What do you think?
Rate this book
Arthropoda #2
Eruca
There is no crime without witnesses
When Detective George Donovan and his eccentric partner, Detective Andi Hayes, need a break from their gruesome job, a hike seems like just the thing.
Unfortunately, the job catches up with them when they find three dead men in a lake.
When the promising clues dry up, George and Andi turn once more to Andi’s “gift”—but this time things aren’t so easy. Andi’s mysterious talents are growing stronger, making it harder to block out the barrage of information and taking a toll on his physical and mental health. The cryptic clues his informants offer are even more bizarre than the case itself. And the more they discover about the victims, the more uncomfortable the investigation becomes.
Torn between catching a killer and serving justice, between George’s career and Andi’s sanity, the detectives have their work cut out for them if they’re going to solve these murders.
When Detective George Donovan and his eccentric partner, Detective Andi Hayes, need a break from their gruesome job, a hike seems like just the thing.
Unfortunately, the job catches up with them when they find three dead men in a lake.
When the promising clues dry up, George and Andi turn once more to Andi’s “gift”—but this time things aren’t so easy. Andi’s mysterious talents are growing stronger, making it harder to block out the barrage of information and taking a toll on his physical and mental health. The cryptic clues his informants offer are even more bizarre than the case itself. And the more they discover about the victims, the more uncomfortable the investigation becomes.
Torn between catching a killer and serving justice, between George’s career and Andi’s sanity, the detectives have their work cut out for them if they’re going to solve these murders.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2022
14 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Xenia Melzer
190 books95 followersXENIA MELZER was born and raised in a small village in the south of Bavaria. As one of nature’s true chocoholics, she’s always in search of the perfect chocolate experience. So far, she’s had about a dozen truly remarkable ones. Despite having been in close proximity to the mountains all her life, she has never understood why so many people think snow sports are fun. There are neither chocolate nor horses involved and it’s cold by definition, so where’s the sense? She does not like beer either and has never been to the Oktoberfest—no quality chocolate there.
Even though her mind is preoccupied with various stories most of the time, Xenia has managed to get through school and university with surprisingly good grades. Right after school she met her one true love who showed her that reality is capable of producing some truly amazing love stories itself.
While she was having her two children, she started writing down the most persistent stories in her head as a way of relieving mommy-related stress symptoms. As it turned out, the stress relief has now become a source of the same, albeit a positive one.
When she’s not writing, she translates other authors’ manuscripts to German, enjoys riding and running, spending time with her kids, and dancing with her husband.
Even though her mind is preoccupied with various stories most of the time, Xenia has managed to get through school and university with surprisingly good grades. Right after school she met her one true love who showed her that reality is capable of producing some truly amazing love stories itself.
While she was having her two children, she started writing down the most persistent stories in her head as a way of relieving mommy-related stress symptoms. As it turned out, the stress relief has now become a source of the same, albeit a positive one.
When she’s not writing, she translates other authors’ manuscripts to German, enjoys riding and running, spending time with her kids, and dancing with her husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 10, 2022
I found the murder plot overly convoluted, populated with an abundance of unlikable suspects/secondary characters; perhaps this was to counteract the policing advantage of MC Andi's geshenck . The issue of 'justice being served' was handled in an unusual (but not unbelievable) manner though. The MCs are showing hints of increasing attraction/reliance but M-M romance fans should expect further delayed gratification on this score. Had to struggle a bit to get through to the end - 3 stars.
February 18, 2022
Okay, I've just finished 'Eruca' by Xenia Melzer, and I gotta say I'm hooked on this series.
George and Andi are so good together, and you can see growth in their relationship from the first antagonistic meeting until now, when they're clearly moving in the right direction.
The main characters are solid, the supporting cast is stellar. There is ONE person I'd like to feed to the goats, but that's just me, because she's soooooo mean.
I recommend this series for anyone who likes well written mystery books, fun and funny characters, and a slow burn romance.
(Warning for those who are bug phobic, the main character has a connection with arthropods, and it's seen throughout.)
George and Andi are so good together, and you can see growth in their relationship from the first antagonistic meeting until now, when they're clearly moving in the right direction.
The main characters are solid, the supporting cast is stellar. There is ONE person I'd like to feed to the goats, but that's just me, because she's soooooo mean.
