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Magical Bureau of Investigation #1
Homecoming Homicide
"Hey Frankie, we need ya."
One phone call, five words, and I'm back in the town I swore I'd never return to.
Hill Crest Library smelled bad, and it wasn't just the corpse in front of me causing it. The once beautiful building had fallen into disrepair over the past few years.
Belinda the new librarian was doing her best to clean it up, but a dead body wasn't helping matters.
Dad needs help to solve the murder, so that's what I'm here to do, then get out of town before anyone even knows I'm back
The case should be easy for an MBI agent, even a newly minted one like me, but before I can check into the hotel my three reasons for leaving, corner me in the lobby.
My life just got a lot more complicated.
Homecoming Homicide is a Slow Burn RH series
One phone call, five words, and I'm back in the town I swore I'd never return to.
Hill Crest Library smelled bad, and it wasn't just the corpse in front of me causing it. The once beautiful building had fallen into disrepair over the past few years.
Belinda the new librarian was doing her best to clean it up, but a dead body wasn't helping matters.
Dad needs help to solve the murder, so that's what I'm here to do, then get out of town before anyone even knows I'm back
The case should be easy for an MBI agent, even a newly minted one like me, but before I can check into the hotel my three reasons for leaving, corner me in the lobby.
My life just got a lot more complicated.
Homecoming Homicide is a Slow Burn RH series
276 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2021
About the author
Albany Walker
34 books2,131 followersAlbany lives in Michigan where she's happily married to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her time juggling her four children's extracurricular activities, with her nose stuck in a book. When not reading you can find her writing her very own book boyfriends. Albany's passion is writing romance with real characters that are far from perfect, but always seem to find their own happily ever afters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
September 26, 2021
stopped at 70% ( spoiler-ish)
I will start off by saying I am a bit prone to anxiety attacks but this took me by surprise. I had to stop reading because I did not like the way this reunion was going. Being blindsided, kidnapped, isolated, stalked, not given any space to do your job on top of being emotionally spied on the way the fmc was just didn’t sit right with me. I’m not going to say I haven’t read things where these things have happened before and enjoyed them. however the way things were set up these are people who are familiar with her in a good way so why they decided to just assume after half ass explaining why they didn’t make things right sooner that she would just drop the life she is building for herself and just pick up where they left off is nonsense. That isn’t romantic that is crazy in a bad way. Maybe further in and to the end things got better and aren’t as crazy as I felt they were by 70% but I’m not sticking around to find out.
I will start off by saying I am a bit prone to anxiety attacks but this took me by surprise. I had to stop reading because I did not like the way this reunion was going. Being blindsided, kidnapped, isolated, stalked, not given any space to do your job on top of being emotionally spied on the way the fmc was just didn’t sit right with me. I’m not going to say I haven’t read things where these things have happened before and enjoyed them. however the way things were set up these are people who are familiar with her in a good way so why they decided to just assume after half ass explaining why they didn’t make things right sooner that she would just drop the life she is building for herself and just pick up where they left off is nonsense. That isn’t romantic that is crazy in a bad way. Maybe further in and to the end things got better and aren’t as crazy as I felt they were by 70% but I’m not sticking around to find out.
October 20, 2021
Not really
I can see this being a fan favorite or a great read for many. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me, but not for lack of trying. I enjoyed the familiar and the MBI aspect, but Frankie’s bad@ss persona was overshadowed and quite literally overrun by the guys - who were all seemingly ham fisted and verbal bullies. I just didn’t get their relationship, and since it’s a pick up from their childhood, you don’t get the chance to learn about each of them or fall in love with them - it’s rather cold, often mocking, and darn confusing - and don’t even get me started on her dad.
I can see this being a fan favorite or a great read for many. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me, but not for lack of trying. I enjoyed the familiar and the MBI aspect, but Frankie’s bad@ss persona was overshadowed and quite literally overrun by the guys - who were all seemingly ham fisted and verbal bullies. I just didn’t get their relationship, and since it’s a pick up from their childhood, you don’t get the chance to learn about each of them or fall in love with them - it’s rather cold, often mocking, and darn confusing - and don’t even get me started on her dad.
September 29, 2021
I wanted to love this so much, the blurb had me eagerly awaiting this for a while. I just couldn't though. A federal type agent being kidnapped and basically held hostage by men who supposedly care about her, her police chief father is complicit, and she just lets it all happen, never puts up a fight at all. This is how these guys are going to get their second chance? Yeah, no.
October 1, 2021
It was alright but slid close to annoying more than once. It felt like a woman with commitment issues trying to work, whilst three dogs clung on. Felt like there was a prequel or flashbacks missing. Straight forward mystery, additional guy that’s a question mark for the harem. Favourite character and part of the story was the familiar. Not sure if I’d read the next one or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2022
This sounded good, sadly it went downhill since page 1, the guys never respect her in any way.
Me the whole time while reading: No wonder she walked away, they are lower than trash.
I started book 2, but damn they were really trying to sabotage her fucking career. I'm out.
Respect is sexy btw.
Me the whole time while reading: No wonder she walked away, they are lower than trash.
I started book 2, but damn they were really trying to sabotage her fucking career. I'm out.
Respect is sexy btw.
September 25, 2022
Homecoming Homicide is book one in the Magical Bureau of Investigation by Albany Walker.
This is a new to me author and I'm not sure what I was expected from this reverse harem. With the series titled Magical Bureau of Investigation I think I was expecting more of a mystery with the romance coming into play in some way.
Frankie is an MBI agent and her father, who is the Police Chief, needs her help back home. She’s avoided going home for years, but returns to help him out.
I liked that each character has their own type of unique gift. I also enjoyed the MBI aspect and Frankie's familiar.
What I didn’t care for was the reunion; between our lead Frankie and her three guys. Frankie was blindsided, kidnapped, isolated, and not given any space to do her job. The guys are bullies in different ways and give her half ass explanations on why they never made things right sooner. To top it off they expected her to drop the life she’s building and just pick up where things left off way back when. Now, I’ve read stuff were this has happened before and it's worked, but this time around it just didn't sit right with me.
Not much happens in the investigation department. It's lacking in that area. Also, the story and resolution are not complete in this novel and you will have to pick up the next book to find out were things go and if the characters will reconcile.
Homecoming Homicide was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Rated: 2 Stars
This is a new to me author and I'm not sure what I was expected from this reverse harem. With the series titled Magical Bureau of Investigation I think I was expecting more of a mystery with the romance coming into play in some way.
Frankie is an MBI agent and her father, who is the Police Chief, needs her help back home. She’s avoided going home for years, but returns to help him out.
I liked that each character has their own type of unique gift. I also enjoyed the MBI aspect and Frankie's familiar.
What I didn’t care for was the reunion; between our lead Frankie and her three guys. Frankie was blindsided, kidnapped, isolated, and not given any space to do her job. The guys are bullies in different ways and give her half ass explanations on why they never made things right sooner. To top it off they expected her to drop the life she’s building and just pick up where things left off way back when. Now, I’ve read stuff were this has happened before and it's worked, but this time around it just didn't sit right with me.
Not much happens in the investigation department. It's lacking in that area. Also, the story and resolution are not complete in this novel and you will have to pick up the next book to find out were things go and if the characters will reconcile.
Homecoming Homicide was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Rated: 2 Stars
October 11, 2021
The fmc needs to grow a back bone.
I probably will not continue with this series.
I liked her familiar.
I probably will not continue with this series.
I liked her familiar.
June 9, 2023
4.4 stars.
So far I’m liking it.
I’m not as engrossed as I was in the other series I just read by the same author, but that’s mostly because it’s a second chance romance and the banter is just not as back and forth since there’s a completely different kind of tension happening here. Also it’s single POV from the FMC so far. I’m really hoping we get the guys’ in the next book…
I’m intrigued though.
So far I’m liking it.
I’m not as engrossed as I was in the other series I just read by the same author, but that’s mostly because it’s a second chance romance and the banter is just not as back and forth since there’s a completely different kind of tension happening here. Also it’s single POV from the FMC so far. I’m really hoping we get the guys’ in the next book…
I’m intrigued though.
November 19, 2022
I really like other works by this author; sadly, this book just wasn't for me. It is very well written, the issues I have are the protagonists and the plot.
The male leads and the female protagonist are decidedly unlikable and immature. Reading this I felt like I was missing their origin story which would make their behaviour maybe just a little bit more palatable.
The male leads behave like overbearing bullies with close to no redeeming qualities, and the female lead either reacts by getting the hots for them, getting her feelings hurt or by reverting to acting like a 12-year-old. She realises this as well and calls herself out for the latter. That just doesn't make responses along the lines of "Your face is stupid" any more bearable to the reader - or, well, at least to me. Lastly, the fmcs reason for leaving town made me roll my eyes so hard I saw the inside of my skull.
Felt like there was little to no chemistry between them. Also potential OW.
Dnf at 41%.
The male leads and the female protagonist are decidedly unlikable and immature. Reading this I felt like I was missing their origin story which would make their behaviour maybe just a little bit more palatable.
The male leads behave like overbearing bullies with close to no redeeming qualities, and the female lead either reacts by getting the hots for them, getting her feelings hurt or by reverting to acting like a 12-year-old. She realises this as well and calls herself out for the latter. That just doesn't make responses along the lines of "Your face is stupid" any more bearable to the reader - or, well, at least to me. Lastly, the fmcs reason for leaving town made me roll my eyes so hard I saw the inside of my skull.
Felt like there was little to no chemistry between them. Also potential OW.
Dnf at 41%.
August 14, 2023
DNF at 50%
This was so jumbled that I just couldn't finish. So, this was the first book in a series but there was zero world building. I checked to make sure it wasn't a spinoff and it wasn't. There was no character development and the relationships were established off page before this book starts. Frankie and everyone else involved is okay with the three MMC's acting like they own her.... which is fine if that's your cup of tea, but it's not for me. I prefer when they actually respect the FMC and she respets herself, which is missing in this book. I might pick up another book by this author just to see if this is how all of their work is written, but I'm not holding out hope for very much improvement.
This was so jumbled that I just couldn't finish. So, this was the first book in a series but there was zero world building. I checked to make sure it wasn't a spinoff and it wasn't. There was no character development and the relationships were established off page before this book starts. Frankie and everyone else involved is okay with the three MMC's acting like they own her.... which is fine if that's your cup of tea, but it's not for me. I prefer when they actually respect the FMC and she respets herself, which is missing in this book. I might pick up another book by this author just to see if this is how all of their work is written, but I'm not holding out hope for very much improvement.
September 7, 2021
BINGE READ!
This was a highly anticipated release for me and getting it EARLY was a dream come true. Frankie is absolutely hilarious and intelligent.
The overall book is fast paced, slow burn, full of intrigue and mystery that keep you guessing to the end.
And the ending?! That's amazing and infuriating. That's how you're gonna leave me with the guys? Okay. It's fine. I'm fine.
Also. Felix is Mine. From the pinky hand holding to the voyeurism? Yes. All the yes.
Remy, the chef and just overall heartthrob is glorious.
And Grey? Dead. I love him. I'm excited to delve more into his character in Creeping It Real.
This was a highly anticipated release for me and getting it EARLY was a dream come true. Frankie is absolutely hilarious and intelligent.
The overall book is fast paced, slow burn, full of intrigue and mystery that keep you guessing to the end.
And the ending?! That's amazing and infuriating. That's how you're gonna leave me with the guys? Okay. It's fine. I'm fine.
Also. Felix is Mine. From the pinky hand holding to the voyeurism? Yes. All the yes.
Remy, the chef and just overall heartthrob is glorious.
And Grey? Dead. I love him. I'm excited to delve more into his character in Creeping It Real.
September 1, 2022
I have never read this author. And I loved the concept of the book. I gotta say I was not prepared for the sexy part. LOL
It’s been quite a while since I read a book with this much heat and graphic language. It was fun. I’m not to sure of the concept of the romance of her with 3 men. But I’m intrigued enough to keep going. I’m more of a HEA with 1 person. But we shall see. I know what to expect now.
It’s been quite a while since I read a book with this much heat and graphic language. It was fun. I’m not to sure of the concept of the romance of her with 3 men. But I’m intrigued enough to keep going. I’m more of a HEA with 1 person. But we shall see. I know what to expect now.
September 24, 2021
Good start
This was a good start to this new series. Frankie is an MBI agent who returns home after years and has help her dad solve a case while confronting the three men from her past. There's a lot of convoluted emotions involved but I think it will all work out. I like the characters and the story and am looking forward to the next book.
This was a good start to this new series. Frankie is an MBI agent who returns home after years and has help her dad solve a case while confronting the three men from her past. There's a lot of convoluted emotions involved but I think it will all work out. I like the characters and the story and am looking forward to the next book.
May 21, 2023
Albany Walker is a very talented writer, and I adore everything she has written! This series has been no exception! Fair warning, though, many people might find the relationship in this book overpowering, dominating (not in a good way), and downright bullying. Triggers for these are not listed at the beginning, but could possibly be perceived as stalking, kidnapping, bullying, and OTT possessiveness.
Frankie is a talented agent with the MBI, having skills that not many other agents possess. Her father, the Chief of Police in her hometown, has a case he needs help solving and employs her help while she is between her own cases. There has been a death at the library in town, and they need help identifying the victim, the murderer, and the mystery in how he died.
In coming home she is faced with three men from her past. Three men she had left town to get away from. As soon as they caught word that she was in town, they found out where she was staying, drove over to her hotel, and marched her out to their car. They drove her back to their house, and immediately locked her in. They let her know that they would be with her for the duration of the case.
Felix, the architect, is just the sweetest. I love everything about him from his pinky hand holding to his voyeurism kink. I love his calming presence in the group. He brings a sense of maturity that is desperately needed!
Remy is our pro football athlete. He is hot headed and just plain hot! I love that he learned how to cook for them, and how he is just lighthearted and silly and fun.
Gray is the mayor of the little town. He is dark and broody and will barely look at Frankie. He doesn't want her back, and he lets everyone know it! He is the serious grump.
Percy, Frankie's adorable familiar, keeps the comedy going in the book with his snarky attitude and his constant scrounging and scavenging for items to add to his collection.
I listened to the audio book, and this book is told in duet. The two narrators did a fantastic job of narrating, and it was a delight to listen to.
Frankie is a talented agent with the MBI, having skills that not many other agents possess. Her father, the Chief of Police in her hometown, has a case he needs help solving and employs her help while she is between her own cases. There has been a death at the library in town, and they need help identifying the victim, the murderer, and the mystery in how he died.
In coming home she is faced with three men from her past. Three men she had left town to get away from. As soon as they caught word that she was in town, they found out where she was staying, drove over to her hotel, and marched her out to their car. They drove her back to their house, and immediately locked her in. They let her know that they would be with her for the duration of the case.
Felix, the architect, is just the sweetest. I love everything about him from his pinky hand holding to his voyeurism kink. I love his calming presence in the group. He brings a sense of maturity that is desperately needed!
Remy is our pro football athlete. He is hot headed and just plain hot! I love that he learned how to cook for them, and how he is just lighthearted and silly and fun.
Gray is the mayor of the little town. He is dark and broody and will barely look at Frankie. He doesn't want her back, and he lets everyone know it! He is the serious grump.
Percy, Frankie's adorable familiar, keeps the comedy going in the book with his snarky attitude and his constant scrounging and scavenging for items to add to his collection.
I listened to the audio book, and this book is told in duet. The two narrators did a fantastic job of narrating, and it was a delight to listen to.
March 10, 2024
I wasn't expecting this one to be the way it was. I was expecting something totally different. But it was fucking amazing and I need more after the way this one ended.
October 29, 2021
Friends, Lovers, Murderers
RH is one of my least favourite genres. However, this author’s handling of the subject with both emotional depth and humor are a pleasant departure. First, poly relationships are seamlessly woven into the paranormal AU. Second, Frances knew Grayson, Felix, and Remy for most of her life. They were best friends long before they ever had sex and navigating the emotional complexity of their relationship as teenagers meant that they made mistakes that hurt each other - to the point that they broke up.
The story here picks up nearly 10 years later, yet the author doesn’t gloss over their shared past in an effort to shoehorn them all into bed together. Instead, there is a good murder mystery that moves the story and complicates their inauspicious reunion. Francis is there to do a job and they all have to make a conscious, deliberate decision about whether or not they want to try again. The adult characters have to get to know each other again and they frequently make mistakes that complicates the issue because issues from their past and present collide.
My only real complaint is that Grayson, Felix, and Remy are too oblivious to their own part in the break up, quick to excuse their own choices, and blame Frances. I couldn’t quite figure out what changed to make them seek her out when she tried to sneak back to her hometown to help her father in his case. Although, to be fair, don’t most people do that? Really, though, the author does too good of a job showing that Grayson is casually cruel and enjoys hurting Frances. Felix and Remy also seemed to have moved on with their lives quite easily, so while I understood Frances’s hesitation, I didn’t feel the “love” that ostensibly was the driver for any of the male characters.
RH is one of my least favourite genres. However, this author’s handling of the subject with both emotional depth and humor are a pleasant departure. First, poly relationships are seamlessly woven into the paranormal AU. Second, Frances knew Grayson, Felix, and Remy for most of her life. They were best friends long before they ever had sex and navigating the emotional complexity of their relationship as teenagers meant that they made mistakes that hurt each other - to the point that they broke up.
The story here picks up nearly 10 years later, yet the author doesn’t gloss over their shared past in an effort to shoehorn them all into bed together. Instead, there is a good murder mystery that moves the story and complicates their inauspicious reunion. Francis is there to do a job and they all have to make a conscious, deliberate decision about whether or not they want to try again. The adult characters have to get to know each other again and they frequently make mistakes that complicates the issue because issues from their past and present collide.
My only real complaint is that Grayson, Felix, and Remy are too oblivious to their own part in the break up, quick to excuse their own choices, and blame Frances. I couldn’t quite figure out what changed to make them seek her out when she tried to sneak back to her hometown to help her father in his case. Although, to be fair, don’t most people do that? Really, though, the author does too good of a job showing that Grayson is casually cruel and enjoys hurting Frances. Felix and Remy also seemed to have moved on with their lives quite easily, so while I understood Frances’s hesitation, I didn’t feel the “love” that ostensibly was the driver for any of the male characters.
December 18, 2021
Magical Bureau of Investigation was such an incredible series and I’m honestly worried my review won’t do it justice. Been in a bit of a review slump as of late, but what can ya do? *shrugs*
I’m going to have to review books 1-3 in this together because… I binged the trilogy… I binged it hella hard. I started Homecoming Homicide (book 1) on Dec 14th and finished Perfectly Wicked (book 3) on the 17th. Also can we talk about what phenomenal timing I had? Swear it was fate that I finished book 2 at 4am on the 16th, the same day book three released. I didn’t even look to see how many books had been released when I started this series so it was totally meant to be.
Sorry I’m rambling, let’s get back to the series. I am absolutely OBSESSED with Percy, he’s the cutest and most hilarious familiar I’ve read to date! The mystery aspect and Frankie’s job definitely made the series addictive. I was so invested in finding out answers to the cases she worked that I couldn’t put the books down!
I really did love this series, like if Albany Walker had Percy merch I’d throw all my money at her kind of love. There was one thing I was disappointed with tho and that was Perfectly Wicked’s ending. At first I happily assumed there were more books in the series but upon further investigation I found out it was only a trilogy. Some things just felt unfinished if that makes sense? Like there could potentially (hopefully *fingers crossed*) be additional books that take place in that world in the future. I’m really hoping that means there will be because I truly adored the characters of Magical Bureau of Investigation.
I’m going to have to review books 1-3 in this together because… I binged the trilogy… I binged it hella hard. I started Homecoming Homicide (book 1) on Dec 14th and finished Perfectly Wicked (book 3) on the 17th. Also can we talk about what phenomenal timing I had? Swear it was fate that I finished book 2 at 4am on the 16th, the same day book three released. I didn’t even look to see how many books had been released when I started this series so it was totally meant to be.
Sorry I’m rambling, let’s get back to the series. I am absolutely OBSESSED with Percy, he’s the cutest and most hilarious familiar I’ve read to date! The mystery aspect and Frankie’s job definitely made the series addictive. I was so invested in finding out answers to the cases she worked that I couldn’t put the books down!
I really did love this series, like if Albany Walker had Percy merch I’d throw all my money at her kind of love. There was one thing I was disappointed with tho and that was Perfectly Wicked’s ending. At first I happily assumed there were more books in the series but upon further investigation I found out it was only a trilogy. Some things just felt unfinished if that makes sense? Like there could potentially (hopefully *fingers crossed*) be additional books that take place in that world in the future. I’m really hoping that means there will be because I truly adored the characters of Magical Bureau of Investigation.
January 27, 2025
Dropped at 47%
If you don't mind a weak-willed woman who can't stand her ground and let everyone get their way then have at it. It's not my cup of tea when a woman has the right to be angry and is justified in her actions, yet despite that, she's quicker to fall and succumb to others' whims. Like damn, speak up, put a foot up someone's ass.
I'm petty and need women to forgive less and find better options, thanks!
I'm okay with redemption, but all these men do is manhandle her, belittle her, and just AH! I hate it!
I'm honestly shocked at how bad this was in general. It's hard to believe the same person behind Tasting Madness and Havenfall wrote this who I still consider one of my favorite authors. This series just was not it for me.
If you don't mind a weak-willed woman who can't stand her ground and let everyone get their way then have at it. It's not my cup of tea when a woman has the right to be angry and is justified in her actions, yet despite that, she's quicker to fall and succumb to others' whims. Like damn, speak up, put a foot up someone's ass.
I'm petty and need women to forgive less and find better options, thanks!
I'm okay with redemption, but all these men do is manhandle her, belittle her, and just AH! I hate it!
I'm honestly shocked at how bad this was in general. It's hard to believe the same person behind Tasting Madness and Havenfall wrote this who I still consider one of my favorite authors. This series just was not it for me.
December 28, 2022
DNF. I couldn't get past the reunion. I think it triggered something in me because I hated them all instantly. Clearly there is a back story but I was so annoyed with the bullish attitude of the boys that I didn't care.
May 1, 2026
I wasn’t expecting this from a RH but I really didn’t care about their relationship. The story starts when Frances, an MBI agent, is called back to her hometown to help her police chief father solve a suspicious death.
✅ Right off the bat, I’m hooked. Murder and magic? As someone who loves mystery thrillers, I was really excited for the whodunit aspect of this story. The case was appropriately gore-y, and the magic lent a creepy element.
❌ For all the build up and potential of a badass MBI agent solving a mysterious crime, the crime itself fell so flat. I skimmed the second book, absolutely no mention of Mark LaPointe, the one character that gave me legit creeps while reading, even though there was continuous mention of his fascination with the FMC. It led me to believe he played a bigger role in all of this. Also, the crime was resolved super quick. Like last chapter quick. So unsatisfying.
✅ Percival. Familiars are hard to do, but this sassy mink was a really cute and much needed addition. Sad to say, but this furry queen had more chemistry with the FMC than her actual MMCS.
❌ Speaking of MMCs. What. The. Helly. NOTHING about them was attractive. Not their weird comments on her body, them forcing her to get in their car and kidnapped to their weird mansion in the woods, and definitely not their continuous stalking of her. Do they not work? One is the literal mayor of the town? Why does he have so much free time to just sit there and wait for her to half-heartedly solve crimes??
❌ Misunderstandings/miscommunications trope maxed out. The reason she ran away was never really addressed. She felt their regret/disappointment during the bonding ritual ? Why? What caused it? Why did they never talk about it? Why did she wait for them to chase after SHE ran away, and why did they stalk her for years instead? There were all these big emotions but it just felt like it could’ve been resolved with a simple conversation…that they had after years of being idiots.
❌ Weird vibes with the other women in this book. Skimmed the second to find out about Tiffany, and didn’t love how it was addressed. Felt like the FMC glossed over how pathetic and weak the men were for immediately leaping to a new woman the DAY AFTER they decided to do a binding ritual with the FMC.
❌ BBS. It was so cringe. This smart, capable young woman was reduced to a damsel in distress at the sight of a couple abs. Kidnap me? Oh well he’s holding my pinky. Won’t give me my work bag back after pursuing my work laptop with confidential CASE FILES? Oh well his smirk makes my panties soaked through. Lost total respect for her, the integrity of her panties, and her oath to professionalism. Her inner thoughts and constant soaking of her underwear got annoying quick.
Like I mentioned, skimmed the second book because I had to know why Felix looked so guilty at the mention of Tiffany and honestly, now that I have my answer, I won’t be continuing with the second or third book. Which is a shame, because I love thrillers, I love mystery, and I love RH. This had such potential to be the perfect trifecta but fell super short.
✅ Right off the bat, I’m hooked. Murder and magic? As someone who loves mystery thrillers, I was really excited for the whodunit aspect of this story. The case was appropriately gore-y, and the magic lent a creepy element.
❌ For all the build up and potential of a badass MBI agent solving a mysterious crime, the crime itself fell so flat. I skimmed the second book, absolutely no mention of Mark LaPointe, the one character that gave me legit creeps while reading, even though there was continuous mention of his fascination with the FMC. It led me to believe he played a bigger role in all of this. Also, the crime was resolved super quick. Like last chapter quick. So unsatisfying.
✅ Percival. Familiars are hard to do, but this sassy mink was a really cute and much needed addition. Sad to say, but this furry queen had more chemistry with the FMC than her actual MMCS.
❌ Speaking of MMCs. What. The. Helly. NOTHING about them was attractive. Not their weird comments on her body, them forcing her to get in their car and kidnapped to their weird mansion in the woods, and definitely not their continuous stalking of her. Do they not work? One is the literal mayor of the town? Why does he have so much free time to just sit there and wait for her to half-heartedly solve crimes??
❌ Misunderstandings/miscommunications trope maxed out. The reason she ran away was never really addressed. She felt their regret/disappointment during the bonding ritual ? Why? What caused it? Why did they never talk about it? Why did she wait for them to chase after SHE ran away, and why did they stalk her for years instead? There were all these big emotions but it just felt like it could’ve been resolved with a simple conversation…that they had after years of being idiots.
❌ Weird vibes with the other women in this book. Skimmed the second to find out about Tiffany, and didn’t love how it was addressed. Felt like the FMC glossed over how pathetic and weak the men were for immediately leaping to a new woman the DAY AFTER they decided to do a binding ritual with the FMC.
❌ BBS. It was so cringe. This smart, capable young woman was reduced to a damsel in distress at the sight of a couple abs. Kidnap me? Oh well he’s holding my pinky. Won’t give me my work bag back after pursuing my work laptop with confidential CASE FILES? Oh well his smirk makes my panties soaked through. Lost total respect for her, the integrity of her panties, and her oath to professionalism. Her inner thoughts and constant soaking of her underwear got annoying quick.
Like I mentioned, skimmed the second book because I had to know why Felix looked so guilty at the mention of Tiffany and honestly, now that I have my answer, I won’t be continuing with the second or third book. Which is a shame, because I love thrillers, I love mystery, and I love RH. This had such potential to be the perfect trifecta but fell super short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2023
I didn't make it past the sample so take my review with a grain of salt, however judging by the reviews it doesn't get any better beyond what I read.
So... she turns up at the crime scene, can't detect anything and immediately thinks it's her fault/her magic being faulty.
She has a sweet moment with her dad, who seems like an awesome person.
Goes to her lodging, which is run by the great-aunt of one of her love interests. Why would you do this? This was a stupid step from the get go. Go somewhere that has no connection to them. Stay with your dad. Drive to a motel outside of the town.
Surprise, surprise, it's basically a trap: the love interests turn up, deliberately get her kicked out of the lodging and the owner won't refund her the nights she paid for.
The boys then kidnap her and leave her car behind while joking that it will probably get towed. They grope her in the car. Take her to their house and won't give her back her laptop with classified work related stuff on it.
On top of it all they claim her dad won't care? He's part of law enforcement and seems to have a good relationship with his daughter, why the fuck wouldn't he care about this? Do they have his approval to do this?
So this tells me a good few things: They're perfectly fine with stripping her of her property, money and freedom when she does something they don't like. They're more than happy to force her into an unequal situation.
Unless within the next few pages they return her shit, apologise for their behaviour and get her money back, I can quite comfortably say this entire relationship is incredibly unhealthy.
As for the FMC, I'm guessing she ghosted them because she wasn't mature enough to sit down and have an actual conversation about a relationship with them. If so this hits the pet peeve of mine: making major decisions for your partner/s about your collective future and enacting it without consulting them. That's a major violation of trust and shows she has no business being in a relationship with anyone.
If it was a case of "I sat down with them, aired my concerns and they ignored them and got upset when I left" then the boys need therapy and restraining orders, not a romance novel.
So... she turns up at the crime scene, can't detect anything and immediately thinks it's her fault/her magic being faulty.
She has a sweet moment with her dad, who seems like an awesome person.
Goes to her lodging, which is run by the great-aunt of one of her love interests. Why would you do this? This was a stupid step from the get go. Go somewhere that has no connection to them. Stay with your dad. Drive to a motel outside of the town.
Surprise, surprise, it's basically a trap: the love interests turn up, deliberately get her kicked out of the lodging and the owner won't refund her the nights she paid for.
The boys then kidnap her and leave her car behind while joking that it will probably get towed. They grope her in the car. Take her to their house and won't give her back her laptop with classified work related stuff on it.
On top of it all they claim her dad won't care? He's part of law enforcement and seems to have a good relationship with his daughter, why the fuck wouldn't he care about this? Do they have his approval to do this?
So this tells me a good few things: They're perfectly fine with stripping her of her property, money and freedom when she does something they don't like. They're more than happy to force her into an unequal situation.
Unless within the next few pages they return her shit, apologise for their behaviour and get her money back, I can quite comfortably say this entire relationship is incredibly unhealthy.
As for the FMC, I'm guessing she ghosted them because she wasn't mature enough to sit down and have an actual conversation about a relationship with them. If so this hits the pet peeve of mine: making major decisions for your partner/s about your collective future and enacting it without consulting them. That's a major violation of trust and shows she has no business being in a relationship with anyone.
If it was a case of "I sat down with them, aired my concerns and they ignored them and got upset when I left" then the boys need therapy and restraining orders, not a romance novel.
July 30, 2023
Read all three books in one sitting because I was quite entertained, mostly by the chapter titles though.
The series could've been really great and all three books suffer from the same issues.
First of all, I had no fucking clue how this world worked. Jumping into the first one, I felt like I was missing a prequel. The setting seems similar enough to a contemporary one just with the added tidbit of everyone having some kind of magic. Fair enough but how does it work? Does everyone go to some magical school to get trained in their type of magic or how do you figure this spellworking stuff out since it's not completely bloodline related apparently so your parents can't always train you? Seems like people have some kind of elemental or school of magic affinity and you additionally have the old school spell circle and chanting stuff in there. Then her familiar shows up and calls her a witch, cool cool, so everyone is just a witch - those are a thing here? It just felt very wonky and loose, people kept pointing out quirks about the FMCs magic but I couldn't follow since it was never really established how it worked and what was normal or legal or not. The whole magic thing felt stuffed into the story as a hook about how she became important to the MBI and then thrown in whenever it was convenient to advance the plot or get around issues.
Secondly, I just didn't see a lot of chemistry between Frankie and her men. The build up was lacking since all of that happened in their teens and now they go from having issues one second to making out the next. It was a little confusing tbh.
I also didn't really like the fact that despite being a capable agent she seemed to be kinda not great. She got kidnapped by her guys, needed their help to find clues and didn't get them to back off while she was working. That just didn't sit right with me. I also felt like the whole mystery got resolved way too quickly in all three books, there wasn't a whole lot of detective work involved, which was a shame.
All in all it was a relaxing series to read. I chuckled a lot and really loved Percy.
The series could've been really great and all three books suffer from the same issues.
First of all, I had no fucking clue how this world worked. Jumping into the first one, I felt like I was missing a prequel. The setting seems similar enough to a contemporary one just with the added tidbit of everyone having some kind of magic. Fair enough but how does it work? Does everyone go to some magical school to get trained in their type of magic or how do you figure this spellworking stuff out since it's not completely bloodline related apparently so your parents can't always train you? Seems like people have some kind of elemental or school of magic affinity and you additionally have the old school spell circle and chanting stuff in there. Then her familiar shows up and calls her a witch, cool cool, so everyone is just a witch - those are a thing here? It just felt very wonky and loose, people kept pointing out quirks about the FMCs magic but I couldn't follow since it was never really established how it worked and what was normal or legal or not. The whole magic thing felt stuffed into the story as a hook about how she became important to the MBI and then thrown in whenever it was convenient to advance the plot or get around issues.
Secondly, I just didn't see a lot of chemistry between Frankie and her men. The build up was lacking since all of that happened in their teens and now they go from having issues one second to making out the next. It was a little confusing tbh.
I also didn't really like the fact that despite being a capable agent she seemed to be kinda not great. She got kidnapped by her guys, needed their help to find clues and didn't get them to back off while she was working. That just didn't sit right with me. I also felt like the whole mystery got resolved way too quickly in all three books, there wasn't a whole lot of detective work involved, which was a shame.
All in all it was a relaxing series to read. I chuckled a lot and really loved Percy.
October 18, 2023
This review covers all three books in the series.
Honestly, I liked this series. But I wanted to like it a lot more than I did; I could have liked it a lot more than I did. It is mostly a series of magical investigation bureau mysteries (almost bordering on cozy mysteries) with a poly second-chance romance subplot. I liked the mysteries. I liked the romantic subplot. I really liked the way the men had an important relationship between themselves. The problem is that the subplot is too much plot for a subplot, and as a subplot, doesn’t get the attention it needs. This means that the reader is left feeling unsatisfied by it. There were a lot of conversations that needed to happen that just didn’t, a lot of groveling and forgiveness that needed to be on-page and just wasn’t, etc. It left the books feeling lopsided and ill-weighted.
The reason I didn’t rate it higher than I did, though, is for a single big reason (and this is a spoiler, be warned). The basic premise is that Frankie and her guys had an “oops” misunderstanding while casting a spell as teens and then, despite being inseparable since they were children (and one being a freaking empath, another reading magical intent), and as a result, she ran away. But she only went 45 minutes away, they knew where she was (secretly checked on her once a month), and she knew where they were (in her hometown with everything and everyone she loved). And I’m supposed to believe, as a reader, that, despite missing one another, they all went somewhere between 5 and 10 years (the exact time is not stated, but long enough to start and finish university, go through bureau training, and get ensconced in careers) none of them ever even tried to make contact. She never had reason to visit home? None of that is even remotely believable, especially with the way the men structure their lives around the assumption that she’d be back at some point. That’s the foundation of the book, and it is shaky at best. I tried to suspend disbelief, but it was a struggle. It’s simply that unbelievable and undermined the entire plot.
Despite all of that, I liked the characters and world a lot. I’d be willing to read more of Walker’s work.
Honestly, I liked this series. But I wanted to like it a lot more than I did; I could have liked it a lot more than I did. It is mostly a series of magical investigation bureau mysteries (almost bordering on cozy mysteries) with a poly second-chance romance subplot. I liked the mysteries. I liked the romantic subplot. I really liked the way the men had an important relationship between themselves. The problem is that the subplot is too much plot for a subplot, and as a subplot, doesn’t get the attention it needs. This means that the reader is left feeling unsatisfied by it. There were a lot of conversations that needed to happen that just didn’t, a lot of groveling and forgiveness that needed to be on-page and just wasn’t, etc. It left the books feeling lopsided and ill-weighted.
The reason I didn’t rate it higher than I did, though, is for a single big reason (and this is a spoiler, be warned). The basic premise is that Frankie and her guys had an “oops” misunderstanding while casting a spell as teens and then, despite being inseparable since they were children (and one being a freaking empath, another reading magical intent), and as a result, she ran away. But she only went 45 minutes away, they knew where she was (secretly checked on her once a month), and she knew where they were (in her hometown with everything and everyone she loved). And I’m supposed to believe, as a reader, that, despite missing one another, they all went somewhere between 5 and 10 years (the exact time is not stated, but long enough to start and finish university, go through bureau training, and get ensconced in careers) none of them ever even tried to make contact. She never had reason to visit home? None of that is even remotely believable, especially with the way the men structure their lives around the assumption that she’d be back at some point. That’s the foundation of the book, and it is shaky at best. I tried to suspend disbelief, but it was a struggle. It’s simply that unbelievable and undermined the entire plot.
Despite all of that, I liked the characters and world a lot. I’d be willing to read more of Walker’s work.
January 21, 2022
I was sucked in when I read the synopsis so I jump right in and the story has my full attention. Frankie is putting off these great badass vibes like she is a woman to be reckoned with. Her dad calls her home because there has been a murder, but she has a past back home that she would rather like to keep there. However, that does not happen. There are three men that she quite literally ran away from but as soon as she steps foot back in her hometown, they are right there in her way. Now she is dealing with a hurtful past and trying to help her dad solve a murder that is tied to magic. The story of the murder from start to finish was very well written and definitely holds your attention. In my opinion, Frankie sort of irritated me, or maybe it was her harem. Naturally, they are all hot and yummy in their own way and Frankie is in a constant argument with her body, brain, and heart. But the vibe of her being this strong woman at the beginning is overshadowed by the men in her life. These guys are seriously overstepping some boundaries and don’t let her have a say in much at all. Even if done out of love, it got irritating. However, the snark and sass that she gives off is great and her familiar is a hilarious addition to this group of characters. Overall, the story was good and I look forward to seeing what happens next.
July 18, 2022
Homecoming homicide
Interesting premise, and characters so far. We have muddled along through a little backstory, half hearted apologies and every little world building. That being said, I stayed interested and engaged through the book and am looking forward to book two. The writing is well done, conversations flow well and what we know of characters is interesting. I just wish there was a little more actual content. Franky works for magical equivalent of FBI. She left her small town at 18 and left behind three guys (Remy, Felix and Gray) she was seeing at the time. All four are partially to blame for misunderstandings. Her father is the home town police chief. He asks her home to help with a murder. The humor in the chapter titles made me smile. The author is also really good at making you feel the emotions of the characters. I like it when an author can show, not just tell.
Hoping book two is better. This is an easy read with no thought required. Ends in cliffhanger. Series which is fully out will need to be read in order. Told from FMC POV. Slow burn RH with just a little steam.
Interesting premise, and characters so far. We have muddled along through a little backstory, half hearted apologies and every little world building. That being said, I stayed interested and engaged through the book and am looking forward to book two. The writing is well done, conversations flow well and what we know of characters is interesting. I just wish there was a little more actual content. Franky works for magical equivalent of FBI. She left her small town at 18 and left behind three guys (Remy, Felix and Gray) she was seeing at the time. All four are partially to blame for misunderstandings. Her father is the home town police chief. He asks her home to help with a murder. The humor in the chapter titles made me smile. The author is also really good at making you feel the emotions of the characters. I like it when an author can show, not just tell.
Hoping book two is better. This is an easy read with no thought required. Ends in cliffhanger. Series which is fully out will need to be read in order. Told from FMC POV. Slow burn RH with just a little steam.
July 12, 2023
Half Through The Movie
You know that feeling of confusion when you miss the first half of a movie and you’re left with so many questions but decide to stick it out?
Yeah, that was this in book form.
I was basically dropped in a world in and given no background information. I didn’t even realize it was in Montana until 80% in. I was waiting for some acknowledgment why magic is so widely accepted, was there a big reveal at some point in the history of this universe or had magic never been “in the closet”.
I guess what I’m saying is the world building sucked. What was the deal with familiars? Why are they important? Tell me, please! I’m craving details.
The investigation itself seemed haphazardly thrown together. There was no actual police work other than looking at a floor and questioning one witness. To say it left a lot to be desired is an understatement.
I apologize if I sound like it was all bad, it wasn’t. I liked the interactions between Bishop and Things 1-3. I liked the idea of the magic version of the FBI. I would probably like the whole book more if it was flushed out with more rounded charters and the world building was… built.
You know that feeling of confusion when you miss the first half of a movie and you’re left with so many questions but decide to stick it out?
Yeah, that was this in book form.
I was basically dropped in a world in and given no background information. I didn’t even realize it was in Montana until 80% in. I was waiting for some acknowledgment why magic is so widely accepted, was there a big reveal at some point in the history of this universe or had magic never been “in the closet”.
I guess what I’m saying is the world building sucked. What was the deal with familiars? Why are they important? Tell me, please! I’m craving details.
The investigation itself seemed haphazardly thrown together. There was no actual police work other than looking at a floor and questioning one witness. To say it left a lot to be desired is an understatement.
I apologize if I sound like it was all bad, it wasn’t. I liked the interactions between Bishop and Things 1-3. I liked the idea of the magic version of the FBI. I would probably like the whole book more if it was flushed out with more rounded charters and the world building was… built.
September 29, 2021
This was super interesting and unique! It was a bundle of suspense, mystery, and reuniting with the past to fix the present and have a future!
Frankie returns to her small hometown because her dad called about a suspicious murder. She is part of magical FBI organization and she is valued because she a powerful psychometry (touch magic). She didn’t want to stay long because something in her past made her leave. That something were the 3 guys she has loved her whole life, they kinda did a stupid thing as teenagers. But due to fear and miscommunication, it resulted Frankie in leaving for years. The guys knew she was back and basically kinda kidnapped her and stalked her throughout the book.
I did like how they starting communicating towards the middle and end where the truth came out about a lot of things. How Frankie was going to stay and work thing out with the guys.
The murder was solved only for Frankie to be pulled into another high case murder by a powerful person and for her to go back on her promise to the guys. That was the ending and cliffhanger!
Harem: Remy (doesn’t have much of a power, a professional sports player, learned to cook for Frankie (FMC), Grayson (broody, insecure, mayor, a powerful empathy), Felix (super cute nerd and has the power of earth nature)
Majority of the book was through Frankie’s POV. But you occasionally see some from the harem.
I can’t wait until book 2!!!
This review is of my own opinion.
Frankie returns to her small hometown because her dad called about a suspicious murder. She is part of magical FBI organization and she is valued because she a powerful psychometry (touch magic). She didn’t want to stay long because something in her past made her leave. That something were the 3 guys she has loved her whole life, they kinda did a stupid thing as teenagers. But due to fear and miscommunication, it resulted Frankie in leaving for years. The guys knew she was back and basically kinda kidnapped her and stalked her throughout the book.
I did like how they starting communicating towards the middle and end where the truth came out about a lot of things. How Frankie was going to stay and work thing out with the guys.
The murder was solved only for Frankie to be pulled into another high case murder by a powerful person and for her to go back on her promise to the guys. That was the ending and cliffhanger!
Harem: Remy (doesn’t have much of a power, a professional sports player, learned to cook for Frankie (FMC), Grayson (broody, insecure, mayor, a powerful empathy), Felix (super cute nerd and has the power of earth nature)
Majority of the book was through Frankie’s POV. But you occasionally see some from the harem.
I can’t wait until book 2!!!
This review is of my own opinion.
September 26, 2021
Another banger by Albany Walker
I was so engrossed in this book. I could not put it down.
Frankie is an agent for the Magical Bureau of Investigation. When her father calls to ask her for help she must go back to the one place she was avoiding: home. Hoping to not be seen and get the case solved, Frankie realizes that there’s more going on. Her hope of leaving undetected is dashed when the people she was hiding from the most show up at her hotel.
This is a very slow burn paranormal reverse harem romance that ends abruptly. It’s so slow burning that you’ll probably have to wait until the second book for some spice. There is one scene that’s hot but it’s quick and not very in-depth.
Frankie is sassy and quick witted which seems like a trademark of Walkers. Her female characters are never pure, shy women. They are sassy, strong and know what they want.
Being a book on the shorter side, about 215 pages, this book still packed a punch and didn’t feel lacking. I loved every minute of it and can not wait to read the next book!
I was so engrossed in this book. I could not put it down.
Frankie is an agent for the Magical Bureau of Investigation. When her father calls to ask her for help she must go back to the one place she was avoiding: home. Hoping to not be seen and get the case solved, Frankie realizes that there’s more going on. Her hope of leaving undetected is dashed when the people she was hiding from the most show up at her hotel.
This is a very slow burn paranormal reverse harem romance that ends abruptly. It’s so slow burning that you’ll probably have to wait until the second book for some spice. There is one scene that’s hot but it’s quick and not very in-depth.
Frankie is sassy and quick witted which seems like a trademark of Walkers. Her female characters are never pure, shy women. They are sassy, strong and know what they want.
Being a book on the shorter side, about 215 pages, this book still packed a punch and didn’t feel lacking. I loved every minute of it and can not wait to read the next book!
May 2, 2023
I would say somewhere between 3 and 4 stars.
It wasn't totally bad. I was interested in the plot of MBI (Magical Bureau of investigation) and some murder mysteries. Well, that's how it started. But, then there was romance storyline too. It looked like this one was entirely based on creating dramas through miscommunication, which I felt was poorly executed. It kind of made the characters sound dumb, and the backstory drama didn't even make any sense.
And, what's with guys accompanying her everywhere? That was so weird, like aren't they grown up adults with grown up adults things to do? Like, jobs? So odd.
Mystery plotline was so bland that I was hoping in the end, that woman (not giving away the spoiler) turned out to be the culprit, because then that would have a plot twist which would have made this interesting.
I want to see what case she works on next, so I will be reading the book 2.
It wasn't totally bad. I was interested in the plot of MBI (Magical Bureau of investigation) and some murder mysteries. Well, that's how it started. But, then there was romance storyline too. It looked like this one was entirely based on creating dramas through miscommunication, which I felt was poorly executed. It kind of made the characters sound dumb, and the backstory drama didn't even make any sense.
And, what's with guys accompanying her everywhere? That was so weird, like aren't they grown up adults with grown up adults things to do? Like, jobs? So odd.
Mystery plotline was so bland that I was hoping in the end, that woman (not giving away the spoiler) turned out to be the culprit, because then that would have a plot twist which would have made this interesting.
I want to see what case she works on next, so I will be reading the book 2.
July 12, 2023
Enjoyed
This book is different from the other books I read from this author but not in a bad way. I really enjoyed it. Frankie is an MRI agent and had to return home because her Pop needed here for a case. She wasn't happy about returning because of the three guys she left behind. They grew up together and the four of them were in a relationship. Yes, the guys are handling things wrong by keeping her with them but if she really wanted to leave I believe they would let her. I love Felix. He is super sweet and warming up to her again quickly. Remy is funny and taking a bit but definitely wants her from his stalker ways while Frankie was gone. Gray is taking longer but feel because he has insecurities and was heart broken. Let's just say I am all for the possible fourth guy being added 😉😉. I love her familiar. He is super funny. Ugh, that ending. Not super harsh but made me sad. This is slow burn quick pace book and can't wait to read next.
This book is different from the other books I read from this author but not in a bad way. I really enjoyed it. Frankie is an MRI agent and had to return home because her Pop needed here for a case. She wasn't happy about returning because of the three guys she left behind. They grew up together and the four of them were in a relationship. Yes, the guys are handling things wrong by keeping her with them but if she really wanted to leave I believe they would let her. I love Felix. He is super sweet and warming up to her again quickly. Remy is funny and taking a bit but definitely wants her from his stalker ways while Frankie was gone. Gray is taking longer but feel because he has insecurities and was heart broken. Let's just say I am all for the possible fourth guy being added 😉😉. I love her familiar. He is super funny. Ugh, that ending. Not super harsh but made me sad. This is slow burn quick pace book and can't wait to read next.
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