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Once Upon a Crime #1
Once Upon a Crime
Once upon a time, the Grimms’ fairy tales taught lessons. Now, the Grimm Reaper does.
New detective Chelsea Sullivan is partnered with a maverick famous for closing cases and infamous for how he does it. He has a target on his back and a chip on his shoulder. Not exactly how she hoped to kick off her first homicide case.
Jim McPherson doesn’t mind showing an up-and-comer the ropes, but he does mind when she keeps putting herself in harm’s way. Especially since her innocence is exactly the trait the serial killer seems to be targeting. Unless they’re missing a crucial detail. And he can’t help but think his new partner knows what it is.
The body count is rising and the Grimm Reaper is after Chelsea. If they can’t catch him before he catches her, there will be no happily ever after.
Once Upon A Crime is the first book in Nolon King's new Once Upon A Crime Trilogy. Start reading your favorite new series today!
New detective Chelsea Sullivan is partnered with a maverick famous for closing cases and infamous for how he does it. He has a target on his back and a chip on his shoulder. Not exactly how she hoped to kick off her first homicide case.
Jim McPherson doesn’t mind showing an up-and-comer the ropes, but he does mind when she keeps putting herself in harm’s way. Especially since her innocence is exactly the trait the serial killer seems to be targeting. Unless they’re missing a crucial detail. And he can’t help but think his new partner knows what it is.
The body count is rising and the Grimm Reaper is after Chelsea. If they can’t catch him before he catches her, there will be no happily ever after.
Once Upon A Crime is the first book in Nolon King's new Once Upon A Crime Trilogy. Start reading your favorite new series today!
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2022
1450 people are currently reading
2056 people want to read
About the author
Nolon King
57 books82 followersNolon King writes smart psychological thrillers designed to leave you on the edge of your seat. His stories are dark, twisty, and often decidedly close to home.
He’s not afraid to explore the darker side of human nature through stories featuring families torn apart by secrets and lies. If you enjoy reading authors like Darcey Bell and Harlan Coban, movies like A Simple Favor and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, or shows like Ozark and Dead to Me, you’ll love Nolon King.
When not writing you will find Nolon drinking black coffee and observing humans in their natural habitats.
He’s not afraid to explore the darker side of human nature through stories featuring families torn apart by secrets and lies. If you enjoy reading authors like Darcey Bell and Harlan Coban, movies like A Simple Favor and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, or shows like Ozark and Dead to Me, you’ll love Nolon King.
When not writing you will find Nolon drinking black coffee and observing humans in their natural habitats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
January 12, 2022
Intended as a series, Once Upon A Crime by Nolon King is the first instalment of a crime trilogy. Two detectives, newly minted Chelsea Sullivan is paired with experienced Jim McPherson whose reputation is somewhat dubious despite his high clearance rate. They have barely been introduced when they are called out to their first case – a young woman murdered, choked by her hair plait. It calls to mind a Grimm fairy tale for Sullivan, but McPherson disagrees and their bickering relationship seems unworkable. A second young woman’s body is similarly laid out, referencing another fairy tale and the hunt is on for a serial killer. Whilst a classic police procedural, the narrative has two antagonist characters at its heart, their feisty interplay making a most entertaining four-and-a-half-star read rating. So, keep a look out for this unusually spirited crime partners and their next murder case. With thanks to Sterling & Stone and the author, for an uncorrected advanced copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given, despite the intuition of the Grimm murderer.
January 20, 2022
Unfortunately kind of forgettable.
So, about a month ago, I read this book. I can’t tell you much, except that I finished it.
Then, the other day, I started reading this book. It took me 20% of the book to realize I’d already read it. I did read it again, largely because the only things that seemed to stick with me were the “who” did it and an irritating ex-girlfriend of one of the main characters.
In this 2nd read (because I barely remember the 1st), I found myself irritated by the relationship and juvenile patter of the main characters and icked out by the “who”.
But a month from now? I won’t remember having read this one.
With apologies, I don’t care to continue in the series.
*ARC via Publisher
So, about a month ago, I read this book. I can’t tell you much, except that I finished it.
Then, the other day, I started reading this book. It took me 20% of the book to realize I’d already read it. I did read it again, largely because the only things that seemed to stick with me were the “who” did it and an irritating ex-girlfriend of one of the main characters.
In this 2nd read (because I barely remember the 1st), I found myself irritated by the relationship and juvenile patter of the main characters and icked out by the “who”.
But a month from now? I won’t remember having read this one.
With apologies, I don’t care to continue in the series.
*ARC via Publisher
March 8, 2022
I only finished the book to make sure the person I thought from the beginning was the killer was in fact the killer. I did not like the dialogue between the two detectives, they acted more like children than adults. I also found Chelsea to be a sniveling wet rag, she was supposed to be a detective, but she fell apart at the first sign of death and gore. No detective, even a rookie, would have been as traumatized as she was in the book.
January 13, 2022
I received a review copy from Sterling and Stone and this is my honest opinion. This is a very excellent read. The characters are realistic and believable, there's plenty of action and suspense, and for a nice change, there is a male/female partnership which (so far) is based on friendship and professionalism instead of the bedroom. This means no graphic or explicit sex scenes which is a plus in my book. Also, the police procedural portion of the story is not overdone for the most part. There were a few areas that felt a little exaggerated, but the majority felt realistic.
I did have a couple of small criticisms. I felt as if Mr. King couldn't decide what type of story to write. Either a total mystery where the reader doesn't know any more than the characters or one in which the reader knows all, but the main characters don't. The 'bad guy' is never revealed until the ending of the book, but I figured it out long before the 50% mark. I kept thinking I had to be missing something because it was so obvious who the killer was that surely the detectives could figure it out. I was expecting some big twist at the end to turn everything on its ear, but it didn't happen. The 'bad guy' was exactly who I thought it would be. That was a little disappointing but I still enjoyed the story.
The other issue I had was really minor, but being the grammar Nazi I am, I did notice. The book could have stood one more read by a proofreader. There weren't a lot of errors, but enough that I notice.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for others of Mr. King to check out.
I did have a couple of small criticisms. I felt as if Mr. King couldn't decide what type of story to write. Either a total mystery where the reader doesn't know any more than the characters or one in which the reader knows all, but the main characters don't. The 'bad guy' is never revealed until the ending of the book, but I figured it out long before the 50% mark. I kept thinking I had to be missing something because it was so obvious who the killer was that surely the detectives could figure it out. I was expecting some big twist at the end to turn everything on its ear, but it didn't happen. The 'bad guy' was exactly who I thought it would be. That was a little disappointing but I still enjoyed the story.
The other issue I had was really minor, but being the grammar Nazi I am, I did notice. The book could have stood one more read by a proofreader. There weren't a lot of errors, but enough that I notice.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for others of Mr. King to check out.
April 24, 2022
Once Upon A Crime, by Nolon King. Can I start of with my review saying that the Grimm Reapers mother is a psychotic sicko. The things that she had this young boy do is so unimaginable! I enjoyed this story a lot. I absolutely couldn’t get enough of.
As I read the story, I paid close attention to any drops of hints that would tell me or lead me to believe that my assumption was correct about who the killer could be. I loved the twist and turns of the story as well as the shocking surprise. I loved how the details to clues or conclusions were spaced apart, but close enough for a mystery junkie like myself to conduct my own conclusions to the case. A case that Jim and Chelsea found themselves heavily engaged in. I had a fun time readings Jim character.
I thought his character was very smart, funny, intelligent, honest in some ways. He’s very caring and very protective of the ones that he allows to get close to him and I think Chelsea broke that barrier wall the first day that she met him. Chelsea’s character had me on a number of occasions getting tired of her. I don’t know if it was her Naïveté or her in experience of being a cop, but she wasn’t scoring confidence with me. She almost reads as a character with child like or teenage tendencies.
If this is what the writer wanted the readers to perceive of her character, then I say that the writer did an awesome job. I thought that the pace of the story was good. The story is definitely a page turner. The story held me captive until the last word in the book. The dialogue and narrative I thought was clear and precise.
The plot stayed on topic and gave details that related to the point of the story. I could tell by the details of the book in the story that the writer did their research which provided the book with important information to finding of a mad killer. I give this book two snaps and a, “ Learn to lock your door dad!” Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
As I read the story, I paid close attention to any drops of hints that would tell me or lead me to believe that my assumption was correct about who the killer could be. I loved the twist and turns of the story as well as the shocking surprise. I loved how the details to clues or conclusions were spaced apart, but close enough for a mystery junkie like myself to conduct my own conclusions to the case. A case that Jim and Chelsea found themselves heavily engaged in. I had a fun time readings Jim character.
I thought his character was very smart, funny, intelligent, honest in some ways. He’s very caring and very protective of the ones that he allows to get close to him and I think Chelsea broke that barrier wall the first day that she met him. Chelsea’s character had me on a number of occasions getting tired of her. I don’t know if it was her Naïveté or her in experience of being a cop, but she wasn’t scoring confidence with me. She almost reads as a character with child like or teenage tendencies.
If this is what the writer wanted the readers to perceive of her character, then I say that the writer did an awesome job. I thought that the pace of the story was good. The story is definitely a page turner. The story held me captive until the last word in the book. The dialogue and narrative I thought was clear and precise.
The plot stayed on topic and gave details that related to the point of the story. I could tell by the details of the book in the story that the writer did their research which provided the book with important information to finding of a mad killer. I give this book two snaps and a, “ Learn to lock your door dad!” Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
January 14, 2022
Det. Sullivan has her brand new detective’s shield and she’s on her way to her very first homicide with her partner, Det. McPherson. Rumors have followed her new partner but they’d also followed her Lieutenant father and forced him into retirement so she’s keeping an open mind. That’s the story.
What I appreciated about Once Upon A Crime is that there was palpable chemistry between the two detectives, they didn’t always work well together but when they were on the page together it was fun and kind of dazzling. The other thing I liked a lot was that the creative twist on the crimes. As a fan of true crime, I found this fun and intriguing and it kept me motivated to keep reading.
The culprit was pretty easy to figure out but again, true crime fan, and even though I hoped I was wrong, it really didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this story. The ending came pretty quickly but I had a good time getting there.
What I appreciated about Once Upon A Crime is that there was palpable chemistry between the two detectives, they didn’t always work well together but when they were on the page together it was fun and kind of dazzling. The other thing I liked a lot was that the creative twist on the crimes. As a fan of true crime, I found this fun and intriguing and it kept me motivated to keep reading.
The culprit was pretty easy to figure out but again, true crime fan, and even though I hoped I was wrong, it really didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this story. The ending came pretty quickly but I had a good time getting there.
April 7, 2022
First book in series. New detective Chelsea is partnered with a maverick famous for closing cases and know one knows how he does it. Jim McPherson does not mind showing a newbie the ropes, but he does get concerned when she keeps putting herself in danger. Especially her innocent is the trait the serial killers seem to be targeting.
The body count is rising and the Grim Reaper is after Chelsea will they be able to catch them in time before they catch Chelsea first ? Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Great book especially if you like serial killers and thrillers this is the book for you.
Thank you to Sterling & Stone, and the author in exchange for a review.
Published: Jan 11th, 2022.
The body count is rising and the Grim Reaper is after Chelsea will they be able to catch them in time before they catch Chelsea first ? Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Great book especially if you like serial killers and thrillers this is the book for you.
Thank you to Sterling & Stone, and the author in exchange for a review.
Published: Jan 11th, 2022.
August 9, 2024
Not a bad book but I figured out the murderer early on
December 30, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. This is a great story! The relationship between detectives Chelsea Sullivan and Jim McPherson is combustible! We follow them on their hunt for the Grimm Reaper, a serial killer whose murders are based on fairy tales! It is well written, and the story flows quickly, immersing you from the very first page. I highly recommend you give it a try!
March 17, 2022
I have somewhat mixed feelings about ‘Once Upon A Crime’ by Olin King. I referenced the author because there are multiple books with the same title.
First, I liked the story line and the writing style, but I suspected the culprit early in the book. It was just a little too obvious. That didn’t bother me. I would rate these parts a ‘3+’.
Next, and this was the review killer and a rating of ‘1’. The author went on and on and on throughout 90% of the book about the insecurities, bias, and unsupported feminism insults of the protagonist. Nauseous ad Infinitum. I became sick and tired (and incredibly irritated) with the protagonist’s misreading every opportunity to blame it on her being a woman. She could not be an effective detective because she was a female, everything said to her was misunderstood to be sexist, masochistic, and any other word to insult every male character in the book, and incorrectly so.
Bottom line: It’s just not worth the read, unless you are pining for feminist claptrap. What a shame.
First, I liked the story line and the writing style, but I suspected the culprit early in the book. It was just a little too obvious. That didn’t bother me. I would rate these parts a ‘3+’.
Next, and this was the review killer and a rating of ‘1’. The author went on and on and on throughout 90% of the book about the insecurities, bias, and unsupported feminism insults of the protagonist. Nauseous ad Infinitum. I became sick and tired (and incredibly irritated) with the protagonist’s misreading every opportunity to blame it on her being a woman. She could not be an effective detective because she was a female, everything said to her was misunderstood to be sexist, masochistic, and any other word to insult every male character in the book, and incorrectly so.
Bottom line: It’s just not worth the read, unless you are pining for feminist claptrap. What a shame.
January 27, 2022
I was gifted a copy of this book. I wasn’t looking for a new series or author to follow. However this book gave me both those things. Great writing style, terrific storyline!
Two cops with something to prove. Chelsea is a new detective whose father left the force under a cloud. Jim has a great solve rate but comes with his own bad reputation.
Can these two mismatched partners join forces to stop a serial killer?
Two cops with something to prove. Chelsea is a new detective whose father left the force under a cloud. Jim has a great solve rate but comes with his own bad reputation.
Can these two mismatched partners join forces to stop a serial killer?
October 11, 2023
With a shiny gold shield in hand, Chelsea Sullivan is set to make her mark as the station's newest detective. Assigned to a partner with a mysterious past, Chelsea has doubts that they can work as a team. Then, the killings start.
The mystery was a formidable piece of intrigue, with many attempts at misdirects and red herrings. Alas, the villain was too transparent, allowing the reader to peg the solution early on. The most significant transgression, however, was the characterisation of the two main characters who led the investigation. The female detective, Chelsea, was whiny and all too convinced of her abilities. Even though this was her first murder case, she felt qualified to take the lead and became childish when the more experienced detective refused to cave to her wishes. The male detective, Jim, was arrogant and inappropriate. His remarks were stomach-turning misogynistic. Neither of the main characters acted in a way that befitted their role in the police department. Additionally, their misconnect took too much time on the page to the detriment of the story's pacing.
Gruesome concepts abound in the story, more so than the usual hardboiled detective novel. Trigger warnings should have been posted. In no particular order, there was cannibalism, child abuse, self-harm, animal abuse - along with the murders, but at least those are expected in a murder mystery.
The mystery was a formidable piece of intrigue, with many attempts at misdirects and red herrings. Alas, the villain was too transparent, allowing the reader to peg the solution early on. The most significant transgression, however, was the characterisation of the two main characters who led the investigation. The female detective, Chelsea, was whiny and all too convinced of her abilities. Even though this was her first murder case, she felt qualified to take the lead and became childish when the more experienced detective refused to cave to her wishes. The male detective, Jim, was arrogant and inappropriate. His remarks were stomach-turning misogynistic. Neither of the main characters acted in a way that befitted their role in the police department. Additionally, their misconnect took too much time on the page to the detriment of the story's pacing.
Gruesome concepts abound in the story, more so than the usual hardboiled detective novel. Trigger warnings should have been posted. In no particular order, there was cannibalism, child abuse, self-harm, animal abuse - along with the murders, but at least those are expected in a murder mystery.
January 27, 2022
Hsppily Ever After
A new detective shares an obsession with fairy tales with a serial killer. Not the sanitized Disney versions but the dark, violent originals compiled by the brothers Grimm. The detective is assigned a new partner, a hotshot transfer with a dubious reputation. Will she be able to overcome her resistance to him and relative inexperience to catch a killer before he catches her.
The plot is decent. Unfortunately the main characters are highly annoying. They are something out of high school. She is prim and proper. She is supposedly Miss Capable but once threatened all the men hover around protecting her. He is just misunderstood. Their interactions are juvenile and unprofessional. I identified the killer early on. It is slow but the last third picks up. But the leads are just irritating.
A new detective shares an obsession with fairy tales with a serial killer. Not the sanitized Disney versions but the dark, violent originals compiled by the brothers Grimm. The detective is assigned a new partner, a hotshot transfer with a dubious reputation. Will she be able to overcome her resistance to him and relative inexperience to catch a killer before he catches her.
The plot is decent. Unfortunately the main characters are highly annoying. They are something out of high school. She is prim and proper. She is supposedly Miss Capable but once threatened all the men hover around protecting her. He is just misunderstood. Their interactions are juvenile and unprofessional. I identified the killer early on. It is slow but the last third picks up. But the leads are just irritating.
March 13, 2022
It's Chelsea Sullivan's first day as a detective and she and her new partner, Jim McPherson, are assigned the murder investigation of a young college coed. The scene reminds Chelsea of the Grimm story of Rapunzel, and they soon suspect they have a serial or spree killer who is bent on recreating Grimm fairy tales. When Chelsea starts to receive mail from the killer, the new partners must learn to trust each other to keep her safe and bring the killer to justice. The story is fast paced and overall I enjoyed it, but I found the tension between Chelsea and Jim to be a bit forced, thought Chelsea was immature and many of her actions unrealistic for a police officer who had enough years on the force to have been promoted to detective, and the outcome of the story was predictable. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2022
First, I liked the author's style a lot. I read a lot of mystery and detective books and I am sad that I got the suspect early on. I suspected the plot but this didnt really take away from reading the book even though, to me it was SO obvious.
The partnering of Chelsea, a new detective and Jim, a seasoned vet was decent. The opposites that work well together. He had a way of putting of down that I want a fan of.
Overall I liked the fairytale-ish part so I will read book 2
The partnering of Chelsea, a new detective and Jim, a seasoned vet was decent. The opposites that work well together. He had a way of putting of down that I want a fan of.
Overall I liked the fairytale-ish part so I will read book 2
July 29, 2022
მართლა კარგი დიალოგები იყო, საერთოდ დიალოგების და პერსონაჟების რეალისტურობა იმიტომ მადარდებს, რომ ამ ბოლო დროს მომრავლდა ისეთი წიგნები, სადაც ძალით ემოციური რაღაცები ხდება და თითიდან გამოწოვილი საუბრები და დიალოგებია ხოლმე. ჰოდა აქ ეგ მე პირადად ვერ დავინახე, რაც კარგია ✨💕
თვითონ მკვლელის შესახებ რა ფლეშბექებიცაა, უბრალოდ დამანგრეველია იმ გაზლაითინგის და ნარცისი მშობლის ხაფანგში ყოფნის წარმოდგენა 😣😖 წარმოუდგენელი შეურაცხყოფა, ოიდიპოსის კომპლექსი, Madona and Whore კომპლექსი, ყველაფრის კომპლექსი! ეს საშინელებებია, რომ ადამიანს სამუდამო ავადმყოფად და ბოროტმოქმედად აყალიბებს, რომელიც დარწმუნებულია, რომ ძალიან დიდ მისიას ემსახურება, მკვლელობებს უყურებს, როგორც ხელოვნების ნიმუშს თუ შთაგონებას... ის რასაც ვხედავთ ფილმში "The house that Jack built".
ჩელსის და ჯიმის პერსონაჟებს რაც შეეხება, ჩელსის აშკარად რაღაც კომპლექსები და დათრგუნულობა აქვს გამოყოლილი მამის გამო, ბავშვობაში მამამისს უნდოდა, უფრო ძლიერი და tough შვილი ჰყოლოდა, ამიტომ ღამით უკითხავდა ცნობილი ზღაპრების ორიგინალ ვერსიებს, რომლებიც უბრალოდ, ყოველგვარ საშინელებათა ისტორიებს უსწრებს, იმდენად შემაძრწუნებელია და ჩელსიზეც ამან იმოქმედა. თუმცა რა არის იცი? ეს daddy issues იქით და როცა ჯიმ მაკფერსონთან ერთად იწყებს დეტექტივობას, მხოლოდ იმის გამო, რომ ჯიმი მექალთანე და ყველასთან მოფლირტავე ეჩვენება, წარამარა რაღაცებს აბრალებს; წარამარა ბრალს სდებს, რომ "უი, ესა და ეს თქვი? ესე იგი ეს იგულისხმე!" და მერე ბოდიშს არც უხდის 🤨 ჰოდა... რატომ? ალბათ ეს წიგნი კაცის დაწერილი როა, იმიტომ არის ასეთი პერსონაჟი, რადგან ხშირაად ფიქრობენ ხოლმე რომ ყველა ქალი პასიურ-აგრესიულია და ქვეტექსტები ეშლებათ? არ ვიცი. სხვათაშორის, მთელი წიგნი ისე იკითხებოდა, არ იგრძნობოდა, ქალმა დაწერა თუ კაცმა.
ერთგან ჩელსი გადაღლილი და მშიერია, ამიტომ ჯიმი მისთვის საჭმელს ყიდულობს და ჩელსი ეუბნება, აი, ახლა ნამდვილად მეფლირტავები... იმიტომ რომ საუზმე და ყავა მიყიდეო 🤯🤯🤯😵🤧🤤🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ რაჯანდაბაჭირს
პირველი თავი ჩემთვის ჩამთრევი იყო, მეორე თავი არ მომეწონა და ვიფიქრე, იქნებ საერთოდ არ მომინდეს გაგრძელება-მეთქი,მაგრამ მალევე ჩამითრია და იმიტომ, რომ ავტორის ენა მომწონს, მაგრამ რამდენიმე დეტალი არ დამიჯდა ჭკუაში, 4 ⭐-ით შევაფასე.
ბოლოში, "ბოროტის დამარცხების" მერე, მამამისი(ჩელსის მამა) ერთბაშად გარდაიქმნება და მორჩა, ვსო, წერტილი! ცუდი თვისებები და ჩვევები სადღაც გაუქრა, აღარც ალკოჰოლს სვამს, უეცრად წამლება იღეებს... ოოოოჰ! 😡🤬 ამას ვერ ვიტან ზუსტად-ან ტკბილმწარედ დამთავრდეს, ან რამე, ან ინტრიგა და კითხვის ნიშნები დარჩეს ცოტა, ხო შეიძლება??!
ყოველ შემთხვევაში, ბლეიკ პირსის ბოლო წიგნის შემდეგ, რომელიც ჯოჯოხეთურად ცუდი წიგნი იყო(Girl, alone), რა შედარებაა, რას ვამბობ. მაინც მაქვს blake pierce სერიები სიაში, ოღონდ 2 სერია, მაიმც მაინტერესებს, შემდეგი ნაწილები პირველზე უკეთესი თუ იქნება და ეს კეთილი ზღაპრები დეტექტიურ წიგნში რა უბედურებაა.
თვითონ მკვლელის შესახებ რა ფლეშბექებიცაა, უბრალოდ დამანგრეველია იმ გაზლაითინგის და ნარცისი მშობლის ხაფანგში ყოფნის წარმოდგენა 😣😖 წარმოუდგენელი შეურაცხყოფა, ოიდიპოსის კომპლექსი, Madona and Whore კომპლექსი, ყველაფრის კომპლექსი! ეს საშინელებებია, რომ ადამიანს სამუდამო ავადმყოფად და ბოროტმოქმედად აყალიბებს, რომელიც დარწმუნებულია, რომ ძალიან დიდ მისიას ემსახურება, მკვლელობებს უყურებს, როგორც ხელოვნების ნიმუშს თუ შთაგონებას... ის რასაც ვხედავთ ფილმში "The house that Jack built".
ჩელსის და ჯიმის პერსონაჟებს რაც შეეხება, ჩელსის აშკარად რაღაც კომპლექსები და დათრგუნულობა აქვს გამოყოლილი მამის გამო, ბავშვობაში მამამისს უნდოდა, უფრო ძლიერი და tough შვილი ჰყოლოდა, ამიტომ ღამით უკითხავდა ცნობილი ზღაპრების ორიგინალ ვერსიებს, რომლებიც უბრალოდ, ყოველგვარ საშინელებათა ისტორიებს უსწრებს, იმდენად შემაძრწუნებელია და ჩელსიზეც ამან იმოქმედა. თუმცა რა არის იცი? ეს daddy issues იქით და როცა ჯიმ მაკფერსონთან ერთად იწყებს დეტექტივობას, მხოლოდ იმის გამო, რომ ჯიმი მექალთანე და ყველასთან მოფლირტავე ეჩვენება, წარამარა რაღაცებს აბრალებს; წარამარა ბრალს სდებს, რომ "უი, ესა და ეს თქვი? ესე იგი ეს იგულისხმე!" და მერე ბოდიშს არც უხდის 🤨 ჰოდა... რატომ? ალბათ ეს წიგნი კაცის დაწერილი როა, იმიტომ არის ასეთი პერსონაჟი, რადგან ხშირაად ფიქრობენ ხოლმე რომ ყველა ქალი პასიურ-აგრესიულია და ქვეტექსტები ეშლებათ? არ ვიცი. სხვათაშორის, მთელი წიგნი ისე იკითხებოდა, არ იგრძნობოდა, ქალმა დაწერა თუ კაცმა.
ერთგან ჩელსი გადაღლილი და მშიერია, ამიტომ ჯიმი მისთვის საჭმელს ყიდულობს და ჩელსი ეუბნება, აი, ახლა ნამდვილად მეფლირტავები... იმიტომ რომ საუზმე და ყავა მიყიდეო 🤯🤯🤯😵🤧🤤🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ რაჯანდაბაჭირს
პირველი თავი ჩემთვის ჩამთრევი იყო, მეორე თავი არ მომეწონა და ვიფიქრე, იქნებ საერთოდ არ მომინდეს გაგრძელება-მეთქი,მაგრამ მალევე ჩამითრია და იმიტომ, რომ ავტორის ენა მომწონს, მაგრამ რამდენიმე დეტალი არ დამიჯდა ჭკუაში, 4 ⭐-ით შევაფასე.
ბოლოში, "ბოროტის დამარცხების" მერე, მამამისი(ჩელსის მამა) ერთბაშად გარდაიქმნება და მორჩა, ვსო, წერტილი! ცუდი თვისებები და ჩვევები სადღაც გაუქრა, აღარც ალკოჰოლს სვამს, უეცრად წამლება იღეებს... ოოოოჰ! 😡🤬 ამას ვერ ვიტან ზუსტად-ან ტკბილმწარედ დამთავრდეს, ან რამე, ან ინტრიგა და კითხვის ნიშნები დარჩეს ცოტა, ხო შეიძლება??!
ყოველ შემთხვევაში, ბლეიკ პირსის ბოლო წიგნის შემდეგ, რომელიც ჯოჯოხეთურად ცუდი წიგნი იყო(Girl, alone), რა შედარებაა, რას ვამბობ. მაინც მაქვს blake pierce სერიები სიაში, ოღონდ 2 სერია, მაიმც მაინტერესებს, შემდეგი ნაწილები პირველზე უკეთესი თუ იქნება და ეს კეთილი ზღაპრები დეტექტიურ წიგნში რა უბედურებაა.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2022
I was given an early copy in exchange for an honest review. We are quickly introduced to new detective Chelsea Sullivan, with a “sins of the father” tattooed on her forehead and partnered with Jim McPherson who is tagged with a few sins of his own personally an professionally. Positive trait. He does have an amazingly high closure rate. The duo are assigned immediately to a murder at a sorority. Posed in such a way as to remind Chelsea immediately of a fairytale from her childhood, Rapunzel to be exact. Her partner thinks she is just a rookie just jumping to conclusions. A rookie mistake. He thinks they need to step back and wait for all the coroner’s results to come back first which could be a few days. Then a second girl is murdered. She, too, reminds Chelsea of a fairytale, too. The partners bicker constantly. Gets on my nerves. However, I loved the book, in spite of it. Chelsea was correct there will be a series of murders, all based on The Brother’s Grimm fairytales. The really scary ones. Chelsea is plagued with nightmares and her partner shows he has her back. Doesn’t believe the stories about her father. He knows what it is like to be wrongly accused. Yes, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller. Thanks to #NetGalley, #Sterling&Stone, #NolonKing, #OnceUponACrime for letting me review. I anxiously await the next in the series.
December 8, 2022
Spoilers ahead. When I read a book I want to get into it, I want to be lost in it, I want to be absorbed by it so that I don't want to stop. One of the biggest offending writing styles that stop me from getting absorbed is changing POVs. I'm in a story, then it changes to someone else. I have to reset and restart my train of concentration. That's always a 1 star deduction unless the author does a great job of it, and that's a very rare thing.
OK, having got my pet peeve out of the way, the rest of the writing isn't that good either. It's amateurish. The main story starts with a new female detective on her first day. She clashes with her new partner and too much time is spent on it. It should be part of the story, not the focus at any one point. Get to the story to hook the reader, not some cliched side plot line.
Furthermore, the author wastes too much reader patience on extraneous wordage. Again, get to your story. There's just too much forced interplay between the two main characters. Make that forced and unnatural interplay. Again, instead of making it front and center, make it subtle, something we can feel as the story progresses, not forced into our face.
Then when the female detective got home, there was this long part about her own recollections, which was frankly boring. The final straw came when I had to read the perpetrator's POV again. It was just unfun to read and I decided to dnf it.
OK, having got my pet peeve out of the way, the rest of the writing isn't that good either. It's amateurish. The main story starts with a new female detective on her first day. She clashes with her new partner and too much time is spent on it. It should be part of the story, not the focus at any one point. Get to the story to hook the reader, not some cliched side plot line.
Furthermore, the author wastes too much reader patience on extraneous wordage. Again, get to your story. There's just too much forced interplay between the two main characters. Make that forced and unnatural interplay. Again, instead of making it front and center, make it subtle, something we can feel as the story progresses, not forced into our face.
Then when the female detective got home, there was this long part about her own recollections, which was frankly boring. The final straw came when I had to read the perpetrator's POV again. It was just unfun to read and I decided to dnf it.
March 22, 2023
Female lead character, yet it fails the Bechdel test
And look, I understand that not every piece of reading or viewing entertainment out there needs to pass this simple test, but the lead character is a woman. You would think the author would be able to give her a female friend, and you would think that—as a cop—she could find things to discuss with that other female besides men. I’m not being nit picky here, and if you don’t know what the Bechdel test is, look it up.
We could argue about the specifics of the test: 1) The story needs two "featured" women (Chelsea Sullivan is the only featured one, even though her detective partner has a mom and ex girlfriend who make a brief appearance to be concerned about…the new girl in his life…), 2) Those "featured women" need to have at least one brief conversation (Chelsea's only brief conversation is with a librarian near the end of the story, and she's not a featured character), and 3) that conversation between two "featured" women has to be about anything other than a man (if we’re counting the partner's mom and ex girlfriend, well they’re discussing him and his love life, so—fail).
But hey, as detective thrillers go, this story was… okay. If you're a fan of TV shows like Bones, Castle, Big Sky, where there are two detective partners tracking down crime while flirting with the potential that they are meant for each other (by denying it at every turn), this story might be for you.
And look, I understand that not every piece of reading or viewing entertainment out there needs to pass this simple test, but the lead character is a woman. You would think the author would be able to give her a female friend, and you would think that—as a cop—she could find things to discuss with that other female besides men. I’m not being nit picky here, and if you don’t know what the Bechdel test is, look it up.
We could argue about the specifics of the test: 1) The story needs two "featured" women (Chelsea Sullivan is the only featured one, even though her detective partner has a mom and ex girlfriend who make a brief appearance to be concerned about…the new girl in his life…), 2) Those "featured women" need to have at least one brief conversation (Chelsea's only brief conversation is with a librarian near the end of the story, and she's not a featured character), and 3) that conversation between two "featured" women has to be about anything other than a man (if we’re counting the partner's mom and ex girlfriend, well they’re discussing him and his love life, so—fail).
But hey, as detective thrillers go, this story was… okay. If you're a fan of TV shows like Bones, Castle, Big Sky, where there are two detective partners tracking down crime while flirting with the potential that they are meant for each other (by denying it at every turn), this story might be for you.
March 18, 2022
On Chelsea Sullivan's first day as a detective, she and her new partner, Jim are assigned the murder investigation of a young college coed. The scene immediately reminds Chelsea of the fairy tale story of Rapunzel, Her partner doesn't see it - until there is another murder.
I have very mixed feelings on this book.
On the one hand, I thought Chelsea seemed kind of immature for a police detective and Jim seemed like a jerk. But on the other hand, I liked their characters even when they annoyed me.
On the one hand, Chelsea seeing fairy tales in the murders - especially the first one, felt forced. On the other hand, I thought it was a really interesting premise, and I enjoyed how she had the connection.
On the one hand, this book sort of had a noir feel to it and the tone was a little dark which made it hard to connect to the characters. On the other hand, it matched how dark Grimm fairy tales truly are.
I don't know if I enjoyed this book, but I was interested and had to keep reading if that makes sense. And having read it last week - I still remember it a week later. This is huge since some books can be forgotten in a matter of hours. And I would read the next book in the series - assuming this will be one.
Like I said - mixed feelings. But since I would read the next one, this needs to be rated above average. Therefore, 4 stars.
I have very mixed feelings on this book.
On the one hand, I thought Chelsea seemed kind of immature for a police detective and Jim seemed like a jerk. But on the other hand, I liked their characters even when they annoyed me.
On the one hand, Chelsea seeing fairy tales in the murders - especially the first one, felt forced. On the other hand, I thought it was a really interesting premise, and I enjoyed how she had the connection.
On the one hand, this book sort of had a noir feel to it and the tone was a little dark which made it hard to connect to the characters. On the other hand, it matched how dark Grimm fairy tales truly are.
I don't know if I enjoyed this book, but I was interested and had to keep reading if that makes sense. And having read it last week - I still remember it a week later. This is huge since some books can be forgotten in a matter of hours. And I would read the next book in the series - assuming this will be one.
Like I said - mixed feelings. But since I would read the next one, this needs to be rated above average. Therefore, 4 stars.
January 6, 2022
Once Upon a Crime is the first book in Nolon King's new Once Upon a Crime Trilogy. Chelsea Sullivan, the newest detective at Steel City PD, and her newly transferred partner, Jim McPherson are assigned their first homicide case. A young woman has been murdered and posed in a way that has Chelsea thinking of fairy tales….and then another body turns up, also reminiscent of the Grimm’s tales, and then another….. Fairy tales may be a childhood staple, but the Grimm Reaper’s staging is far more sinister then our beloved Disney diluted iterations. To add a twist to this already suspenseful novel, Chelsea has caught the killer’s interest. Sullivan and McPherson better catch this murderer quickly, or Chelsea may not have a happily ever after. This well-written novel is a twisted and macabre page-turner. I loved the characters, especially the interaction between Chelsea and Jim. A great read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2022
It was an entertaining read, but was annoying and irrational at points. As many reviewers mentioned, one could figure out the killer from the first few chapters, but it was OK with me.
One thing I enjoyed about this book was that it reminded me of (Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers Novels) by Elizabeth George which was sentimental to me. I couldn't help but to think of Macpherson as Lynley and Chelsea as Barbra.
That being said Chelsea was annoying and I disliked her so much. I wanted to buy the next book in the series but if she keeps on dealing with serious matters with such recklessness and stupidity, then I don't think I can deal with another 400 pages of her nonsense. Thinking that everyone is targeting her because she is a woman gets irritating and old, especially when she makes dump and unprofessional mistakes.
This is one of the few books that I read recently in which the male lead is written in a good way, which felt good for a change.
One thing I enjoyed about this book was that it reminded me of (Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers Novels) by Elizabeth George which was sentimental to me. I couldn't help but to think of Macpherson as Lynley and Chelsea as Barbra.
That being said Chelsea was annoying and I disliked her so much. I wanted to buy the next book in the series but if she keeps on dealing with serious matters with such recklessness and stupidity, then I don't think I can deal with another 400 pages of her nonsense. Thinking that everyone is targeting her because she is a woman gets irritating and old, especially when she makes dump and unprofessional mistakes.
This is one of the few books that I read recently in which the male lead is written in a good way, which felt good for a change.
November 12, 2024
DNF @ 43%
Okay first of all, it baffles me that someone can be so smart and so naive at the same time. Sullivan somehow has the instincts to pick out the fairy tale connection and yet can’t get over herself for two seconds to even try to get along with McPherson. She also manages to turn all opposition of her into a slight to her being female yet can’t pick up when people are actually interested in because she IS a woman. If she makes immediate assumptions about someone she’s just met and then refuses to let her view be changed how can she function as a detective? McPherson is an asshole yes, but at least he’s got an open mind and that highlights the difference that years of experience puts between the two leads. But he also immediately decides he’s going to protect his new partner yet lets her walk into dangerous situations.
I wanted to like this book. There was so much potential and the serial killer was creative but the main character was just too unlikeable to continue.
Okay first of all, it baffles me that someone can be so smart and so naive at the same time. Sullivan somehow has the instincts to pick out the fairy tale connection and yet can’t get over herself for two seconds to even try to get along with McPherson. She also manages to turn all opposition of her into a slight to her being female yet can’t pick up when people are actually interested in because she IS a woman. If she makes immediate assumptions about someone she’s just met and then refuses to let her view be changed how can she function as a detective? McPherson is an asshole yes, but at least he’s got an open mind and that highlights the difference that years of experience puts between the two leads. But he also immediately decides he’s going to protect his new partner yet lets her walk into dangerous situations.
I wanted to like this book. There was so much potential and the serial killer was creative but the main character was just too unlikeable to continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2022
Detective Chelsea Sullivan has just received her detective’s shield when she is on the way to her first homicide case. Her new partner is Detective Jim McPherson, not who she was hoping for, a transfer from another area. There are rumors about him as there were about her father, Lieutenant Sullivan, who was forced into retirement. The first murder victim reminds Chelsea about a character in the Grimm’s Fairytales, a book her father read to her when she was a child. When a second victim is found, there is a definite connection to Red Riding Hood. Leads are slim and when she becomes a target, will they solve the murders before her name is added to the list? The autopsy proceedings were a little grim to read, but the dialog between her and her partner was entertaining. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
January 29, 2022
it was a fun read.
Although the protagonist was somewhat of a snotty brat and just generally unpleasant to be around for the first 75% of the book. She finally became more likable and a more sympathetic character in the last part of the book.
Actually several of the characters were hard to like as they were churlish, gruff and rude most of the time.
It’s my guess the author was modeling characters to siblings and parents. Most of whom he didn’t particularly like or at least had some unresolved deep seated resentments.
The story was interesting and while there was a twist along the way, it was no surprise who the villain was.
I might try another of these. I hope that if Chelsea appears again she will be at least a little more easy to get along with.
Also, hiding the bad guy a little longer would heighten the suspense.
Although the protagonist was somewhat of a snotty brat and just generally unpleasant to be around for the first 75% of the book. She finally became more likable and a more sympathetic character in the last part of the book.
Actually several of the characters were hard to like as they were churlish, gruff and rude most of the time.
It’s my guess the author was modeling characters to siblings and parents. Most of whom he didn’t particularly like or at least had some unresolved deep seated resentments.
The story was interesting and while there was a twist along the way, it was no surprise who the villain was.
I might try another of these. I hope that if Chelsea appears again she will be at least a little more easy to get along with.
Also, hiding the bad guy a little longer would heighten the suspense.
March 4, 2022
By the 4th Chapter I really disliked the "heroine"; by the 6th Chapter I wanted her to die. But I persevered and finished the book.
I knew who the killer was by Chapter 5. I was insulted that the author thought I was so stupid I would think for a minute that Father was the serial killer. The history of abuse attributed to the parent of the killer made no sense ( trust me, a mother, no matter how bad, can tell a male from a female twin. It has to do with skeletal development among other things more obvious.)
Discrepancies in the story line I attribute to poor editing. Repeated use of misandry by the author in describing the actions of both the heroine and killer's mother did not enhance the story. It did, however, make it long enough to be considered a novel rather than a short story I suppose.
I knew who the killer was by Chapter 5. I was insulted that the author thought I was so stupid I would think for a minute that Father was the serial killer. The history of abuse attributed to the parent of the killer made no sense ( trust me, a mother, no matter how bad, can tell a male from a female twin. It has to do with skeletal development among other things more obvious.)
Discrepancies in the story line I attribute to poor editing. Repeated use of misandry by the author in describing the actions of both the heroine and killer's mother did not enhance the story. It did, however, make it long enough to be considered a novel rather than a short story I suppose.
March 22, 2022
Once Upon a Crime by Nolon King.
Chelsea Sullivan is a newly promoted Detective and is assigned a seasoned partner, Jim McPherson, who transferred to Zone 4 from a different Zone under the cloud of an Internal Affairs investigation. Chelsea is the daughter of a cop who also retired under the cloud of an IA investigation. Her father used to read her fairy tales from an old Brother’s Grimm first edition which were the original Grimm tales, not the less violent ones we tell children today.
Chelsea is the first to realize that her first case with her new partner is a case that seems to involve the Rapunzel fairy tale. When a second body is found with a connection to another fairy tale and a clue is sent to Chelsea the stakes increase. As Chelsea seems to be a target of the killer, the tension and the need to find the killer increases.
Of course there is tension; between Chelsea, a newly minted female Detective whose father had worked in the Zone, and her need to prove herself, between Chelsea aner her new partner whom she views as being chauvinistic and paternalistic, between Chelsea and her father, to whom she also feels the need to prove herself, and then there is the killer who seems to have targeted Chelsea.
The story is primarily told through the voice of Chelsea and Jim with occasional views from the killer and the medical examiner. This is set up works well for the most part. It gives the reader more fleshed out characters of Jim and Chelsea as we understand their thoughts and rationale behind their actions. It is less helpful for keeping the identity of the killer a secret. The bickering between the partners – in their head and in the dialogue – gets old and tiresome. The 180 by Chelsea’s father in the course of 24 hours seems unrealistic and too wrapped with a bow.
Other characters are cardboard cut outs and while they are not integral to the story, could have been more than stereotypes. For example, we know there is an old girlfriend of Jim’s in two scenes, but not why his mother is pushing her on Jim and why she behaves as she does. Her behavior could explain why she is a former girlfriend but nothing else.
If the identity of the killer was supposed to be a shocking reveal, then that failed too.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it and I thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book for free in return for an unbiased review.
Chelsea Sullivan is a newly promoted Detective and is assigned a seasoned partner, Jim McPherson, who transferred to Zone 4 from a different Zone under the cloud of an Internal Affairs investigation. Chelsea is the daughter of a cop who also retired under the cloud of an IA investigation. Her father used to read her fairy tales from an old Brother’s Grimm first edition which were the original Grimm tales, not the less violent ones we tell children today.
Chelsea is the first to realize that her first case with her new partner is a case that seems to involve the Rapunzel fairy tale. When a second body is found with a connection to another fairy tale and a clue is sent to Chelsea the stakes increase. As Chelsea seems to be a target of the killer, the tension and the need to find the killer increases.
Of course there is tension; between Chelsea, a newly minted female Detective whose father had worked in the Zone, and her need to prove herself, between Chelsea aner her new partner whom she views as being chauvinistic and paternalistic, between Chelsea and her father, to whom she also feels the need to prove herself, and then there is the killer who seems to have targeted Chelsea.
The story is primarily told through the voice of Chelsea and Jim with occasional views from the killer and the medical examiner. This is set up works well for the most part. It gives the reader more fleshed out characters of Jim and Chelsea as we understand their thoughts and rationale behind their actions. It is less helpful for keeping the identity of the killer a secret. The bickering between the partners – in their head and in the dialogue – gets old and tiresome. The 180 by Chelsea’s father in the course of 24 hours seems unrealistic and too wrapped with a bow.
Other characters are cardboard cut outs and while they are not integral to the story, could have been more than stereotypes. For example, we know there is an old girlfriend of Jim’s in two scenes, but not why his mother is pushing her on Jim and why she behaves as she does. Her behavior could explain why she is a former girlfriend but nothing else.
If the identity of the killer was supposed to be a shocking reveal, then that failed too.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it and I thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book for free in return for an unbiased review.
January 18, 2022
Chelsea Sullivan has been newly promoted to Detective and now they are assigning her a partner.
Jim McPherson is going to be her partner, a maverick who can close cases, but also is not liked
at his previous precinct, as he was accused of stealing.
Chelsea's father was a former detective and much liked, but also brought up on some charges, that he was not guilty of. Now, being retired, he has lost his will to live and just watches tv all day and avoids taking his meds.
So Chelsea is dealing with her father, a new partner and now they are assigned a murder case that is portraying the Grimmes fairy tales.
A good suspense and like the back and forth of the Chelsea and Jim as they grow to respect each other. I did figure this one out!
Jim McPherson is going to be her partner, a maverick who can close cases, but also is not liked
at his previous precinct, as he was accused of stealing.
Chelsea's father was a former detective and much liked, but also brought up on some charges, that he was not guilty of. Now, being retired, he has lost his will to live and just watches tv all day and avoids taking his meds.
So Chelsea is dealing with her father, a new partner and now they are assigned a murder case that is portraying the Grimmes fairy tales.
A good suspense and like the back and forth of the Chelsea and Jim as they grow to respect each other. I did figure this one out!
July 10, 2022
A thrilling read
Chelsea has just made detective but she isn't too thrilled about her partner. Jim just wants to get on with it but his new partner isn't his biggest fan. A young woman gas been murdered and Chelsea believes that it is kinked to a fairy tale. Can she get Jim to see what is right in front of them? The killer has turned his attention onto Chelsea and she is happy to be used as bait. But Jim isn't too thrilled about the idea? Will it work? Can they catch the killer in his tracks?
Chelsea is a string willed woman too stubborn at times. Jim is a good guy but most people think that he is a bent cop. They work well together as partners and I hope that their friendship grows.
Chelsea has just made detective but she isn't too thrilled about her partner. Jim just wants to get on with it but his new partner isn't his biggest fan. A young woman gas been murdered and Chelsea believes that it is kinked to a fairy tale. Can she get Jim to see what is right in front of them? The killer has turned his attention onto Chelsea and she is happy to be used as bait. But Jim isn't too thrilled about the idea? Will it work? Can they catch the killer in his tracks?
Chelsea is a string willed woman too stubborn at times. Jim is a good guy but most people think that he is a bent cop. They work well together as partners and I hope that their friendship grows.
September 10, 2023
I love any book that dives into Fairy Tales and twists them to make them even creepier than they already are. This book delivered just that. However, I called the ending from the beginning. It was very obvious (least to me) who the killer was. Even still, it was a good read even with knowing how it was going to end. My rating reflects that, as well as the fact that it included death of an animal, graphic child death, and cannibalism. All of which I truly feel should’ve been noted with trigger warnings in the beginning. No one should be surprised with those types of graphic scenarios. Please consider a trigger warning page for those that may not take those sequences lightly.
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