I recommend this series for anyone who likes well written mystery books, fun and funny characters, and a slow burn romance.
(Warning for those who are bug phobic, the main character has a connection with arthropods, and it's seen throughout.)
August 26, 2023
Eruca (Arthropoda, Book 2) by Xenia Melzer
★★★★☆
344 Pages
3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: MM, Crime, insects/bugs, murder, police work, mental health
Triggers: BUGS!, discussions about mental health, violence, mentions of dead bodies, mentions of fraternity hazing, disability, historic rape, revenge, off-page drug use.
Genre: MM, Romance, Crime, Contemporary
~
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Heat: ☆☆☆☆☆
Chemistry: ★★★☆☆
Plot: ★★★★★
Romance: ★☆☆☆☆
~
Eruca is a great follow-up to the interesting tale of Andi Hayes, and his distinctive gift of geschenk. While the book picks up five months after the end of Book 1, it continues to explore Andi's gift in new and inventive ways.
Andi's gift is actually almost a third central character of the series, and each individual book. I'm impressed with how Melzer was able to build on the information provided to us about the gift in Book 1, by adding even more new, and inventive, ways for the gift to be used. It's not just that Andi can share the arthropods senses, but he's using them in new ways in each book. In book 1, it was the information from a tick passing from person to person, how to get information from a dead body, the scent of a crime scene location back to a person. Here, he also uses it to detect the safety of a dilapidated house, to tell how many people are in a house without entering, the emotions a person is going through while being interviewed. All of these add a nice touch of growth to his gift, while Andi goes through the emotional ringer, because his gift is getting stronger and harder to control. Which also adds another element to the plot, the story, and the relationship between the two MC's.
There's also a good Author's Note included, before the story, that admits the author took some creative license with the use of the word 'arthropods' itself, as it wouldn't normally include all the insects they claim it does. But, that's the nature of fiction, and I don't see a huge problem with it. It allows them more scope and leeway to add unique touches to the geschenk gift.
In terms of characterisation, both Andi and George both show growth from the previous book, as well as a strengthened bond in their work partnership. The romance is still non-existent, but there is a hint at developing feelings, some small moments of chemistry, that suggest their relationship will progress in the future. However, the lack of romance didn't bother me, because you can see how slow the progression is, the building of trust, and how their relationship is growing organically. George goes from taking care of Andi because he's worried, to it being a natural instinct. Andi goes from accepting the help grudgingly, to looking forward to it. The inclusion of how Andi's resident arthropods see George as a welcome presence in his home, is also a really nice touch. Yet, they both hold back for their own reasons – Andi, afraid to believe George will stay and not leave for a promotion, and George holding back because they're partners.
The plot also details some realistic (and some not so) uses of forensics, police and pathology timelines, as well as processes. Mostly, it's all positive. I'm a huge crime nut, and I've studied Forensic Science, so I know how long a lot of the tests and such take to come back, and the story is mostly true to life, but there are some not-so logical timelines for the hacking and return of “rushed” test results. However, like the author's note, that's something I accept is common in fiction, and I don't let it bother me too much.
When it comes to the case, and the plot, the pacing is good, and the use of information is well done. There's some instances where a lot of information is given in a short time, due to results coming back or recapping events that don't need to be told in real time. At other times, the information is trickled in slowly, or there's a lull in the case where they have no leads. I thought this was all done really well, and the pacing of the case was well thought through.
Neither the copes or the case are straight laced or perfectly orchestrated, as it should be. They're real, messy, frustrating, and clue dry up at the worse times, there's too many suspects, too much evidence, not enough evidence, political pressure, and pressure to find a convenient scapegoat for the deaths of unlikeable victims. I loved that the case was twisty, with lots of various moving parts, and that – as a reader – I had an idea of who was behind it all, but there were so many possibilities it wasn't a certainty. And then, in the end, as with Book 1, there was the fear that politics would get in the way of solving the case.
As with Book 1, there are a lot of instances of foreshadowing, and there are some parts of the plot that aren't resolved, to be tied up in the next book or continue for the entire series, such as Andi's relationship with the Chief, and pressure from the Mayor.
I won't say much else about that, except that I liked how George handled the whole situation with the Chief, while Andi was a hothead who was ready to go to war. I'm intrigued to see how that plot line continues in future books.
Was it perfect?
