook
I love, love, love, love, LOVE this series. Sebastian is one of my favorite characters and I could read all about him, listen to him tell me the history of literally anything. He makes what would seem ridiculous fascinating! And Calvin, boy, does he have his hands full with Sebastian, lol, always getting involved in murders, but Calvin handles it very well (despite a brief lapse) and they are stronger than ever.
I really wish there would be more in this series, but CS says this really is the last one and it's great. I was disappointed that there wasn't
Regardless, this story was perfect and I am going to enjoy reading the series over and over, and I can't wait to get started! :D
5 stars!
See below. 😆😆 One of my all time favorite series and characters. Narration was great!
2023 ebook
I love, love, love, love, LOVE this series. Sebastian is one of my favorite characters and I could read all about him, listen to him tell me the history of literally anything. He makes what would seem ridiculous fascinating! And Calvin, boy, does he have his hands full with Sebastian, lol, always getting involved in murders, but Calvin handles it very well (despite a brief lapse) and they are stronger than ever.
I really wish there would be more in this series, but CS says this really is the last one and it's great. I was disappointed that there wasn't
Regardless, this story was perfect and I am going to enjoy reading the series over and over, and I can't wait to get started! :D
5 stars!
January 10, 2022
These two... just these two! *sigh*
They have the perfect imperfect relationship, which is what makes them perfect for each other!
I know everyone is saying goodbye, but I will just say, "Until we meet again!" If I ever was to reread a series, this one would be at the top of the list! And who knows, we COULD get a short for them... someday? *fingers crossed*
They have the perfect imperfect relationship, which is what makes them perfect for each other!
I know everyone is saying goodbye, but I will just say, "Until we meet again!" If I ever was to reread a series, this one would be at the top of the list! And who knows, we COULD get a short for them... someday? *fingers crossed*
April 5, 2022
Another hit! This series is so great, Sebastian makes me laugh with his remarks. And it’s fascinating having the mysteries interwoven with the historical artifacts, I learn so much. I also got a big kick out of Aubrey Grant stepping in briefly (we need another book with Aubrey and Jun!) Overall, a great book.
January 10, 2022
Average book for this series. The mystery wasn’t believable at all.
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