🎧 Audiobook Review
Story ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Narration ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Overall ♥️♥️♥️♥️
EJ Russell has a storytelling style that most of the time immerses you in, especially with her "Fae out of Water" and "Supernatural Selection" series. But, personally I have found her stories and sometimes even her character chemistry simmering down by the time we reach book 3. I have felt this slow down in the previously mentioned series, and after having an okayish experience with book 1 of this series, I was a bit skeptical to pick the current book. I was not all that enamored by Matt Steinitz and the romance build-up was a real slow burn, and took a back seat. Yes, the blurb by Ms Russel is correct, this cozy mystery isn't a romance, so if you are in a mood for one check out her other series narrated by Joel Leslie and Greg Boudreaux. Quest Investigation series is doing wonderfully well on narration aspect as Greg Boudreaux gave another of his flawless performances and made the whole listening experience entertaining. As usual, Ms Russell created a captivating mystery and intriguing character development☺️.
Our main MC Matt Steinitz aka Hugh Mann, a former tabloid journalist turned supe investigator (on probation), works now for Quest Investigations that is run by "FOOW" series protagonists Mal Kendrick and Niall O'tierney. In book 1, Matt after a few failed surveillance gigs ends up getting his first investigation case, to resolve an assault charge against a Selkie's ex husband. But while resolving the case, our dear novice investigator falls for the Selkie, while nursing a broken heart from an unrequited love. Although the feelings between Lachlan and Matt were played on the downlow in book 1, in this book it seems both have moved on to a budding relationship territory 🤗. But, being true to the cozy mystery lines, Lachlan only turned up to be Matt's acting Knight in shining armor, to help or rescue him from the baddies or cook him a lovely dinner😏. Although Matt was being extremely conscious about following through with his feelings for Lachlan as the guy still hasn't divorced his husband Win, who is also in hiding. This situation has made Matt and Lachlan's relationship on a stand still, as Lachlan will never cheat on his ex-husband. This part bugged me at first, but the way Lachlan court's Matt is so sweet and his gallant nature with that sexy Scottish burr is just Yum😍🥰.
Now the mystery storyline has his own set of hilarious and ridiculous moments, such as when Matt starts to investigate the appearance of a Cwn Annwn aka a Hellhound from Herne's the Hunter's traitor tracking dog pack. The hound who was named Dupe😋 was found scavenging on dumpster food, while scaring of meat delivery truck drivers and has a weakness for sweet potato fries 🍟. Matt's task was to take Dupe back to faerie, but instead he found something sinister in play, and him going to hell to uncover the mystery of Herne and his pack of hounds disapperence. And yes, resolving a murder. The support cast consists of Matt's past foe turned bff Elleri, a dryad with a penchant for mischief and a hyper, werewolf Jordan, who turned out to be a true hound tamer. Another noticeable part is the mythic touch of Celtic mythology, which provides a unique storytelling style.
Narration by Greg Boudreaux is a temptation I can never resist and GB delivered a seamless performance of an awkward and hilarious side of Matt, who is still trying to find his footing in the Supe world. He has given Matt a lovely voice (which I missed coz of Ted-Qbert romance), especially when he struggles with his confused feelings towards Lachlan and the dilemma of sticking with the Supe's. I loved seeing the growth of Matt's character and Greg provided the depth and empathy his character needed through his voice. It's a delightful investigative journey and a must listen🥰😍🥰😍.
P.S. Do read Fae out of water and Supernatural Selection series first, besides book 1 of this series to get a better understanding of the whole cast of characters and the storyline.
***I received a copy of this audiobook from Gay Romance Reviews, for an honest review.***