No. Some problems from Book 1 persisted. The feeling of being overwhelmed by a page of one single run-on sentence remained. In fact, here, there was one instance of Andi being caught in the arthropod state, that lasted 2-3 pages! All in one sentence, that made it exceptionally hard to read and follow, without feeling exhausted.
There was a problematic instance of racial stereotypical description, when describing an Asian minor character.
While the language use had improved, there were still instances of info-dumps and unnecessary information being thrown around during the case. I'm also not sure that all the suspects were necessary. It left way too many pieces on the board, when there didn't need to be.
I still feel there's a need for a strong Alpha-reader, who could help the author trim down what wasn't necessary, and help them tighten the story a bit more, but it wasn't as extensive a need as Book 1.
Also, while I understood the title of Book 1, as it was all about Andi's gift and the arthropoda, I have no idea what Eruca means, so the meaning/purpose of the title eludes me. When I Google it, it gives me the result of a flower, and I don't know how that translates to the story.
~
Overall, Eruca is a story of a complex criminal case, with some great character growth. The romance is still absent, but there's progress, with light chemistry, moments of clarity regarding their feelings, and a slow burn with a forbidden undertone. The intriguing case and cop-buddy development, as well as strong character development, and logical focus on Andi's gift, more than make up for the lack of romance. The crime is clever, ruthless, yet morally ambiguous, challenging our MC's to delve deep inside themselves, and their own morality, to ask difficult questions.
~
Favourite Quote
“I'm always suspicious of people who do things for the greater good. In my experience there's always a catch somewhere.”
★★★★☆
344 Pages
3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: MM, Crime, insects/bugs, murder, police work, mental health
Triggers: BUGS!, discussions about mental health, violence, mentions of dead bodies, mentions of fraternity hazing, disability, historic rape, revenge, off-page drug use.
Genre: MM, Romance, Crime, Contemporary
~
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Heat: ☆☆☆☆☆
Chemistry: ★★★☆☆
Plot: ★★★★★
Romance: ★☆☆☆☆
~
Eruca is a great follow-up to the interesting tale of Andi Hayes, and his distinctive gift of geschenk. While the book picks up five months after the end of Book 1, it continues to explore Andi's gift in new and inventive ways.
Andi's gift is actually almost a third central character of the series, and each individual book. I'm impressed with how Melzer was able to build on the information provided to us about the gift in Book 1, by adding even more new, and inventive, ways for the gift to be used. It's not just that Andi can share the arthropods senses, but he's using them in new ways in each book. In book 1, it was the information from a tick passing from person to person, how to get information from a dead body, the scent of a crime scene location back to a person. Here, he also uses it to detect the safety of a dilapidated house, to tell how many people are in a house without entering, the emotions a person is going through while being interviewed. All of these add a nice touch of growth to his gift, while Andi goes through the emotional ringer, because his gift is getting stronger and harder to control. Which also adds another element to the plot, the story, and the relationship between the two MC's.
There's also a good Author's Note included, before the story, that admits the author took some creative license with the use of the word 'arthropods' itself, as it wouldn't normally include all the insects they claim it does. But, that's the nature of fiction, and I don't see a huge problem with it. It allows them more scope and leeway to add unique touches to the geschenk gift.
In terms of characterisation, both Andi and George both show growth from the previous book, as well as a strengthened bond in their work partnership. The romance is still non-existent, but there is a hint at developing feelings, some small moments of chemistry, that suggest their relationship will progress in the future. However, the lack of romance didn't bother me, because you can see how slow the progression is, the building of trust, and how their relationship is growing organically. George goes from taking care of Andi because he's worried, to it being a natural instinct. Andi goes from accepting the help grudgingly, to looking forward to it. The inclusion of how Andi's resident arthropods see George as a welcome presence in his home, is also a really nice touch. Yet, they both hold back for their own reasons – Andi, afraid to believe George will stay and not leave for a promotion, and George holding back because they're partners.
The plot also details some realistic (and some not so) uses of forensics, police and pathology timelines, as well as processes. Mostly, it's all positive. I'm a huge crime nut, and I've studied Forensic Science, so I know how long a lot of the tests and such take to come back, and the story is mostly true to life, but there are some not-so logical timelines for the hacking and return of “rushed” test results. However, like the author's note, that's something I accept is common in fiction, and I don't let it bother me too much.
When it comes to the case, and the plot, the pacing is good, and the use of information is well done. There's some instances where a lot of information is given in a short time, due to results coming back or recapping events that don't need to be told in real time. At other times, the information is trickled in slowly, or there's a lull in the case where they have no leads. I thought this was all done really well, and the pacing of the case was well thought through.
Neither the copes or the case are straight laced or perfectly orchestrated, as it should be. They're real, messy, frustrating, and clue dry up at the worse times, there's too many suspects, too much evidence, not enough evidence, political pressure, and pressure to find a convenient scapegoat for the deaths of unlikeable victims. I loved that the case was twisty, with lots of various moving parts, and that – as a reader – I had an idea of who was behind it all, but there were so many possibilities it wasn't a certainty. And then, in the end, as with Book 1, there was the fear that politics would get in the way of solving the case.
As with Book 1, there are a lot of instances of foreshadowing, and there are some parts of the plot that aren't resolved, to be tied up in the next book or continue for the entire series, such as Andi's relationship with the Chief, and pressure from the Mayor.
I won't say much else about that, except that I liked how George handled the whole situation with the Chief, while Andi was a hothead who was ready to go to war. I'm intrigued to see how that plot line continues in future books.
Was it perfect?
No. Some problems from Book 1 persisted. The feeling of being overwhelmed by a page of one single run-on sentence remained. In fact, here, there was one instance of Andi being caught in the arthropod state, that lasted 2-3 pages! All in one sentence, that made it exceptionally hard to read and follow, without feeling exhausted.
There was a problematic instance of racial stereotypical description, when describing an Asian minor character.
While the language use had improved, there were still instances of info-dumps and unnecessary information being thrown around during the case. I'm also not sure that all the suspects were necessary. It left way too many pieces on the board, when there didn't need to be.
I still feel there's a need for a strong Alpha-reader, who could help the author trim down what wasn't necessary, and help them tighten the story a bit more, but it wasn't as extensive a need as Book 1.
Also, while I understood the title of Book 1, as it was all about Andi's gift and the arthropoda, I have no idea what Eruca means, so the meaning/purpose of the title eludes me. When I Google it, it gives me the result of a flower, and I don't know how that translates to the story.
~
Overall, Eruca is a story of a complex criminal case, with some great character growth. The romance is still absent, but there's progress, with light chemistry, moments of clarity regarding their feelings, and a slow burn with a forbidden undertone. The intriguing case and cop-buddy development, as well as strong character development, and logical focus on Andi's gift, more than make up for the lack of romance. The crime is clever, ruthless, yet morally ambiguous, challenging our MC's to delve deep inside themselves, and their own morality, to ask difficult questions.
~
Favourite Quote
“I'm always suspicious of people who do things for the greater good. In my experience there's always a catch somewhere.”
April 8, 2023
Book two in the series, and the relationship between George and Andi is growing closer – through necessity, George often takes care of Andi and it’s this that forms the backbone of the story. Yes, it’s another murder mystery,with twists and turns aplenty along with hassle from the chief, but it’s the growing partnership that is the real story.
Andi is learning to rely on George and is alternately terrified/pleased. He doesn’t want to turn out like his grandmother – bitter, alone and unloved – but at the same time, George isn’t planning on staying in Charleston and what happens to Andi when George leaves?
George is beginning to realise that what he feels for Andi is more than a traditional partnership, and if that’s the case, how does he leave? But if he doesn’t leave, does that mean giving up on the career he’s spent his life working on?
Eruca is a very strong follow-up to the first story in the series, building on the strong foundation and bringing the reader further into Andi’s world. His relationships with Shireen and Evangeline, the way his gift is changing, and George all make for a fascinating read. Again, this is a book you need to concentrate to read and it is so intriguing seeing further into Andi’s gift and how it’s manifesting and changing. The frustration of wanting the two men to talk to each other is actually mitigated by the fact that they both have really good reasons for not talking – how do you define a relationship like theirs?
I adore when George talks to his brother and must admit, I would love to see what’s happening in his life. I can’t say I mowed through this book but that’s because I would sometimes go back and reread some bits to be sure I’d picked everything up. I really enjoyed reading this and was pleased to know that I didn’t have to wait for book #3.
Andi is learning to rely on George and is alternately terrified/pleased. He doesn’t want to turn out like his grandmother – bitter, alone and unloved – but at the same time, George isn’t planning on staying in Charleston and what happens to Andi when George leaves?
George is beginning to realise that what he feels for Andi is more than a traditional partnership, and if that’s the case, how does he leave? But if he doesn’t leave, does that mean giving up on the career he’s spent his life working on?
Eruca is a very strong follow-up to the first story in the series, building on the strong foundation and bringing the reader further into Andi’s world. His relationships with Shireen and Evangeline, the way his gift is changing, and George all make for a fascinating read. Again, this is a book you need to concentrate to read and it is so intriguing seeing further into Andi’s gift and how it’s manifesting and changing. The frustration of wanting the two men to talk to each other is actually mitigated by the fact that they both have really good reasons for not talking – how do you define a relationship like theirs?
I adore when George talks to his brother and must admit, I would love to see what’s happening in his life. I can’t say I mowed through this book but that’s because I would sometimes go back and reread some bits to be sure I’d picked everything up. I really enjoyed reading this and was pleased to know that I didn’t have to wait for book #3.
April 1, 2023
This book followed pretty much like the first. A lot of Andi's gift and its interpretation. I liked the relationship between George and Andi. They have become friends. There are snippets in their thoughts that hint at mutual feelings that are more than simple liking but they are few and far between. This is basically not a romance but a healthy friendship between two capable men who might or might not want a bit more. Again, the police procedural and how the police in general operate was not researched and made me roll my eyes a lot. I guess I have to concede that it will not change. The book was okay. The murder was slightly interesting.
June 23, 2023
I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying this series! I don't know why I'm surprised as I love a good mystery and the added aspect of Detective Andi Hayes having the ability to hear all of the insects around him really ramps up the intensity as things become more intense for him through the series.
The case for Andi and George this time catches them off guard as it's while they are on a hike to get away from it all that Andi's 'gift' informs him that there are three dead bodies in the lake nearby. AAs with a lot of Andi's cases, the question then becomes, how do you report this with a believable story considering it's a dark, murky lake with no visible signs of anything. Just another day for Andi and George as they work the case but pressure seems to be increasing from the Chief, who seems to have some sort of vendetta against Andi. A bigger problem for them is how badly Andi's 'gift' seems to be affecting him. Exhaustion and headaches getting worse, the influx of information is getting more intense and he's finding it harder to pull back. George is getting extremely worried and stressing about the case, Chief and Andi, as well as his possibly changing feeling towards what has always been his career plans.
I've become fully invested in George and Andi. They seem to have quickly developed this symiotic relationship where George can anticipate Andi's needs and is there to care for him after the fact, as well as wanting to take any other pressures off of him as well just to help in any way he can. It's amusing to read how far they have come since they first met and Andi was extremely reserved and prickly, his normal social setting, but George has eased his way through Andi's barriers and it's sweet to read them together as Andi has come to rely on the man he believes is going to leave him in a year or so. I can't wait to read if anything further develops between them as there is the barest hint of something that they both seem to want to deny to themselves at the moment while things are still unsettled for each of them.
The case is a hard one considering the location that the bodies were found, the type of people the victims turn out to be and some skeletons in their closets lead to a multitude of possible suspects. The Chief has put Andi and George on the case hoping to see them fail but with Andi's 'gift' they do have a big advantage though, for most of the book, it doesn't feel that way, especially with the toll it seems to be taking on Andi's mind and body. That's a worry that both men share and are fearful of what it means for Andi's future. What is also intriguing in this book is how each man feels about the justice system and their differing opinions, in particular regarding victims who, when alive, would be the bad guys that they would put away. It also gets complicated when you bring in Andi's gift and how they are able to use it to solve cases but have to...... tweak how they come about evidence as a result of that help. What's brilliant is that, despite how the Chied feels, Andi clearly has people on his side, whether he likes it or not.
I loved all aspects of this book. The friendship and work relationship developments between Andi and George, and even the possibility of something more coming their way soon. The crime is confusing, detailed and overloaded with information that may or may not be relevant, keeping the detectives and the reader guessing. I've read the blurb for the next book and am exceedingly interested to see how that turns out considering who it turns out needs their help.
The case for Andi and George this time catches them off guard as it's while they are on a hike to get away from it all that Andi's 'gift' informs him that there are three dead bodies in the lake nearby. AAs with a lot of Andi's cases, the question then becomes, how do you report this with a believable story considering it's a dark, murky lake with no visible signs of anything. Just another day for Andi and George as they work the case but pressure seems to be increasing from the Chief, who seems to have some sort of vendetta against Andi. A bigger problem for them is how badly Andi's 'gift' seems to be affecting him. Exhaustion and headaches getting worse, the influx of information is getting more intense and he's finding it harder to pull back. George is getting extremely worried and stressing about the case, Chief and Andi, as well as his possibly changing feeling towards what has always been his career plans.
I've become fully invested in George and Andi. They seem to have quickly developed this symiotic relationship where George can anticipate Andi's needs and is there to care for him after the fact, as well as wanting to take any other pressures off of him as well just to help in any way he can. It's amusing to read how far they have come since they first met and Andi was extremely reserved and prickly, his normal social setting, but George has eased his way through Andi's barriers and it's sweet to read them together as Andi has come to rely on the man he believes is going to leave him in a year or so. I can't wait to read if anything further develops between them as there is the barest hint of something that they both seem to want to deny to themselves at the moment while things are still unsettled for each of them.
The case is a hard one considering the location that the bodies were found, the type of people the victims turn out to be and some skeletons in their closets lead to a multitude of possible suspects. The Chief has put Andi and George on the case hoping to see them fail but with Andi's 'gift' they do have a big advantage though, for most of the book, it doesn't feel that way, especially with the toll it seems to be taking on Andi's mind and body. That's a worry that both men share and are fearful of what it means for Andi's future. What is also intriguing in this book is how each man feels about the justice system and their differing opinions, in particular regarding victims who, when alive, would be the bad guys that they would put away. It also gets complicated when you bring in Andi's gift and how they are able to use it to solve cases but have to...... tweak how they come about evidence as a result of that help. What's brilliant is that, despite how the Chied feels, Andi clearly has people on his side, whether he likes it or not.
I loved all aspects of this book. The friendship and work relationship developments between Andi and George, and even the possibility of something more coming their way soon. The crime is confusing, detailed and overloaded with information that may or may not be relevant, keeping the detectives and the reader guessing. I've read the blurb for the next book and am exceedingly interested to see how that turns out considering who it turns out needs their help.
February 8, 2022
“Eruca” is the second novel in the “Arthropoda” series better known as “An Andi Hayes Mystery” by Xenia Melzer. Detective George Donovan and Detective Andi Hayes are back with another mind puzzling mystery.
As George and Andi work closer on a triple murder case, Andi tries to control his geschenk. The insect communication just keeps pulling him further into their world. He knows George has goals and would be moving on soon and doesn’t want to get too attached to him. As George keeps learning new things from Andi and he experiences Andis reaction to the geschenk getting stronger, his concerns keep growing. George does everything possible to help Andi and as much as they both try to deny it, their connection is gradually growing.
With George’s worries about his career and Andi, he always has his brother Daniel. Daniel is always open to listen and hand George some reasonable advice.
This triple murder is stressful enough as they seem to hit dead ends when it comes to suspicious suspects: wives and sons that seem to not care, acquaintances who have possible motives. Pressure comes to them to solve the case, at any means, from Chief Norris. Now, George takes a stand and decides he and Andi have to do what’s necessary to protect themselves.
Every time, George and Andi think they can eliminate someone from their long list of suspects, something else crops up. It has Shireen, the IT guru, digging deep into the darkweb, where she finds a contract killers. Could this be it, will all the pieces come together? Not for Andi, because he knows arthropoda and pheromones don’t lie!
Xenia Melzer brings a triangle, complex murder mystery to the page. Even if you guess the guilty party there are so many twists and turns to get caught up in. It comes down to who really are the guilty parties. What people with money will do to aid or destroy each other. “Eruca” is a suspenseful, action packed, fast paced novel that has a dark theme into the world of insects. Xenia Melzer also does an outstanding job with the moments of Andi and the communication with the insects.
As for George and Andi, their conversations get very emotional. Especially for George as he starts to realize Andi has no one. It get’s slightly domestic as George’s concern for Andi grows. Even the insects have an opinion about George. For Andi there are moments that are sad and eerie as he struggles with the insects communication. George is turning out to be an anchor for Andi. They both have a way to go, as far as a relationship, because they just haven’t figured it out.
The entertaining cast of characters are back: Daniel Donovan brings brotherly love and humor to the story. Shireen is the best, using her expertise at digging deep into the darkweb and a new assistant Timothy DeLain. Coroner Dr. Evangeline Melcourt and SWAT leader Forard.
The “Author’s Note” is also worth checking out as the author expands on the usage of:
Arthropoda and insects and how it connects to the geschenk.
The “Arthropoda” series, just get’s better and better. “Eruca” was a page-turner for me with it’s interesting subject matter. I’ll be watching for the next installment to see what Xenia Melzer has in store for Andi Hayes and George Donovan.
As George and Andi work closer on a triple murder case, Andi tries to control his geschenk. The insect communication just keeps pulling him further into their world. He knows George has goals and would be moving on soon and doesn’t want to get too attached to him. As George keeps learning new things from Andi and he experiences Andis reaction to the geschenk getting stronger, his concerns keep growing. George does everything possible to help Andi and as much as they both try to deny it, their connection is gradually growing.
With George’s worries about his career and Andi, he always has his brother Daniel. Daniel is always open to listen and hand George some reasonable advice.
This triple murder is stressful enough as they seem to hit dead ends when it comes to suspicious suspects: wives and sons that seem to not care, acquaintances who have possible motives. Pressure comes to them to solve the case, at any means, from Chief Norris. Now, George takes a stand and decides he and Andi have to do what’s necessary to protect themselves.
Every time, George and Andi think they can eliminate someone from their long list of suspects, something else crops up. It has Shireen, the IT guru, digging deep into the darkweb, where she finds a contract killers. Could this be it, will all the pieces come together? Not for Andi, because he knows arthropoda and pheromones don’t lie!
Xenia Melzer brings a triangle, complex murder mystery to the page. Even if you guess the guilty party there are so many twists and turns to get caught up in. It comes down to who really are the guilty parties. What people with money will do to aid or destroy each other. “Eruca” is a suspenseful, action packed, fast paced novel that has a dark theme into the world of insects. Xenia Melzer also does an outstanding job with the moments of Andi and the communication with the insects.
As for George and Andi, their conversations get very emotional. Especially for George as he starts to realize Andi has no one. It get’s slightly domestic as George’s concern for Andi grows. Even the insects have an opinion about George. For Andi there are moments that are sad and eerie as he struggles with the insects communication. George is turning out to be an anchor for Andi. They both have a way to go, as far as a relationship, because they just haven’t figured it out.
The entertaining cast of characters are back: Daniel Donovan brings brotherly love and humor to the story. Shireen is the best, using her expertise at digging deep into the darkweb and a new assistant Timothy DeLain. Coroner Dr. Evangeline Melcourt and SWAT leader Forard.
The “Author’s Note” is also worth checking out as the author expands on the usage of:
Arthropoda and insects and how it connects to the geschenk.
The “Arthropoda” series, just get’s better and better. “Eruca” was a page-turner for me with it’s interesting subject matter. I’ll be watching for the next installment to see what Xenia Melzer has in store for Andi Hayes and George Donovan.
May 24, 2023
In the previous book Andi was basically perfectly fine and in control of his power (and he had been for years given all the cases he solved by himself). In this book all of a sudden he is basically completely incapacitated. He requires nursing 24/7. One wonders how he even survived until now. To put it bluntly it was annoying, unrealistic and boring. Sure, you want to develop to narrative of his powers growing stronger and what not, but the way it was written it was just tedious to read. Every two pages he a migraine, or he was weak, or he looked tired, or he was sleeping, or he was fainting. It just didn’t work for me. Instead of developing the story around Andi’s gift, the author decided to make it into such a debilitating attribute that the story just broke down. For most of the book I felt I was reading about a nurse taking care of a 90y invalid patient.
Also a warning to however doesn’t like morally ambiguous endings: the perpetrator is ultimately not arrested. They get away with it. And there is an attempt to frame past bodily harm as a justification for murder. Not sure why the author felt the needs to go down that path but it resulted in an extremely unsatisfactory ending.
Also a warning to however doesn’t like morally ambiguous endings: the perpetrator is ultimately not arrested. They get away with it. And there is an attempt to frame past bodily harm as a justification for murder. Not sure why the author felt the needs to go down that path but it resulted in an extremely unsatisfactory ending.
April 18, 2023
In this 2nd book of the series we get to see how George and Andi have adapted to working together. Still no romance but you can see them getting closer.
The murder mystery plot was interesting but at the same time overly complicated. At least by the end it still somehow managed to be believable though.
Now here is the reason for my rating. The writing style was difficult to get through. There was just to much repetition of mundane stuff, inner dialogues, and descriptions that went on for pages and pages. Most of it was unimportant to the story and could've been cut out. At first I started skimming those pages. Then I began to just skip those pages. The first book also had this problem. I had hoped this one would have been better but I was wrong.
Unfortunately I do want to see what happens with the Chief so will probably torcher myself by reading the next book. I'm prepared to do some skimming and skipping.
The murder mystery plot was interesting but at the same time overly complicated. At least by the end it still somehow managed to be believable though.
Now here is the reason for my rating. The writing style was difficult to get through. There was just to much repetition of mundane stuff, inner dialogues, and descriptions that went on for pages and pages. Most of it was unimportant to the story and could've been cut out. At first I started skimming those pages. Then I began to just skip those pages. The first book also had this problem. I had hoped this one would have been better but I was wrong.
Unfortunately I do want to see what happens with the Chief so will probably torcher myself by reading the next book. I'm prepared to do some skimming and skipping.
April 5, 2023
This series has been labled as romance but it isn't. It might develop more in later books but it's still a growing work partnership and friendship. The main concept and story line are interesting an unique, but over all the book was ok. I struggled to get past the writing. I hoped that the writing would have changed a bit as the author settled into the characters and location but it felt even more stiff and formal compared to the first book. Word choices felt unnatural for the characters and setting. There was just something that felt off with the relationship between George and Andi. It was stilted, stiff, artificial, and surface. I might read the next book because I am curious about the synopsis I've read but at the same time I don't look forward to it.
October 23, 2023
Not sure about this one
I gave it 4 starts instead of 3, because I like the two main characters. I found a few mistakes in legal procedures and deductions that bothered me. The concept of cold revenge is always difficult, because in my experience, revenge by a victim, always ends up with everyone being a victim. That said, the two tiered justice system is alive and well, so this book should be read for that alone. But I read it for Andi giving those brilliant arthropods narratives, that makes it so interesting and intriguing.
I gave it 4 starts instead of 3, because I like the two main characters. I found a few mistakes in legal procedures and deductions that bothered me. The concept of cold revenge is always difficult, because in my experience, revenge by a victim, always ends up with everyone being a victim. That said, the two tiered justice system is alive and well, so this book should be read for that alone. But I read it for Andi giving those brilliant arthropods narratives, that makes it so interesting and intriguing.
April 1, 2023
My favorite part of this series is Andi’s ability and how that plays out on the page. I liked George more in this second volume, but I’m still incredibly frustrated by the authors lack of understanding of not only police procedure but how cops in America actually do their jobs.
February 10, 2022
I couldn't put it down once I've started. I absolutely loved it.
It's not a romance but the mystery was really good.
It's not a romance but the mystery was really good.
March 27, 2022
An interesting premise where one of the detectives get all the info from his insect friends. A good mystery which keeps you busy to the end.
March 30, 2022
Can't wait for book 3
June 10, 2022
Another murder mystery for George and Andi to resolve, all with the help of the arthropods.
Andi's escalating trauma from the arthropods invasion into his head is quite emotive.
The dilemma of a death versus the dire deeds they committed in their past, is a theme that they discuss a lot.
Their bond intensifies as the case develops.
The ongoing feud with their captain takes a turn as well.
Enjoying this out of the ordinary series
Andi's escalating trauma from the arthropods invasion into his head is quite emotive.
The dilemma of a death versus the dire deeds they committed in their past, is a theme that they discuss a lot.
Their bond intensifies as the case develops.
The ongoing feud with their captain takes a turn as well.
Enjoying this out of the ordinary series
September 6, 2024
Read this series twice now.
I really like the characters, and I love the romance arc. It is very loving.
The depiction of Andi's point of view is excellent. I hope Melzer writes more of this sort of thing.
I really like the characters, and I love the romance arc. It is very loving.
The depiction of Andi's point of view is excellent. I hope Melzer writes more of this sort of thing.
May 27, 2024
Not as strong as book 1 but still an excellent read, just a bit boggy in the second half
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews