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Inspector Mage: Blood on the Floor
Every Oseran is born with a Mage Gift but, for the talented Inspector Russell Gaines, even his abilities could not help him prevent the death of his sister at the hands of a serial killer known as the New Age God.
Years later, the once-promising inspector is a retired, washed-up drunkard who finds himself plagued by the demons of his past. But, when a member of the prominent Melton family is found dead, and one of their own is implicated, he reluctantly finds himself drawn back into the world of detecting.
Forced to work with this new suspect, the troubled Julie Melton, Russell must work to prove her innocence in the case. But this murder isn’t the only mystery he`s facing when he quickly realizes the young woman is hiding a shocking secret of her own—one that could mean the downfall of her family.
As more evidence is revealed, the facts of the case send Russell into even more of a downward spiral leaving Julie to investigate on her own. Will she be able to bring the former inspector back from the brink and bring the true killer to justice? And can she keep her secret hidden to save herself and her family from ruin?
Years later, the once-promising inspector is a retired, washed-up drunkard who finds himself plagued by the demons of his past. But, when a member of the prominent Melton family is found dead, and one of their own is implicated, he reluctantly finds himself drawn back into the world of detecting.
Forced to work with this new suspect, the troubled Julie Melton, Russell must work to prove her innocence in the case. But this murder isn’t the only mystery he`s facing when he quickly realizes the young woman is hiding a shocking secret of her own—one that could mean the downfall of her family.
As more evidence is revealed, the facts of the case send Russell into even more of a downward spiral leaving Julie to investigate on her own. Will she be able to bring the former inspector back from the brink and bring the true killer to justice? And can she keep her secret hidden to save herself and her family from ruin?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2021
43 people are currently reading
1278 people want to read
About the author
Aleese Hughes
10 books66 followersAleese Hughes is many things: a mother and wife, an avid reader, a performer, and an author. Aleese enjoys her time at home with her children and relishes the opportunities to pick up a good book or write one herself.
Having grown up around theater her entire life, Aleese has a natural ability when it comes to charming audiences while on stage. And the same goes for her knack to put words to paper and create stories that people of all ages can read and enjoy.
The fantasy genre is not only her favorite to read, but it is also what she writes, including "The Inspector Mage Trilogy."
You can stay updated on all things "Aleese Hughes" by visiting her site: aleesehughes.com. You can also follow her on all social media.
Having grown up around theater her entire life, Aleese has a natural ability when it comes to charming audiences while on stage. And the same goes for her knack to put words to paper and create stories that people of all ages can read and enjoy.
The fantasy genre is not only her favorite to read, but it is also what she writes, including "The Inspector Mage Trilogy."
You can stay updated on all things "Aleese Hughes" by visiting her site: aleesehughes.com. You can also follow her on all social media.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 28, 2021
Inspector Mage: Blood on the Floor (The Inspector Mage Trilogy Book 1) This is the first novel that I have read by Aleese Hughes. I must say I am impressed. This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. . I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel
March 12, 2022
Plot was decent but characters were very underdeveloped/basic. Julie is a stereotypical YA female protagonist who “can’t stand dresses” and is “annoyed” by the male lead yet “intrigued” by him and eventually finds him “endearing.” That’s basically her character. I don’t know how many times we were reminded of how much she can’t stand “feminine clothes”; every other YA female lead is like that, it’s not some character-defining trait.
Russel was more likable but I feel like there was a lot of unused potential with his character.
Overall not a terrible book though, had a decent plot and wasn’t a chore to read.
Russel was more likable but I feel like there was a lot of unused potential with his character.
Overall not a terrible book though, had a decent plot and wasn’t a chore to read.
August 12, 2022
A great magic mystery
This story is an exciting combination of my two favorite genres - it's a murder mystery set in a fantasy world.
The story starts a bit slow, but the pace picks up after a quarter of the book. The crime itself is intriguing, and the author provides several clues of what had happened by showing a murder scene. Even though I had some ideas of who the criminal might be, it was interesting to follow the investigation and find all the answers as the plot developed.
Julia is an interesting main character who had to deal with hiding her own secret along with the investigation.
I loved this story and will definitely read more from this author!
This story is an exciting combination of my two favorite genres - it's a murder mystery set in a fantasy world.
The story starts a bit slow, but the pace picks up after a quarter of the book. The crime itself is intriguing, and the author provides several clues of what had happened by showing a murder scene. Even though I had some ideas of who the criminal might be, it was interesting to follow the investigation and find all the answers as the plot developed.
Julia is an interesting main character who had to deal with hiding her own secret along with the investigation.
I loved this story and will definitely read more from this author!
November 29, 2021
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
I was excited to win this book and read it as soon as I had some open time. Although the description of the book was very enticing, it did not quite live up to expectations. There were two major areas that led to the book falling short. The first challenge was the forced dialogue and even what I would denote as odd dialogue choices. Characters would say very strange things that did not follow what would be considered normal speaking patterns and almost seemed like they were being translated from another language where the words didn't quite fit together. The second challenge was that the author kept telling the reader how the characters felt instead of showing how they felt. The author also had characters overacting all the time. They were gulping, flinging themselves, and had angry creases in their brows in what seemed to be every scene. Ultimately I would give this book 2.5 stars because of these shortcomings.
The primary story is interesting and has a lot of potential, but this book really needed an editor with a stronger hand. Since this was the first book in a trilogy, I would encourage the author to seek out some early critical readers who can offer some feedback before the publishing of the second book.
I was excited to win this book and read it as soon as I had some open time. Although the description of the book was very enticing, it did not quite live up to expectations. There were two major areas that led to the book falling short. The first challenge was the forced dialogue and even what I would denote as odd dialogue choices. Characters would say very strange things that did not follow what would be considered normal speaking patterns and almost seemed like they were being translated from another language where the words didn't quite fit together. The second challenge was that the author kept telling the reader how the characters felt instead of showing how they felt. The author also had characters overacting all the time. They were gulping, flinging themselves, and had angry creases in their brows in what seemed to be every scene. Ultimately I would give this book 2.5 stars because of these shortcomings.
The primary story is interesting and has a lot of potential, but this book really needed an editor with a stronger hand. Since this was the first book in a trilogy, I would encourage the author to seek out some early critical readers who can offer some feedback before the publishing of the second book.
December 1, 2021
I'll start by saying I'm very much excited to read the sequel and see where this trilogy goes. I loved the premise behind this novel, and I think it's very much Sherlock Holmes meets magical realism.
INSPECTOR MAGE: BLOOD ON THE FLOOR opens with intrigue and leaves you just enough hints to start piecing together a mystery by yourself. The characters are interesting, and perfectly imperfect. I love a new take on a classic genre, and adding some fantasy/magical elements to a good ol' fashion who-dun-it was a breath of fresh air.
All that being said, the characters sometimes felt robotic, and dialogue very much felt like it was written, and didn't feel very conversational at all sometimes. And I didn't find some of the other worldly elements went a little under-explained until I had forgotten I even had any questions. But other than that, a truly fun & interesting read!
I received a free copy for an honest review!! Thanks to booksirens & the author!
INSPECTOR MAGE: BLOOD ON THE FLOOR opens with intrigue and leaves you just enough hints to start piecing together a mystery by yourself. The characters are interesting, and perfectly imperfect. I love a new take on a classic genre, and adding some fantasy/magical elements to a good ol' fashion who-dun-it was a breath of fresh air.
All that being said, the characters sometimes felt robotic, and dialogue very much felt like it was written, and didn't feel very conversational at all sometimes. And I didn't find some of the other worldly elements went a little under-explained until I had forgotten I even had any questions. But other than that, a truly fun & interesting read!
I received a free copy for an honest review!! Thanks to booksirens & the author!
February 7, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book. There were some things I liked and really enjoyed, and others that I didn't. Overall, I thought it was a good story and I really want to know what happens in the next books of the series. I plan on readings those when they come out.
The world-building could use just a little work. I wasn't blown away by the setting, I actually was a little disappointed in it because it didn't seem unique or different. I did like the concept, but I think I wanted a bit more from it. Something that really stands apart from how the things are in the real world. There is potential here, but it currently felt a little too simple. When you bring in Gifts and powers, and I feel like there should definitely be a bit more advancement made in society. That was lacking in this book. But, when I ignored what I wanted from it, I was able to accept the story as it is and I found I was okay with that while reading because it still was in interesting concept.
The characters were okay. I actually liked some of them, but I didn't feel like I really got to know them. They always felt a little off to me, but I can't quite figure out why. I don't know if this is because of their personalities or if it was because of how they were written. I think hearing more of their internal thoughts could have helped with that. Just something small would help, something to let the reader know them a bit better and see things from their eyes.
I really did like the mystery part of the story. I would have liked to see some more red herrings. I felt like the mystery was easy to figure out. Of course, I didn't have everything pieced together, but I did have a good picture of how everything was going to work together. I do like how there is the set up for the mystery that runs throughout the series, will the one from this book is wrapped up still. It definitely makes me feel like I have to continue reading. I have to know what happens now.
There is a lot to like about this book. It's easy to read and has a lot of different elements to it. It didn't feel dark, but at the same time it wasn't light. There was a good balance to everything. The writing was engaging. It definitely kept me wrapped up in what was happening. I really had to keep reading to see how everything would work out.
I received an ARC of this book for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
The world-building could use just a little work. I wasn't blown away by the setting, I actually was a little disappointed in it because it didn't seem unique or different. I did like the concept, but I think I wanted a bit more from it. Something that really stands apart from how the things are in the real world. There is potential here, but it currently felt a little too simple. When you bring in Gifts and powers, and I feel like there should definitely be a bit more advancement made in society. That was lacking in this book. But, when I ignored what I wanted from it, I was able to accept the story as it is and I found I was okay with that while reading because it still was in interesting concept.
The characters were okay. I actually liked some of them, but I didn't feel like I really got to know them. They always felt a little off to me, but I can't quite figure out why. I don't know if this is because of their personalities or if it was because of how they were written. I think hearing more of their internal thoughts could have helped with that. Just something small would help, something to let the reader know them a bit better and see things from their eyes.
I really did like the mystery part of the story. I would have liked to see some more red herrings. I felt like the mystery was easy to figure out. Of course, I didn't have everything pieced together, but I did have a good picture of how everything was going to work together. I do like how there is the set up for the mystery that runs throughout the series, will the one from this book is wrapped up still. It definitely makes me feel like I have to continue reading. I have to know what happens now.
There is a lot to like about this book. It's easy to read and has a lot of different elements to it. It didn't feel dark, but at the same time it wasn't light. There was a good balance to everything. The writing was engaging. It definitely kept me wrapped up in what was happening. I really had to keep reading to see how everything would work out.
I received an ARC of this book for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
April 9, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the author.
This is the first book that I have read by this author but it certainly will not be the last.
Who’d have thought that fantasy and murder could combine to make such a great read.
Ex Inspector Russell (Lord) Gaines has had a high profile career and is well known wherever he goes but he has retired and only wants to be called Russell now. Good luck with that. He expects everyone to jump to do what he wants and can be quite grumpy. However we do see another side to his character when he investigates a murder at the home of Julie.
I think that Russell and Julie have a soft spot for each other but they both deny it. Time will tell as this is only the first book in a trilogy.
There are twists that I didn’t expect in this book right up to the epilogue.
This is the first book that I have read by this author but it certainly will not be the last.
Who’d have thought that fantasy and murder could combine to make such a great read.
Ex Inspector Russell (Lord) Gaines has had a high profile career and is well known wherever he goes but he has retired and only wants to be called Russell now. Good luck with that. He expects everyone to jump to do what he wants and can be quite grumpy. However we do see another side to his character when he investigates a murder at the home of Julie.
I think that Russell and Julie have a soft spot for each other but they both deny it. Time will tell as this is only the first book in a trilogy.
There are twists that I didn’t expect in this book right up to the epilogue.
November 14, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So. I want a second book, let’s begin with that. The characters were intriguing, the plot was interesting, and the writing style was great. My biggest issue was that I wish the book was longer. I wish the author had taken a bit more time with things, because I feel like I flew through this and there was always just feeling of wanting *more* the entire time. Pacing was a bit fast at times and I think the author could have just given us a bit more background on characters and the built the world some more. It all sounds wildly fascinating. I hope to enjoy the adventures of not Inspector, not Lord, just Russell Gaines once again.
So. I want a second book, let’s begin with that. The characters were intriguing, the plot was interesting, and the writing style was great. My biggest issue was that I wish the book was longer. I wish the author had taken a bit more time with things, because I feel like I flew through this and there was always just feeling of wanting *more* the entire time. Pacing was a bit fast at times and I think the author could have just given us a bit more background on characters and the built the world some more. It all sounds wildly fascinating. I hope to enjoy the adventures of not Inspector, not Lord, just Russell Gaines once again.
August 1, 2022
This book has all of the tropes you'd expect from a gritty detective novel. What makes it fun and unique is the way they're juxtaposed against the fantasy world the author has created. At first blush, it seems a risky combination of genres, but it's superbly executed with good characters, believable dialog, and quality writing. The only thing that threw me off was the combination of first person and third person perspectives. I'm not convinced that Julie wouldn't have worked better in third person. It would have been a more seamless reading experience that way, for sure.
January 12, 2024
Changes POV midstream
It started off interesting enough in third-person POV, but once it switched to first-person POV, it went downhill quickly. The change in POV was too abrupt and jarring.
The characters are superficial and stereotypical. She's different and special and kind of obnoxious. He's rough, damaged, and treats her poorly for no reason.
The mystery is so so. Even some of the surprises were not all that surprising. Definitely will not be continuing this series.
It started off interesting enough in third-person POV, but once it switched to first-person POV, it went downhill quickly. The change in POV was too abrupt and jarring.
The characters are superficial and stereotypical. She's different and special and kind of obnoxious. He's rough, damaged, and treats her poorly for no reason.
The mystery is so so. Even some of the surprises were not all that surprising. Definitely will not be continuing this series.
January 8, 2022
There are mysteries that are easy to solve and mysteries that are boring, and fortunately ‘Inspector Mage: Blood on the Floor’ is neither. This magical murder mystery successfully accomplished being thrilling and easy to read. There are some reviews that mention odd dialogue, but I didn’t sense that. I’m looking forward to watching ̶I̶n̶s̶p̶e̶c̶t̶o̶r̶ ̶G̶a̶i̶n̶e̶s̶ Russel, Julie, and the story continue to arc in the next few books!
August 10, 2024
quite fun
Loved the story and the inevitable attraction between Julie Melton and Russell Gaines. Who wouldn’t want adventure and solving of crimes. The way that the layout of the lands are drawn out was also interesting to see and the mage carriages, magic and mystery - such a fun combination. The other stories are sure to be as interesting, and yes I would have looked more at the maid as well.
Loved the story and the inevitable attraction between Julie Melton and Russell Gaines. Who wouldn’t want adventure and solving of crimes. The way that the layout of the lands are drawn out was also interesting to see and the mage carriages, magic and mystery - such a fun combination. The other stories are sure to be as interesting, and yes I would have looked more at the maid as well.
November 21, 2021
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
* Contains a few unnecessary cuss words.
* Fast pace read.
* Brilliant! Well written m
* PAGE turner! Pulls you in from page one.
* Detailed and imaginative!
* Interesting plot! To be continued.
* Strong , well developed characters!
* Intreging writing style!
Read today! Enjoy!
* Contains a few unnecessary cuss words.
* Fast pace read.
* Brilliant! Well written m
* PAGE turner! Pulls you in from page one.
* Detailed and imaginative!
* Interesting plot! To be continued.
* Strong , well developed characters!
* Intreging writing style!
Read today! Enjoy!
November 16, 2022
exciting
Fun story full of excitement. The main character is very relatable in the passages are easy to follow. Full of lots of descriptive, world, building, and storytelling, I was very impressed with his overall and look forward to seeing what else will take place in the trilogy
Fun story full of excitement. The main character is very relatable in the passages are easy to follow. Full of lots of descriptive, world, building, and storytelling, I was very impressed with his overall and look forward to seeing what else will take place in the trilogy
October 28, 2021
I had the honor of reading this book before the release date. This book was absolutely amazing! Maybe it’s because I share the same name as the beautiful author but I really connected with this book. I highly suggest!
December 8, 2021
Mystery
Like those movie series with a lot of twist after twist is this book. The characters portrays a personality of someone untrustworthy despite having dark side she also involved in solving a murder case alongside Gaines.
Like those movie series with a lot of twist after twist is this book. The characters portrays a personality of someone untrustworthy despite having dark side she also involved in solving a murder case alongside Gaines.
January 12, 2022
I read this as a Beta reader in July of 2021. Shortly after I got Covid and completely forgot I still needed to write a review.
To sum it up, I love this book! Already Hughes did a great job bringing this world to life! I can’t wait for more books in the series!
To sum it up, I love this book! Already Hughes did a great job bringing this world to life! I can’t wait for more books in the series!
September 9, 2022
What a fun read!
A new world with mage gifts and a mystery to solve. Getting to know Julie and Russell and how their relationship develops is well done. Clues abound and some are solved but questions remain pointing to a book to come. Can't wait!
A new world with mage gifts and a mystery to solve. Getting to know Julie and Russell and how their relationship develops is well done. Clues abound and some are solved but questions remain pointing to a book to come. Can't wait!
December 2, 2022
Very Good Story
I was intrigued from the beginning of this magical book. The mystery of these people, murder, and their mage stones kept me trying to figure everything out. I look forward to reading the next book.
I was intrigued from the beginning of this magical book. The mystery of these people, murder, and their mage stones kept me trying to figure everything out. I look forward to reading the next book.
October 20, 2021
Love, love, LOVE THIS BOOK!
November 28, 2021
Wow! Seriously, wow! This book was great.
November 28, 2021
Great book! Couldn’t put it down.
December 14, 2021
Very creative, intriguing book. Can't wait for the next one!
August 19, 2024
What a fun little fantasy murder Mystery!
October 14, 2025
Rating: 5/5
Main tropes:
Review:
This was an absolute homerun! The mix of mystery and magic is executed so well, with a plot that keeps you locked in from beginning to end. Every clue, twist, and reveal felt earned, and the pacing never dragged. I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
What impressed me most was the way the magical elements were seamlessly woven into a gritty, almost noir-style mystery. It never felt overdone or too “out there” — just a natural part of the world that enhanced the stakes and the atmosphere. The setting was vivid, the tone perfectly balanced between dark and clever, and the tension stayed high the whole way through.
If you're into murder mysteries with a magical edge and tight storytelling, this is a must-read. It’s sharp, smart, and completely satisfying. Already excited to see what Aleese does next.
Main tropes:
Review:
This was an absolute homerun! The mix of mystery and magic is executed so well, with a plot that keeps you locked in from beginning to end. Every clue, twist, and reveal felt earned, and the pacing never dragged. I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
What impressed me most was the way the magical elements were seamlessly woven into a gritty, almost noir-style mystery. It never felt overdone or too “out there” — just a natural part of the world that enhanced the stakes and the atmosphere. The setting was vivid, the tone perfectly balanced between dark and clever, and the tension stayed high the whole way through.
If you're into murder mysteries with a magical edge and tight storytelling, this is a must-read. It’s sharp, smart, and completely satisfying. Already excited to see what Aleese does next.
July 5, 2025
Mage Gift
Russell Gaines held quite a reputation in Pirbis North— a reputation as the best inspector in the city,. The New Age God had broken him thoght. When Eliza Melton's husband was murdered, Russell is hired to find the killer. The clues all lead to the New Age God. Julie Melton's mage gift, however, gave her a vision and she knew Russell was a fraud!
Suspense builds from the beginning. Why was John killed? Who is the New Age God? Without a Mage Gift, is Russell even capable of catching the killer. The unpredictable plot twists captivating with exceptional detail. Every character could be gulty, making it difficult to discern who was the true target. The mysterious endimg held me spellbound. I have to read the sequel!
Russell Gaines held quite a reputation in Pirbis North— a reputation as the best inspector in the city,. The New Age God had broken him thoght. When Eliza Melton's husband was murdered, Russell is hired to find the killer. The clues all lead to the New Age God. Julie Melton's mage gift, however, gave her a vision and she knew Russell was a fraud!
Suspense builds from the beginning. Why was John killed? Who is the New Age God? Without a Mage Gift, is Russell even capable of catching the killer. The unpredictable plot twists captivating with exceptional detail. Every character could be gulty, making it difficult to discern who was the true target. The mysterious endimg held me spellbound. I have to read the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews