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Isaac Taylor Mysteries #8
Mayhem & Mistletoe
Detective Isaac Taylor is about to celebrate his first Christmas season with his new wife. But a string of shocking and puzzling murders puts a serious crimp on his holiday cheer. Sidney Taylor is looking forward to going all out for the coming holiday. But when an unexpected family visit and a badly beaten woman both show up on her doorstep 24 hours apart, things get complicated. With a confidence in his abilities that he’s never known before, Ike is determined not to let any of it spoil the wedded bliss he and Sidney have found. But will they be able to hang onto that warm fuzzy feeling, or will his over-confidence ruin Christmas for everyone?
- GenresParanormal
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2022
About the author
Lashell Collins
64 books176 followersLashell Collins is an American author of romantic suspense, contemporary and paranormal romance. She spent the last twenty years of her life working in veterinary clinics and garden centers in her home state of Ohio, and is now living her dream of writing full-time. When she's not busy tapping away on her laptop and living vicariously through her characters, she can usually be found watching Grimm, rocking out to Slash, stuffing her face full of Chinese food, or riding on the back of her husband's Harley-Davidson.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 2, 2022
Wow! I really enjoyed reading this one! The police procedural aspect was tighter, and the interactions between Ike and Sidney's family and friends were great. A lot of folks were getting into HFN territory! 4.5 stars!
February 27, 2022
Another fun story.
I love checking in with Ike and Sid. It’s always a fun time. Ike’s story with his investigation was interesting and every time we checked in with him I was excited to learn more. I also loved that we focused on Ike and Sid and only checked in with their friends and family. I like all the supporting characters but I prefer the focus to be on our main MCs.
I didn’t care for Sid’s story as much here. I didn’t understand how Simon could seem so clueless as if he didn’t personally know a domestic violence survivor. I know he was in Japan but he had an idea of things, here it seemed like this was his first time thinking about it. Also Heather just irked me. I don’t think it was the story’s fault so much as my own feelings about what she did. I don’t like when people just show up without any regard for other people. I know she’s lonely and we should feel for her but yeah it irked me.
While this isn’t my favorite entry in the series it was still a fun read and the things I didn’t care for weren’t bigger than how much I enjoyed Ike’s story and all the Ike and Sid time.
I love checking in with Ike and Sid. It’s always a fun time. Ike’s story with his investigation was interesting and every time we checked in with him I was excited to learn more. I also loved that we focused on Ike and Sid and only checked in with their friends and family. I like all the supporting characters but I prefer the focus to be on our main MCs.
I didn’t care for Sid’s story as much here. I didn’t understand how Simon could seem so clueless as if he didn’t personally know a domestic violence survivor. I know he was in Japan but he had an idea of things, here it seemed like this was his first time thinking about it. Also Heather just irked me. I don’t think it was the story’s fault so much as my own feelings about what she did. I don’t like when people just show up without any regard for other people. I know she’s lonely and we should feel for her but yeah it irked me.
While this isn’t my favorite entry in the series it was still a fun read and the things I didn’t care for weren’t bigger than how much I enjoyed Ike’s story and all the Ike and Sid time.
February 27, 2022
Love this series
I love these books. I cannot wait for the next one. Each one is a treat. I love Sidney and Ike and all of their family and friends. I cannot wait to see what happens with Pete and his family, Gavin and Gerri and I hope Simon and Sidney are able to build a relationship with Heather. This book was great. I hate that I finished it so quickly. I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a great series to follow and I hope it doesn't take too long for the next installment.
I love these books. I cannot wait for the next one. Each one is a treat. I love Sidney and Ike and all of their family and friends. I cannot wait to see what happens with Pete and his family, Gavin and Gerri and I hope Simon and Sidney are able to build a relationship with Heather. This book was great. I hate that I finished it so quickly. I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a great series to follow and I hope it doesn't take too long for the next installment.
January 3, 2023
My New Favorite Mystery author of Isaac Taylor Mysteries
Wow, here I am back to where I should have been before I read the next book 📚📖 in this series. I started out reading Heroes and Hellfire and so I decided to go back to the first books 📚📖 in this series. So I am going to read Heroes and Hellfire again with the information I have now from the eight books 📚 I read before. Now, I need to get to this Book 8. Mayhem and Mistletoe is wrote after Sidney and Isaac return from their honeymoon and around the Christmas season. We have Isaac having to investigate the murder of a manager of a grocery store and then they get the murder of two men that were murdered in a flash mob dance. Sidney and her Boss, Zoe, are preparing the shelter for Christmas for the women and their kids. So we find out that Carlton Fairchild dies and they go to Los Angeles for the funeral, what ensues is fun and interesting 🤔 🤗 times. I really enjoyed this story it just keeps getting better each book 📚📖 I read. I would highly recommend this book, 📚📖, the series. Loved Mayhem and Mistletoe and Lashell Collins for writing this series
I am definitely a fan 🙂😊🤗.
Wow, here I am back to where I should have been before I read the next book 📚📖 in this series. I started out reading Heroes and Hellfire and so I decided to go back to the first books 📚📖 in this series. So I am going to read Heroes and Hellfire again with the information I have now from the eight books 📚 I read before. Now, I need to get to this Book 8. Mayhem and Mistletoe is wrote after Sidney and Isaac return from their honeymoon and around the Christmas season. We have Isaac having to investigate the murder of a manager of a grocery store and then they get the murder of two men that were murdered in a flash mob dance. Sidney and her Boss, Zoe, are preparing the shelter for Christmas for the women and their kids. So we find out that Carlton Fairchild dies and they go to Los Angeles for the funeral, what ensues is fun and interesting 🤔 🤗 times. I really enjoyed this story it just keeps getting better each book 📚📖 I read. I would highly recommend this book, 📚📖, the series. Loved Mayhem and Mistletoe and Lashell Collins for writing this series
I am definitely a fan 🙂😊🤗.
February 18, 2022
Ike & Sydney & everyone
A gift from the author gives us a case to be solved by Ike and his partner, Pete, as well as lots of holiday gatherings with families and friends. I love when a series takes a book to catch the readers up on the characters we've come to love.
Sydney has some new siblings--not babies but adults she and Simon knew nothing about. Will any of them show up to celebrate their first Christmas together? In the last few books colleges and some family members have found love. Will they stay together? And let's not forget a murder or two or even more. Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean the bad guys aren't busy being bad.
Lots going on, old traditions celebrated, new traditions being made, Ike's powers getting stronger. Yes, not a dull moment for fans and new readers alike. The author is great at giving brief but good explanations of who characters are for new readers. You'll love it as much as we fanatics do.
There are hints of cases to come and exciting happenings for the characters we love--most of all Sydney and Ike, a love that few find.
A gift from the author gives us a case to be solved by Ike and his partner, Pete, as well as lots of holiday gatherings with families and friends. I love when a series takes a book to catch the readers up on the characters we've come to love.
Sydney has some new siblings--not babies but adults she and Simon knew nothing about. Will any of them show up to celebrate their first Christmas together? In the last few books colleges and some family members have found love. Will they stay together? And let's not forget a murder or two or even more. Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean the bad guys aren't busy being bad.
Lots going on, old traditions celebrated, new traditions being made, Ike's powers getting stronger. Yes, not a dull moment for fans and new readers alike. The author is great at giving brief but good explanations of who characters are for new readers. You'll love it as much as we fanatics do.
There are hints of cases to come and exciting happenings for the characters we love--most of all Sydney and Ike, a love that few find.
February 24, 2022
Get ready for another fast-paced, page-turner that will blow you away! “Mayhem & Mistletoe" is book 8 from the phenomenal, an "Isaac Taylor Mystery" series and grabbed me from the start, so that I was immediately glued to my seat! ... Always a fresh, new, storyline with mystery, romance, suspense and modern day magic! ... I love the relatable characters, both secondary friends & work colleagues, and some of those are new couples, but mainly love our H/h, Isaac & Sidney. Their smokin’ hot chemistry burns right through the pages, as we see their story continue to unfold and on the brink of an HEA... Plenty of twists & surprises will keep readers hooked & turning pages like crazy! ... Even tho I always volunteer to read Ms. Collins’ books, it is without any outside influences, so I can honestly recommend this to adult fans of fiction. Plus, many times I buy the Kindle ebooks when I can afford to ... I am so addicted to this phenomenal series, that I can’t wait for more! But of course I always will, even if like an impatient child ;) lol
March 1, 2022
One of my favorite couples is back! In the middle of holiday madness, a series of murders has Ike and Pete scrambling to find the killer(s). Ike has come a long way with accepting himself and his gifts and seeing him use them so effortlessly and in public warms my heart. It was awesome having the game back together, even Milton makes a cameo.
Diving into a Ms. Collins' book is like coming home and catching up with old friends. Her characters are so well developed that it's easy to imagine that they are real people living their lives and we're lucky enough to get a glimpse into their world. We finally see Simon taking steps to move on from his heartbreak in Japan. Gavin and Gerri are going strong and Gerri's obsession with Christmas is just adorable. Sid gets the chance to help someone she's had her eye on for a while. A surprise visitor adds some drama I wasn't expecting. This Mook made me laugh and cry and I'm so ready for the next book. I NEED to know about this vision Ike's keep having. I don't want this series to ever end. Brava, Lashell, Brava!
This is an ARC review
Diving into a Ms. Collins' book is like coming home and catching up with old friends. Her characters are so well developed that it's easy to imagine that they are real people living their lives and we're lucky enough to get a glimpse into their world. We finally see Simon taking steps to move on from his heartbreak in Japan. Gavin and Gerri are going strong and Gerri's obsession with Christmas is just adorable. Sid gets the chance to help someone she's had her eye on for a while. A surprise visitor adds some drama I wasn't expecting. This Mook made me laugh and cry and I'm so ready for the next book. I NEED to know about this vision Ike's keep having. I don't want this series to ever end. Brava, Lashell, Brava!
This is an ARC review
February 7, 2022
A Splendid Episode of This Phenomenal Series!
Detective Sergeant Issac Taylor and new wife Sidney are celebrating Christmas. From the complexities of picking out Christmas presents to the solving of murders, the reader is drawn into this delightful couple’s world and those around them.
This one of the best developments of multiple couples, without creating confusion for the reader I have experienced. Each couple has their challenges and wins. Issac is becoming more comfortable with his special powers. This is important as they have multiple cases to solve.
Family, celebrations, giving back and clever conversations. This continues to be a very top series for me..
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Detective Sergeant Issac Taylor and new wife Sidney are celebrating Christmas. From the complexities of picking out Christmas presents to the solving of murders, the reader is drawn into this delightful couple’s world and those around them.
This one of the best developments of multiple couples, without creating confusion for the reader I have experienced. Each couple has their challenges and wins. Issac is becoming more comfortable with his special powers. This is important as they have multiple cases to solve.
Family, celebrations, giving back and clever conversations. This continues to be a very top series for me..
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
March 3, 2022
Outstanding
I loved,loved this series and has read all 8. I find the characters well developed, each having their story that will keep you involved and excited to learn more about them. I love Isaac and Sidney. Their love is intense, sizzling hot, passionate and beautiful. I love the super natural and psychics occurrence, delivering and new and fresh twist to a romantic book. There is a little of everything in this series. There is psychic powers, suspense, great lovemaking, humour and crime solving strategies. This book and all books in this series will keep you involved, with heart-pounding suspense. The writing flows easily and effortlessly. You will not be disappointed by selecting this book. Outstanding. Keep them coming.
I loved,loved this series and has read all 8. I find the characters well developed, each having their story that will keep you involved and excited to learn more about them. I love Isaac and Sidney. Their love is intense, sizzling hot, passionate and beautiful. I love the super natural and psychics occurrence, delivering and new and fresh twist to a romantic book. There is a little of everything in this series. There is psychic powers, suspense, great lovemaking, humour and crime solving strategies. This book and all books in this series will keep you involved, with heart-pounding suspense. The writing flows easily and effortlessly. You will not be disappointed by selecting this book. Outstanding. Keep them coming.
March 22, 2022
I missed Ike and Sydney
Mr. Collins is an excellent story teller. I just started reading this series last year and kept the first book for a couple months before reading it, and once I started I couldn't stop. This story line is suspenseful and exciting. It's a for sure feel good series with a very believable story line. Every time I read one of her books it feels like I am visiting Ike and Sydney and catching up with friends. I can foresee the story as I'm reading. Also a great who done it. Please write faster Mrs. Collins.
Mr. Collins is an excellent story teller. I just started reading this series last year and kept the first book for a couple months before reading it, and once I started I couldn't stop. This story line is suspenseful and exciting. It's a for sure feel good series with a very believable story line. Every time I read one of her books it feels like I am visiting Ike and Sydney and catching up with friends. I can foresee the story as I'm reading. Also a great who done it. Please write faster Mrs. Collins.
June 6, 2022
Please keep this series coming
This book follows the Taylors as they prepare for the Christmas season and of course there is always a mystery to be solved. I can't get enough of Sydney and Issac's story. I am enjoying this series so much and hope the author continues with the series. I love every word, every page, and catching up on every character. Looking forward to the next book in this series. 🤞🏽I know the author works hard but I wish books in the series were released more often.This is the type of series I would love to read on Kindle Vella.
This book follows the Taylors as they prepare for the Christmas season and of course there is always a mystery to be solved. I can't get enough of Sydney and Issac's story. I am enjoying this series so much and hope the author continues with the series. I love every word, every page, and catching up on every character. Looking forward to the next book in this series. 🤞🏽I know the author works hard but I wish books in the series were released more often.This is the type of series I would love to read on Kindle Vella.
October 12, 2022
5++++++++++++++++++++++++++stars REALLY.
THE FIRST THING I DID WAS STOP READING AND LOOK UP A RECIPE FOR CHICKEN PIE. I WAS SUPRISED TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE IN CHICKEN PIE VS CHICKEN POT PIE. I THOUGHT I'M GONNA MAKE ONE ASAP (when I'm done reading). WELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL WOW! EVERYONE LOVED IT OMG! IT TURNED OUT SO BEAUTIFUL & TASTED WONDERFUL.
I LOVE THIS SERIES, IT HAS SO MANY THINGS THAT REMIND ME OF MY OWN LIFE. I HATE TO SEE THE SERIES END BECAUSE I'M NOT TIRED OF READING THEM. BIG SMILE!
THE FIRST THING I DID WAS STOP READING AND LOOK UP A RECIPE FOR CHICKEN PIE. I WAS SUPRISED TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE IN CHICKEN PIE VS CHICKEN POT PIE. I THOUGHT I'M GONNA MAKE ONE ASAP (when I'm done reading). WELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL WOW! EVERYONE LOVED IT OMG! IT TURNED OUT SO BEAUTIFUL & TASTED WONDERFUL.
I LOVE THIS SERIES, IT HAS SO MANY THINGS THAT REMIND ME OF MY OWN LIFE. I HATE TO SEE THE SERIES END BECAUSE I'M NOT TIRED OF READING THEM. BIG SMILE!
February 18, 2022
Another great book from Lashell Collins. I couldn't put book down once started.
I loved seeing Ike and Sidney in their element, and spending time with their family.
I loved getting update on all the other characters. Seeing them all evolve.
I loved it was more christmassy.
I can't wait for more.
I loved seeing Ike and Sidney in their element, and spending time with their family.
I loved getting update on all the other characters. Seeing them all evolve.
I loved it was more christmassy.
I can't wait for more.
March 3, 2022
Hummmmm
I don't know what to say. There was a lot going on but no real conclusions to my personal questions. How many books before she gets pregnant? What happened with Heather after the Christmas dinner? And Ike didn't ask his grandfather any questions.....,its turning I to more questions than answers
I don't know what to say. There was a lot going on but no real conclusions to my personal questions. How many books before she gets pregnant? What happened with Heather after the Christmas dinner? And Ike didn't ask his grandfather any questions.....,its turning I to more questions than answers
January 9, 2025
Excellent
Another excellent instalment in this enjoyable series. Excellent enjoyable storytelling with full characters, that at times will have you laughing out loud 😊. Love this series just can't get enough.
Another excellent instalment in this enjoyable series. Excellent enjoyable storytelling with full characters, that at times will have you laughing out loud 😊. Love this series just can't get enough.
March 6, 2022
So glad this isn’t the last book. Love this series.
March 4, 2022
Honestly, if you read this book alone, not only will you be confused but you probably won’t like it. But I read the preceding books and the characters were like old friends that I’m catching up on.
As a new reader, maximum 3 stars.
If you’ve read the series, 3.5 to 4 stars.
As a new reader, maximum 3 stars.
If you’ve read the series, 3.5 to 4 stars.
October 9, 2025
Mayhem & Mistletoe by Lashell Collins is the eighth entry in An Isaac Taylor Mystery series. Newlyweds Ike and Sydney are celebrating their first Christmas together. And nothing says goodwill and holiday cheer quite like a violent crime spree 😊. What is wrong with people?
Ike’s abilities are expanding and evolving, and he is adjusting to married life and his amplified psychic aptitudes at the same time. Sydney is still making a difference with her displaced families. And speaking of families, Sydney soon finds more family than she realized existed. Will they be able to make more than a connection based on bloodlines?
This is another great story based on the Taylor-verse; I especially loved that we got more Sydney and Ike interactions; I love the other characters but of course the Taylors are the reason I keep coming back!
https://theretiredreader.com/read-for...
Ike’s abilities are expanding and evolving, and he is adjusting to married life and his amplified psychic aptitudes at the same time. Sydney is still making a difference with her displaced families. And speaking of families, Sydney soon finds more family than she realized existed. Will they be able to make more than a connection based on bloodlines?
This is another great story based on the Taylor-verse; I especially loved that we got more Sydney and Ike interactions; I love the other characters but of course the Taylors are the reason I keep coming back!
https://theretiredreader.com/read-for...
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews