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Hollowcliff Detectives #1
To Kill a Fae
In detective Mera Maurea’s experience, three things motivate a secrets, convenience, or passion. But none of the three can explain why the Summer King is dead. With a tight deadline hanging over her head, Mera has to figure out who’s the culprit before the frail balance that holds the nation of Tagrad together crumbles into dust. To aid her—or turn her life into a living hell, hard to tell which—is her fae partner Sebastian Dhay, a snarky detective with a penchant for the illegal. He’s a volatile wild card who will do anything to solve the murder, even if it means his doom. The clock is ticking. And Mera is hiding a deadly secret of her own.
230 pages, Hardcover
Published April 30, 2021
389 people are currently reading
852 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Wilde
18 books108 followersC.S. Wilde wrote her first Fantasy novel when she was eight. That book was absolutely terrible, but her mother told her it was awesome, so she kept writing.
Now a grown-up (though many will beg to differ), C. S. Wilde writes about fantastic worlds, love stories larger than life and epic battles.
She also, quite obviously, sucks at writing an author bio. She finds it awkward that she must write this in the third person, and hopes you won't notice.
You can find her at: www.cswilde.com
On Twitter: @thatcswilde
Or on Facebook: thatcswilde
Now a grown-up (though many will beg to differ), C. S. Wilde writes about fantastic worlds, love stories larger than life and epic battles.
She also, quite obviously, sucks at writing an author bio. She finds it awkward that she must write this in the third person, and hopes you won't notice.
You can find her at: www.cswilde.com
On Twitter: @thatcswilde
Or on Facebook: thatcswilde
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 16, 2020
The idea is there and the worldbuiliding is interesting, but I just couldn't understand Mera... She wants Basts, but she hates him; she wants to jump his bones, but she don't... rinse and repeat...
Still as I said the idea is there and the story is engaging - you just must know how it will end and you keep reading.... 3,5 stars downrated to 3 because of I want but I don't!
Still as I said the idea is there and the story is engaging - you just must know how it will end and you keep reading.... 3,5 stars downrated to 3 because of I want but I don't!
August 10, 2020
A murder-mystery, an unwanted partner, and secrets drew me to To Kill a Fae by C.S. Wilde. Narrated by Chris Dukehart, the back-and-forth banter between our detective and a FAE investigator named Sebastian was a fun beginning to this series.
The first audiobook in the Hollowcliff Detectives, Wilde brings opposites together to solve a high profile case. The tale that unfolds has snark, sexual tension and more….
Mera Maurea and her partner are called to a crime scene. Where they discover that the male victim is the Summer King, they expect Tagrad (fae) detectives to take over and prepare to fight for the human case.
Instead, Mera discovers they will partner her with Sebastian Dhay, a snarky Fae who doesn’t want to follow human law. From their first encounter, the snarky barbs and underlying chemistry had me laughing.
These two are polar opposite. Mera likes to follow procedure and obey laws. Even if she is hiding a secret. As the listener, we learn her secret early on and even get flashbacks of her past. Sebastian is more of a “whatever it takes to catch the killer,” type of guy.
The two compliment each other and I loved the underlying sexual tension. The case and overall world-building are well-developed, keeping the listener engaged. The author shared the world and characters, without information dumps which allowed the story to unfold at a clipped pace.
While some aspects felt similar to other stories in this genre, the author offered some interesting twists with the two worlds working together.
I’ve enjoyed Chris Dukehart’s narrations before, and she was an excellent choice for the third person narrative of Mera. I thought she accurately reflected all sides of Mera. Chris has a wide range of voices and her males voices are delightful without being gruff. The story lends itself perfectly to audio and I felt Dukehart enhanced my enjoyment. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The first audiobook in the Hollowcliff Detectives, Wilde brings opposites together to solve a high profile case. The tale that unfolds has snark, sexual tension and more….
Mera Maurea and her partner are called to a crime scene. Where they discover that the male victim is the Summer King, they expect Tagrad (fae) detectives to take over and prepare to fight for the human case.
Instead, Mera discovers they will partner her with Sebastian Dhay, a snarky Fae who doesn’t want to follow human law. From their first encounter, the snarky barbs and underlying chemistry had me laughing.
These two are polar opposite. Mera likes to follow procedure and obey laws. Even if she is hiding a secret. As the listener, we learn her secret early on and even get flashbacks of her past. Sebastian is more of a “whatever it takes to catch the killer,” type of guy.
The two compliment each other and I loved the underlying sexual tension. The case and overall world-building are well-developed, keeping the listener engaged. The author shared the world and characters, without information dumps which allowed the story to unfold at a clipped pace.
While some aspects felt similar to other stories in this genre, the author offered some interesting twists with the two worlds working together.
I’ve enjoyed Chris Dukehart’s narrations before, and she was an excellent choice for the third person narrative of Mera. I thought she accurately reflected all sides of Mera. Chris has a wide range of voices and her males voices are delightful without being gruff. The story lends itself perfectly to audio and I felt Dukehart enhanced my enjoyment. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 7, 2021
This was a cute, fun, dark little Murder mystery read that involves a spunky siren named Mera who pretends to be human and a devastatingly beautiful fae, Sebastian (Bast) Dhay, who are both detectives and are forced to be partners to work a case. He’s fire 🔥 and the banter between the two is great. 5 stars
May 24, 2024
Not a bad start
July 9, 2022
I did actually really enjoy this. The snark and the banter between the characters were entertaining throughout the story.
Bash did come across as a White "moon" haired version of Rhysand but I was not mad about it.
I wish there was some sexy time though... there was one scene but if you know then you know
Bash did come across as a White "moon" haired version of Rhysand but I was not mad about it.
I wish there was some sexy time though... there was one scene but if you know then you know
January 9, 2020
4.5 Stars!
This was so good! The characters, the world building, and the plot all drew me in.
We start out with a murder of a summer king where we meet thought to be human but really is a waterbreaker-aka Atlantian-Detective Mera with her current human partner Julian-who she has been secretly in love with-and Fae Night Prince Sebastian aka Bast Dhay. Mera and Bast are then thrust together as partners for the case as a test to see if their departments can work together.
Both Mera and Bast were likable characters. Mera was strong and exceedingly moral person, and we get some some flashbacks of her time in Atlantea which gave us some answers on why she was such a major rule follower. She is a waterbreaker who is considered the enemy and shouldn’t be able to enter past the forbidden zone without disintegrating. Bast on the other hand was a rule breaker but only in order to help the greater good. He also had a control problem with his powers that strongly concerns Mera. Their chemistry was just perfect. Not too hot from the start kind of a slow/medium build that I prefer in series like this.
The plot was interesting and this was where the world building shined because the intricate parts of how their government worked was woven into the plot and I was definitely intrigued by it all.
We don’t leave on a major cliffhanger but it does lead into the next book and we still have a lot of major questions. This was so good and I’m looking forward to reading more of Wilde’s other series.
This was so good! The characters, the world building, and the plot all drew me in.
We start out with a murder of a summer king where we meet thought to be human but really is a waterbreaker-aka Atlantian-Detective Mera with her current human partner Julian-who she has been secretly in love with-and Fae Night Prince Sebastian aka Bast Dhay. Mera and Bast are then thrust together as partners for the case as a test to see if their departments can work together.
Both Mera and Bast were likable characters. Mera was strong and exceedingly moral person, and we get some some flashbacks of her time in Atlantea which gave us some answers on why she was such a major rule follower. She is a waterbreaker who is considered the enemy and shouldn’t be able to enter past the forbidden zone without disintegrating. Bast on the other hand was a rule breaker but only in order to help the greater good. He also had a control problem with his powers that strongly concerns Mera. Their chemistry was just perfect. Not too hot from the start kind of a slow/medium build that I prefer in series like this.
The plot was interesting and this was where the world building shined because the intricate parts of how their government worked was woven into the plot and I was definitely intrigued by it all.
We don’t leave on a major cliffhanger but it does lead into the next book and we still have a lot of major questions. This was so good and I’m looking forward to reading more of Wilde’s other series.
August 27, 2023
I quite like Bast, but Mera got on my nerves a bit (she's a bit hypocritical, judgemental, sanctimonious, self-righteous, rigid, etc...).
Having said that, it was difficult to put it down.
Also, I CAN'T STAND Julian, & I don't like the vibes he was throwing off.
Having said that, it was difficult to put it down.
Also, I CAN'T STAND Julian, & I don't like the vibes he was throwing off.
September 27, 2019
An amazing Fae story. Unfortunately a Fae is killled and Mera has to quickly figure out what happened. Enjoyable fantasy as always. Don’t miss out.
April 16, 2020
To Kill a Fae is the first book in the Hollowcliff Detectives series. The series takes place in a alternate world were the different factions of supernaturals and humans live in a tentative peace. Tagrad is divided into sectors, each controlled by one of the different groups. When the Summer King (fae) is found dead alongside his human lover, human sector detective Mira is partnered with fae detective Sebastian (Bast). As the pair digs around for clues to the high profile murder, they begin to under corruption, which puts their lives in danger.
Mira holds a secret that only her captain/foster mother knows: she’s actually one of the banished water fae. Somehow, Mira is able to live on land, but she must hide the truth from everyone, including her best friend. However, once Mira partners with Bast and their lives are in danger, she calls on her abilities to save them. Mira is constantly wondering if Bast realizes she’s not human. We learn much about Mira via extended flashbacks to her life in the sea.
Bast and Mira share an instant attraction that plays out over the course of the book. But it’s not the primary focus of the story. Reading like an urban fantasy, the tale focuses on the mystery of who murdered the Summer King and why. We learn about the different factions and the larger world via Mira’s point-of-view and in bits and pieces.
To Kill a Fae is a decent start to what could be an entertaining series. I like the concept of a tentative peace with all kinds of supernaturals and humans. I also find the idea of a banish mer-folk different and exciting. The world building is solid, with the character development slightly less so. We get a lot of backstory on Mira, learning about the water fae. I like the mysterious overarching story of Mira’s roots and the puzzling Poseidon. The mystery within the book was okay. How the pair discovers who killed the Summer King and the motives for doing so were a bit weak. The romantic element of the story is good; however, I do wish we could have some of Bast’s POV to find out how he feels about Mira.
Narration: The story is shared via the third person POV of Mira. The narrator, who is Mira, is appropriately feminine; strong with the sexy undertones of her siren. Ms. Dukehart also does a good job of separating dual natures of Mira: the wannabe human and siren. The narrator changes tone and voice for dialogue, making it appropriately deeper for males. I didn’t notice a huge difference between characters of the same gender, but enough for distinction and to keep it interesting. The narrator keeps the story moving forward in a lively manner.
Overall, I enjoyed this first story in the Hollowcliff Detectives series, and I look forward to finding out what happens next for Mira and Bast.
My Ratings:
Story: B-
Narration: B
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Mira holds a secret that only her captain/foster mother knows: she’s actually one of the banished water fae. Somehow, Mira is able to live on land, but she must hide the truth from everyone, including her best friend. However, once Mira partners with Bast and their lives are in danger, she calls on her abilities to save them. Mira is constantly wondering if Bast realizes she’s not human. We learn much about Mira via extended flashbacks to her life in the sea.
Bast and Mira share an instant attraction that plays out over the course of the book. But it’s not the primary focus of the story. Reading like an urban fantasy, the tale focuses on the mystery of who murdered the Summer King and why. We learn about the different factions and the larger world via Mira’s point-of-view and in bits and pieces.
To Kill a Fae is a decent start to what could be an entertaining series. I like the concept of a tentative peace with all kinds of supernaturals and humans. I also find the idea of a banish mer-folk different and exciting. The world building is solid, with the character development slightly less so. We get a lot of backstory on Mira, learning about the water fae. I like the mysterious overarching story of Mira’s roots and the puzzling Poseidon. The mystery within the book was okay. How the pair discovers who killed the Summer King and the motives for doing so were a bit weak. The romantic element of the story is good; however, I do wish we could have some of Bast’s POV to find out how he feels about Mira.
Narration: The story is shared via the third person POV of Mira. The narrator, who is Mira, is appropriately feminine; strong with the sexy undertones of her siren. Ms. Dukehart also does a good job of separating dual natures of Mira: the wannabe human and siren. The narrator changes tone and voice for dialogue, making it appropriately deeper for males. I didn’t notice a huge difference between characters of the same gender, but enough for distinction and to keep it interesting. The narrator keeps the story moving forward in a lively manner.
Overall, I enjoyed this first story in the Hollowcliff Detectives series, and I look forward to finding out what happens next for Mira and Bast.
My Ratings:
Story: B-
Narration: B
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
February 1, 2020
Really good story!
I really loved the world building in this one! And the characters all are really easy to love, I can’t wait to see how the next book goes!
I really loved the world building in this one! And the characters all are really easy to love, I can’t wait to see how the next book goes!
March 4, 2023
This was such an enjoyable magical mystery read! The main character is a lone siren disguising as a human in a world full of magical creatures. As a detective she’s forced to partner with a handsome fae on solving a murder. Her own banter with her siren self as well as with Bast, her fae partner, was great and was only made better by being narrated by Chris Dukehart 👏🏼
October 14, 2019
Fae enjoy playing dangerous games.
In detective Mera Maurea’s experience, three things motivated a murder: secrets, convenience, or passion. But none of the three can explain why the Summer King is dead.
With a tight deadline hanging over her head, Mera has to figure out who’s the culprit before the frail balance that holds the nation of Tagrad together crumbles into dust.
To aid her—or turn her life into a living hell, hard to tell which—is her fae partner Sebastian Dhay, a snarky detective with a penchant for the illegal. He’s a volatile wild card who will do anything to solve the murder, even if it means his doom.
The clock is ticking. And Mera is hiding a deadly secret of her own.
Wow; what an action packed start to this series.
Well written plot and story line that had me gripped from the start.
Characters that have been fleshed out well and can't wait to see what they bring to the next novel.
Wonderful action, adventure and a bit of romance.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
In detective Mera Maurea’s experience, three things motivated a murder: secrets, convenience, or passion. But none of the three can explain why the Summer King is dead.
With a tight deadline hanging over her head, Mera has to figure out who’s the culprit before the frail balance that holds the nation of Tagrad together crumbles into dust.
To aid her—or turn her life into a living hell, hard to tell which—is her fae partner Sebastian Dhay, a snarky detective with a penchant for the illegal. He’s a volatile wild card who will do anything to solve the murder, even if it means his doom.
The clock is ticking. And Mera is hiding a deadly secret of her own.
Wow; what an action packed start to this series.
Well written plot and story line that had me gripped from the start.
Characters that have been fleshed out well and can't wait to see what they bring to the next novel.
Wonderful action, adventure and a bit of romance.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
December 23, 2019
Fairy + mermaid
Wow magic and mayhem hot fairy and cool mermaid murder and mesterious going ons very good read ready for the next in serries now
Wow magic and mayhem hot fairy and cool mermaid murder and mesterious going ons very good read ready for the next in serries now
October 18, 2019
Incredible Worldbuilding
In “To Kill a Fae”, C.S. takes us into a world of Fae unlike any I’ve ever seen before. Each Fae society is richly developed, with fascinating systems of magic. I loved Bast, and am interested in seeing the dynamic between him and Mera play out. There are many things I’m wondering about in terms of what’s going on in their world at large and how they’ll handle the more personal issues they’re facing, yet I don’t feel like she left us with a cliff-hanger. I can’t wait for the next one!
In “To Kill a Fae”, C.S. takes us into a world of Fae unlike any I’ve ever seen before. Each Fae society is richly developed, with fascinating systems of magic. I loved Bast, and am interested in seeing the dynamic between him and Mera play out. There are many things I’m wondering about in terms of what’s going on in their world at large and how they’ll handle the more personal issues they’re facing, yet I don’t feel like she left us with a cliff-hanger. I can’t wait for the next one!
October 25, 2019
Enthralling
I rarely write a book review and see it as 5 stars yet I picked up the book to fill space in between another release and i read it in an evening. The characters have depth the first chapter hooked me by page three. Though written for fantasy the issues are relatable. The chemistry between the characters jumped off the book without seeming forced or ridiculous. Give a try it is worth the read. I know I couldn't put it down and moped when i realized the next one won't be out for a few months.
I rarely write a book review and see it as 5 stars yet I picked up the book to fill space in between another release and i read it in an evening. The characters have depth the first chapter hooked me by page three. Though written for fantasy the issues are relatable. The chemistry between the characters jumped off the book without seeming forced or ridiculous. Give a try it is worth the read. I know I couldn't put it down and moped when i realized the next one won't be out for a few months.
November 4, 2019
To Kill a Fae is a superb read! It’s definitely one of the more unique Fae stories that I’ve read. Mera has to work with a Fae detective, Sebastian, to solve the murder of a Fae. It’s very well written. The character development is superb and the world building is excellent! Plus it’s full of action and mystery that will keep you up late into the night to find out what happens. I really enjoyed the way Mera and Bast related and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 7, 2019
This was an excellent book; one I can see rereading many times. This is truly great world building, well developed characters and a little different than many fantasy/urban fantasies out there (I can't say how without giving away spoilers). Mera and Dhay both have intriguing pasts and it will be interesting to see how this develops in future stories for the past is definitely impacting the present politics and murders. The characters are flawed and some fundamental differences could tear them apart but it makes for good drama. One dimensional, this book not be. Enjoy.
October 1, 2019
To Kill A Fae by C.S. Wilde is a great first in a new series. I couldnt wait to read this one and I was not disappointed!!
Detective Mera is forced to work with Fae detective Sebastian (Bast) to solve a human and Fae murder. Not sure who to trust, they both have secrets of their own to hide. The story is full of action, mystery and suspense! I just loved the characters. And so well written, I couldnt put this magical adventure down till I finished it!! Cant wait for the next one!!
Detective Mera is forced to work with Fae detective Sebastian (Bast) to solve a human and Fae murder. Not sure who to trust, they both have secrets of their own to hide. The story is full of action, mystery and suspense! I just loved the characters. And so well written, I couldnt put this magical adventure down till I finished it!! Cant wait for the next one!!
October 10, 2019
There's nothing better than combining a Fae book with detectives. I really enjoyed how detailed the characters were. There was always some kind of action going on in the book. From the beginning to the end, the book captured my attention. I can't wait until the next book comes out. It left you wanting more, but in a good way.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone that love mysteries, Fae, and sirens. I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone that love mysteries, Fae, and sirens. I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
October 12, 2019
This is an easy review to write. C.S. Wilde’s To Kill a Fae (Hollowcliff Detectives Book 1) is superb. Well written, with a great plot, a perfect cast from Mera and Sabastian on down. Perfect action. Perfect snark (yes, that’s s very good thing). Perfect urban fantasy. Perfect fun. Exactly what I look for and easily worth five stars.
September 28, 2019
Wow .. secrets, excitement, danger, action. This paranormal story has sooo much happening, weave in suspense and intrigue ... the result is definitely incredible. You will not be disappointed. This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy
October 8, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book, it is filled with action and intrigue. The interaction and chemistry between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
October 11, 2019
I will read anything C.S. Wilde writes. Period.
This new book in a new series did NOT disappoint. I LOVED this story, and I can't wait to see what happens next! I'm definitely a Bast and Mera super fan!
This new book in a new series did NOT disappoint. I LOVED this story, and I can't wait to see what happens next! I'm definitely a Bast and Mera super fan!
November 24, 2019
Great start to a new series. I enjoyed the characters and dynamics of Mera and Sebastian. The story line is full of twists and turns. To solve this murder, they'll have to work together, without their secrets getting in the way. Looking forward to reading book two.
January 3, 2021
Loved this series!!! Amazing cant wait for more, this was written beautifully. Awesome plot and loved how it took time to fully play out and still feel on the edge of your seat throughout the series, cant wait for the next book to arrive.
April 12, 2021
Really strong characters and good storyline
I came across this book through a Facebook advertisement. I am so glad to find this series. It's written very well: it is well paced, has interesting characters and good secrets. I'll be reading the next books now, bye.
I came across this book through a Facebook advertisement. I am so glad to find this series. It's written very well: it is well paced, has interesting characters and good secrets. I'll be reading the next books now, bye.
September 29, 2019
I could not stop reading!! The character dynamics were amazing and the story kept me engaged from start to finish. So cannot wait to read book 2!!
October 14, 2019
Excellent book, good story line and character development. Look forward to reading book 2 when it's released next year!
October 30, 2019
Excellent
What a great book. Fae, mermaids, witches, murder, lust, it just keeps going. Twists and turns you don't see coming! From start to finish, a great read!
What a great book. Fae, mermaids, witches, murder, lust, it just keeps going. Twists and turns you don't see coming! From start to finish, a great read!
November 16, 2019
Why am I only now finding C.A. Wilde?
This book was amazing and I can’t believe I have to wait so long for the sequel. This was one of the more enjoyable books I have read.
This book was amazing and I can’t believe I have to wait so long for the sequel. This was one of the more enjoyable books I have read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews