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The Mari Fable Mysteries #2
Kidnapping the Classics
The story cycle continues to drag innocent people into fairy tales, except this time, I’m in charge.
Or am I?
I’ll admit, I’m struggling to adjust to my new role as the Keeper of Stories while raising a stubborn toddler. Plus, the missing persons case at Bay Side Media has fallen into my lap and there are a lot of fairy tales that involve kidnapping. Everything is piling up fast, making me want to rip my planner to shreds and quit adulting. But when my mother vanishes to the mysterious Cygnus Island, I’m forced to face the fairy tales and their villains. Can I kill two birds with one stone?
The enchanting and dangerous story world keeps spilling over into San Francisco's bay in the second book of the Mari Fable Mysteries .
Or am I?
I’ll admit, I’m struggling to adjust to my new role as the Keeper of Stories while raising a stubborn toddler. Plus, the missing persons case at Bay Side Media has fallen into my lap and there are a lot of fairy tales that involve kidnapping. Everything is piling up fast, making me want to rip my planner to shreds and quit adulting. But when my mother vanishes to the mysterious Cygnus Island, I’m forced to face the fairy tales and their villains. Can I kill two birds with one stone?
The enchanting and dangerous story world keeps spilling over into San Francisco's bay in the second book of the Mari Fable Mysteries .
- GenresFairy Tales
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2022
44 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Emily Fluke
27 books216 followersEmily Fluke is a Congenital Heart Defect survivor who finds joy and peace through writing (though she’ll tell you her scars are from a dragon attack or a sword fight). She is an internationally published author with an honorable mention for science fiction from the Roswell Awards and a recent contributor to the United Disability Services’ magazine; Kaleidoscope. Inspired by Tolkien and her children's’ imaginations, Emily writes when she’s not spending time with her family. For an extensive look at her publications and life as well as access to giveaways, visit emilyfluke.com or follow Author Emily Fluke on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 13, 2025
Kidnapping The Classics is the second book in the Maury Fable mysteries by Emily fluke, Maury is still juggling motherhood being a journalist a wife and now the keeper of stories and just like last time it will involve a relative. Thankfully Scarlet will be there not only to take care of little Wendy, but help Maury as best as she can. Although being mortal is definitely affecting Scarlet. They go back to the island but this time they stay a while Murray reunites with her dad which isn’t a great reunion because he is in the middle of arresting her mother for murder. All this and she still has yet to figure out the story her mother is in although she is definitely clocked that Frankenstein‘s monster is alive and loose in San Francisco. She also learns why someone doesn’t want the story to end and it’s so they can become immortal and stopping immortality wasn’t something more thought she could put on her resume. I find these books funny in hilarious I do think the author is doing a lot it seems to always have so much going on and let me just say I do not like Johnson at all And I know he’s not in most of the book but he was in the last book he’s in this book and he just gives me the heebie-jeebies. I do love Maury Kai and of course Scarlet and little windy. There are many things Maury is learning about her past and her future but will it all become too much? I will say this one took me longer to read than the last one but I still enjoyed it I find this author pays attention to things most authors wouldn’t like the effects being mortal is having on Scarlet all these new things happening to Mari but I do wish we saw Kai just a little bit more. Also why does she bring her baby to every story keeping adventure isn’t that a little dangerous? #AdoptAnAudiobook, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #KidnappingTheClassics, #EmilyFluke, #MauryFableMysteries, Kidnapping The Classics is the second book in the Maury Fable mysteries by Emily fluke, Maury is still juggling motherhood being a journalist a wife and now the keeper of stories and just like last time it will involve a relative. Thankfully Scarlet will be there not only to take care of little Wendy, but help Maury as best as she can. Although being mortal is definitely affecting Scarlet. They go back to the island but this time they stay a while Murray reunites with her dad which isn’t a great reunion because he is in the middle of arresting her mother for murder. All this and she still has yet to figure out the story her mother is in although she is definitely clocked that Frankenstein‘s monster is alive and loose in San Francisco. She also learns why someone doesn’t want the story to end and it’s so they can become immortal and stopping immortality wasn’t something more thought she could put on her resume. I find these books funny in hilarious I do think the author is doing a lot it seems to always have so much going on and let me just say I do not like Johnson at all And I know he’s not in most of the book but he was in the last book he’s in this book and he just gives me the heebie-jeebies. I do love Maury Kai and of course Scarlet and little windy. There are many things Maury is learning about her past and her future but will it all become too much? I will say this one took me longer to read than the last one but I still enjoyed it I find this author pays attention to things most authors wouldn’t like the effects being mortal is having on Scarlet all these new things happening to Mari but I do wish we saw Kai just a little bit more. Also why does she bring her baby to every story keeping adventure isn’t that a little dangerous? #AdoptAnAudiobook, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #KidnappingTheClassics, #EmilyFluke, #MauryFableMysteries,
August 23, 2022
Seriously loving this series so much! I think I enjoyed this one more than the first one, and the first one was one of the best reads of my summer!
May 11, 2023
“You know what you told me when you finally went from being an interning journalist to a full-time investigator? You said you never wanted to be on the run like your mother. You were going to hunt people down, people that are just like your father, and force them to stop acting crazy. Now’s your chance.” -Kai Rowan
That quote from the lead character’s husband much sums up the theme of the second book in the Mari Fable series, a worthy, though occasionally uneven followup to “Death of a Fairy Tale”. Whereas the first story was a crime thriller about tracking down a serial killer, “Kidnapping the Classics” is a family drama.
The first part of the book shows the harsh period of adjustment for Mari Fable and her friend Scarlet. Mari has reluctantly accepted the role of “Keeper of the Stories”, and is trying to deal with the responsibility and immortality that comes with it, in addition to being an investigative journalist and the mother of a toddler. Meanwhile, Scarlet is trying to adjust to being both mortal and a member of human society. The dynamic between the two is as hilarious as it is entertaining, with Scarlet’s old school ways and constant misquoting of modern phrases driving Mari crazy. It’s definitely an “Odd Couple” situation with them, and those two together always kept the story moving in a seamless way.
As for the conflict, someone in San Francisco is recreating the story of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. “Death of a Fairy Tale” found Mari battling the werewolf from Little Red Riding Hood, with her second adventure finding her going toe to toe with Frankenstein’s monster. The investigation leads her to Alcatraz Island. It’s there that her mother has been taken hostage by a possessive father, one that rules over a cult-like community on the famous island. The rest of the story finds Mari not only discovering her family’s dark secrets, but also having to decide what her ultimate destiny will be: as future queen of this isolated society, or as the immortal Keeper of the Classics, or as a mortal wife, mother, and reporter.
The two main themes of “Kidnapping the Classics” are family and destiny, both of which are intertwined. I love the fact that the story covers new ground and opens up new possibilities, as opposed to simply repeating the formula of Book 1 with just a new villain. Sequels often make that mistake, but the author didn’t do that here. I’m giving it four out of five stars, because while the characters and story are really good, there are parts in the middle that drag a little bit, particularly when Mari is conducting her investigation on Alcatraz. The book could’ve been tightened up in that section so that we could’ve gotten to the third act a little quicker. However, the author did finish strong, and she did generate enough interest and excitement for me to want to read the third book. Author Emily Fluke is doing a terrific job of building up the world and characters she created. Everything about her lead character’s progression feels natural, which not only makes Mari Fable to root for, but it also makes the reader want to see how her story ultimately ends.
That quote from the lead character’s husband much sums up the theme of the second book in the Mari Fable series, a worthy, though occasionally uneven followup to “Death of a Fairy Tale”. Whereas the first story was a crime thriller about tracking down a serial killer, “Kidnapping the Classics” is a family drama.
The first part of the book shows the harsh period of adjustment for Mari Fable and her friend Scarlet. Mari has reluctantly accepted the role of “Keeper of the Stories”, and is trying to deal with the responsibility and immortality that comes with it, in addition to being an investigative journalist and the mother of a toddler. Meanwhile, Scarlet is trying to adjust to being both mortal and a member of human society. The dynamic between the two is as hilarious as it is entertaining, with Scarlet’s old school ways and constant misquoting of modern phrases driving Mari crazy. It’s definitely an “Odd Couple” situation with them, and those two together always kept the story moving in a seamless way.
As for the conflict, someone in San Francisco is recreating the story of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. “Death of a Fairy Tale” found Mari battling the werewolf from Little Red Riding Hood, with her second adventure finding her going toe to toe with Frankenstein’s monster. The investigation leads her to Alcatraz Island. It’s there that her mother has been taken hostage by a possessive father, one that rules over a cult-like community on the famous island. The rest of the story finds Mari not only discovering her family’s dark secrets, but also having to decide what her ultimate destiny will be: as future queen of this isolated society, or as the immortal Keeper of the Classics, or as a mortal wife, mother, and reporter.
The two main themes of “Kidnapping the Classics” are family and destiny, both of which are intertwined. I love the fact that the story covers new ground and opens up new possibilities, as opposed to simply repeating the formula of Book 1 with just a new villain. Sequels often make that mistake, but the author didn’t do that here. I’m giving it four out of five stars, because while the characters and story are really good, there are parts in the middle that drag a little bit, particularly when Mari is conducting her investigation on Alcatraz. The book could’ve been tightened up in that section so that we could’ve gotten to the third act a little quicker. However, the author did finish strong, and she did generate enough interest and excitement for me to want to read the third book. Author Emily Fluke is doing a terrific job of building up the world and characters she created. Everything about her lead character’s progression feels natural, which not only makes Mari Fable to root for, but it also makes the reader want to see how her story ultimately ends.
November 22, 2025
Kidnapping the Classics by Emily Fluke, narrated by Suzanne T. Fortin, offers a fresh and imaginative twist on fairy-tale fantasy. Instead of stepping into a single familiar story, Mari inherits the role of Keeper of Stories—the guardian responsible for every classic fairy tale that slips into existence in the real world, right in the heart of the San Francisco Bay.
Uncertain about what qualifies as “classic” or when these tales will emerge in the mortal realm, Mari does her best to balance her supernatural calling with the very human demands of motherhood and journalism. Tracking down wandering villains is hardly something she has time for, yet destiny refuses to let her ignore it. When Mari’s mother escapes to Cygnus Island in hopes of finally breaking free from an estranged marriage, everything spirals. Mari gets a call that forces her hand: she must embrace her Keeper role, uncover the fairy tale at play, and find her mother—bringing her back to the island she’d hoped never to see again.
The concept behind Kidnapping the Classics is undeniably inventive and wonderfully creative, offering a fresh interpretation of classic fairy tales that fits its fantasy audience exceptionally well. Fluke’s retellings feel credible, honoring the original works penned by various authors while adding new emotional depth through relationships and the wide range of feelings Mari encounters—fear, joy, happiness, uncertainty, devotion, and deception.
Experiencing the book through audio, Suzanne T. Fortin’s narration stands in place of traditional writing quality; her intentional pacing and expressive vocalizations captivate the listener and complement the storyline beautifully. While the detail throughout the novel is rich and vivid, the structure and pacing at the beginning feel slightly out of sync—likely because I did not read the first installment, making it harder to orient myself in the continuing storyline. The opening moves quickly before settling into a smoother, more grounded rhythm once the characters reach the island.
The cast is intriguing and distinct, though I found myself wishing for more backstory on the King and Queen, as well as deeper insight into Mari’s parents’ history, which would have added further emotional resonance. Still, the story is impactful in the way it brings long-forgotten or lesser-known fairy tales back into the spotlight, encouraging readers to reconsider their origins and the darker, more complex themes that shaped them.
Overall, I enjoyed the audiobook and the creativity of the world, and I give it three stars. I received this audiobook at no cost from AdoptAnAudiobook.com, and the gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion in any way.
Uncertain about what qualifies as “classic” or when these tales will emerge in the mortal realm, Mari does her best to balance her supernatural calling with the very human demands of motherhood and journalism. Tracking down wandering villains is hardly something she has time for, yet destiny refuses to let her ignore it. When Mari’s mother escapes to Cygnus Island in hopes of finally breaking free from an estranged marriage, everything spirals. Mari gets a call that forces her hand: she must embrace her Keeper role, uncover the fairy tale at play, and find her mother—bringing her back to the island she’d hoped never to see again.
The concept behind Kidnapping the Classics is undeniably inventive and wonderfully creative, offering a fresh interpretation of classic fairy tales that fits its fantasy audience exceptionally well. Fluke’s retellings feel credible, honoring the original works penned by various authors while adding new emotional depth through relationships and the wide range of feelings Mari encounters—fear, joy, happiness, uncertainty, devotion, and deception.
Experiencing the book through audio, Suzanne T. Fortin’s narration stands in place of traditional writing quality; her intentional pacing and expressive vocalizations captivate the listener and complement the storyline beautifully. While the detail throughout the novel is rich and vivid, the structure and pacing at the beginning feel slightly out of sync—likely because I did not read the first installment, making it harder to orient myself in the continuing storyline. The opening moves quickly before settling into a smoother, more grounded rhythm once the characters reach the island.
The cast is intriguing and distinct, though I found myself wishing for more backstory on the King and Queen, as well as deeper insight into Mari’s parents’ history, which would have added further emotional resonance. Still, the story is impactful in the way it brings long-forgotten or lesser-known fairy tales back into the spotlight, encouraging readers to reconsider their origins and the darker, more complex themes that shaped them.
Overall, I enjoyed the audiobook and the creativity of the world, and I give it three stars. I received this audiobook at no cost from AdoptAnAudiobook.com, and the gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion in any way.
April 20, 2022
Published: April 5, 2022
Pages: 291
Genre: Supernatural Mysteries
KKECReads Rating:
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Emily Fluke is a Congenital Heart Defect survivor, and she finds joy and peace through the expression of writing. She is a strong believer that all stories need a little magic and a lot of excitement. Emily and her husband spend their free time wrangling two children and playing video games in their busy California lifestyle. Otherwise, you’ll find Emily solving an escape room, running, or writing Magic the Gathering-based poetry.
“Every story has an origin.”
Mari is back with a new fairytale to discover and another case to investigate. This time, our heroine is struggling with mom guilt, fear her daughter isn’t developing fast enough, and a lack of time. Luckily, Kai can bring peace to Mari’s overthinking, and Scarlet is ready to become more than just the babysitter. This time, Mari is going deep into the archives, which will bring her face to face with her past.
The development throughout this story got stronger and stronger as the plot thickened. We continue to see strong development between the characters, and Scarlet becomes a much bigger player than before.
Mari continues to be anxious, passionate about her note-taking, and constantly doubting herself as a mom. I love how Kai is the immediate calm to her storm. He brings her peace in such a pure way.
I am enjoying Scarlet's development and watching her become a solid character. The story surrounding her situation is such a well-done past meets future puzzle.
The intensity of this book gets more extreme as the plot races on, and the last several chapters are intense. Seeing everything come together and how the fable plays out is creative in a clever way.
This series is only getting better the deeper we get in the mix. I am looking forward to how things will continue to unfold. I enjoyed the emotional battle and the concept of selflessness throughout this novel.
The next book will be equally intense and filled with another epic adventure that no one would believe.
Pages: 291
Genre: Supernatural Mysteries
KKECReads Rating:
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Emily Fluke is a Congenital Heart Defect survivor, and she finds joy and peace through the expression of writing. She is a strong believer that all stories need a little magic and a lot of excitement. Emily and her husband spend their free time wrangling two children and playing video games in their busy California lifestyle. Otherwise, you’ll find Emily solving an escape room, running, or writing Magic the Gathering-based poetry.
“Every story has an origin.”
Mari is back with a new fairytale to discover and another case to investigate. This time, our heroine is struggling with mom guilt, fear her daughter isn’t developing fast enough, and a lack of time. Luckily, Kai can bring peace to Mari’s overthinking, and Scarlet is ready to become more than just the babysitter. This time, Mari is going deep into the archives, which will bring her face to face with her past.
The development throughout this story got stronger and stronger as the plot thickened. We continue to see strong development between the characters, and Scarlet becomes a much bigger player than before.
Mari continues to be anxious, passionate about her note-taking, and constantly doubting herself as a mom. I love how Kai is the immediate calm to her storm. He brings her peace in such a pure way.
I am enjoying Scarlet's development and watching her become a solid character. The story surrounding her situation is such a well-done past meets future puzzle.
The intensity of this book gets more extreme as the plot races on, and the last several chapters are intense. Seeing everything come together and how the fable plays out is creative in a clever way.
This series is only getting better the deeper we get in the mix. I am looking forward to how things will continue to unfold. I enjoyed the emotional battle and the concept of selflessness throughout this novel.
The next book will be equally intense and filled with another epic adventure that no one would believe.
July 28, 2022
Kidnapping the classics is book 2 of the Mari Fable Mysteries. If you haven’t read the first book, this review may contain spoilers.
I loved this book. Maybe not as much as the first book, but only because of the needed set up for Mari to be the Keeper.
She is juggling being a new mom, loving wife, a career woman, and the Keeper. I personally can’t relate to the mom aspect of the story, but the author knows how to write her story and still keep it interesting for non-parent types.
This book was slower paced than the first one, at least in the beginning.
I was getting annoyed with Mari and her reluctance to do her Keeper duties. I have a feeling this is from me not being a parent and not about the story itself.
Scarlet’s evolving story was a nice addition to the book. I look forward finding out more about her.
I’m still loving Mari & Kia as a couple. Such couple goals! I would love to have Kia more into the action. Also can we say history teachers seem hotter now.
I’m sad over Mari’s family dynamics and wonder if we will see more from that side soon.
Over all I give this a solid 4.5 stars. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Now that we have established some fundamentals in the series I’m sure It’s going to be an amazing ride.
I loved this book. Maybe not as much as the first book, but only because of the needed set up for Mari to be the Keeper.
She is juggling being a new mom, loving wife, a career woman, and the Keeper. I personally can’t relate to the mom aspect of the story, but the author knows how to write her story and still keep it interesting for non-parent types.
This book was slower paced than the first one, at least in the beginning.
I was getting annoyed with Mari and her reluctance to do her Keeper duties. I have a feeling this is from me not being a parent and not about the story itself.
Scarlet’s evolving story was a nice addition to the book. I look forward finding out more about her.
I’m still loving Mari & Kia as a couple. Such couple goals! I would love to have Kia more into the action. Also can we say history teachers seem hotter now.
I’m sad over Mari’s family dynamics and wonder if we will see more from that side soon.
Over all I give this a solid 4.5 stars. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Now that we have established some fundamentals in the series I’m sure It’s going to be an amazing ride.
April 5, 2022
I received an ARC from Emily. All opinions are my own.
Kidnapping the classics picks up a year and a half-ish following Death of a Fairytale in the Mari Fable Mysteries. We still get the same quirk and sass from Mari as we did in book one, but now it's double time with the adorable sister like banter between Scar and Mari.
We got blessed with twists and turns, action and suspense. The banter and commentary between characters adds to the personality of the book. It's interesting to see real life mesh so well with a 'fantasy' book. Fluke does a great job at showcasing the real stressors mothers experience and the very real issues we experience in the workforce as moms, too. I love that she adds that in and shows that side of motherhood and showing that Mari is never truly alone and has her people who will help and be there by her side.
While the book was a little slower to start versus book one, it was still well written. I can't wait to see what more Fluke brings to not just this story but her others as well.
Kidnapping the classics picks up a year and a half-ish following Death of a Fairytale in the Mari Fable Mysteries. We still get the same quirk and sass from Mari as we did in book one, but now it's double time with the adorable sister like banter between Scar and Mari.
We got blessed with twists and turns, action and suspense. The banter and commentary between characters adds to the personality of the book. It's interesting to see real life mesh so well with a 'fantasy' book. Fluke does a great job at showcasing the real stressors mothers experience and the very real issues we experience in the workforce as moms, too. I love that she adds that in and shows that side of motherhood and showing that Mari is never truly alone and has her people who will help and be there by her side.
While the book was a little slower to start versus book one, it was still well written. I can't wait to see what more Fluke brings to not just this story but her others as well.
April 12, 2022
There were so many things I loved about this story, but if I had to just name a few:
- Scarlet's humor! She was such a great addition as a character for this story and her and Mari working together is adorable.
- The fairytales! Book 1 put a neat spin on a classic, but book 2 really starts to explore some of the stories that aren't talked about as much and we get to meet a lot more story characters. And the set up for where I think book 3 is going is DEFINITELY a retelling I haven't seen before (I know it's probably out there somewhere, but it's not a common one haha).
- And of course, if you loved the humorous tone and prose from book 1, it's still here and kept me engaged throughout the story.
- Scarlet's humor! She was such a great addition as a character for this story and her and Mari working together is adorable.
- The fairytales! Book 1 put a neat spin on a classic, but book 2 really starts to explore some of the stories that aren't talked about as much and we get to meet a lot more story characters. And the set up for where I think book 3 is going is DEFINITELY a retelling I haven't seen before (I know it's probably out there somewhere, but it's not a common one haha).
- And of course, if you loved the humorous tone and prose from book 1, it's still here and kept me engaged throughout the story.
April 3, 2022
Book 2 in the Mari Fable mysteries.
While not as instantly engaging as the first, this second installment was still a great read. Jam-packed with mentions of the classic tales, action, mystery, danger, and humor, Kidnapping the Classics returns us to the strange world of our Storyteller. I loved coming upon mentions of other classics as I read, watching how our MC tried to put all of the pieces together. Her relationships with her family and Scar were still to die for, and I adored how Fluke managed to build them within the plot. I thought the action and mystery aspects of the story were written fantastically, weaving through the pages and keeping you guessing at every turn.
While not as instantly engaging as the first, this second installment was still a great read. Jam-packed with mentions of the classic tales, action, mystery, danger, and humor, Kidnapping the Classics returns us to the strange world of our Storyteller. I loved coming upon mentions of other classics as I read, watching how our MC tried to put all of the pieces together. Her relationships with her family and Scar were still to die for, and I adored how Fluke managed to build them within the plot. I thought the action and mystery aspects of the story were written fantastically, weaving through the pages and keeping you guessing at every turn.
Read
April 4, 2022I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of Kidnapping the Classics from the author. This is book 2 in the Mari Fable Mystery series.
I really enjoyed this book. Mari has a new mystery to solve while also being The Keeper of stories, and being the mother of sweet Wendy. So many twists and turns. Scarlet cracks me up trying to fit in with the modern world. The ending set up nice for book 3 and I am excited for it.
Book 2 comes out tomorrow 🤩
I really enjoyed this book. Mari has a new mystery to solve while also being The Keeper of stories, and being the mother of sweet Wendy. So many twists and turns. Scarlet cracks me up trying to fit in with the modern world. The ending set up nice for book 3 and I am excited for it.
Book 2 comes out tomorrow 🤩
April 14, 2022
It's getting better all the time
This book was a fantastic follow up to the 1st novel. I liked it even more than the first in fact. Getting to know these loveable characters even more is great fun. The book is full of charming and cheeky wit paired with tid bits of 90's nostalgia. Emily does a clever job of mixing in humor while keeping a serious plot moving along. I enjoyed the twists and turns as the mystery unfolds! I can't wait for July so I can enjoy the next adventure!
This book was a fantastic follow up to the 1st novel. I liked it even more than the first in fact. Getting to know these loveable characters even more is great fun. The book is full of charming and cheeky wit paired with tid bits of 90's nostalgia. Emily does a clever job of mixing in humor while keeping a serious plot moving along. I enjoyed the twists and turns as the mystery unfolds! I can't wait for July so I can enjoy the next adventure!
April 7, 2022
Engaging and Entertaining
Mari is back with her adventures and although she questions her very decision, she is still the same hardcore awesome
Investigator/mom who now has to solve a mystery way too close to home! Such a thrilling adventure, great intricate storylines, and a unique spin on fairytales!
Mari is back with her adventures and although she questions her very decision, she is still the same hardcore awesome
Investigator/mom who now has to solve a mystery way too close to home! Such a thrilling adventure, great intricate storylines, and a unique spin on fairytales!
May 4, 2022
Book 2 full of wonderful-ness
Mari is back with more adventure. But she’s gotta lotta irons in the fire. Mother. Wife. Daughter. Friend. Keeper. Investigator. Book 2 brings us another engaging mystery to solve. I really love this unique take (at least to me) on retelling fairytales. I did a happy dance that Scarlet has become such a big part of the story but she does frustrate me to no end. Stop being so dang cryptic lol!! But that just adds to the mystery and the roller coaster ride of twists and turns EF delivers us. Can’t wait for book 3! ❤️
Mari is back with more adventure. But she’s gotta lotta irons in the fire. Mother. Wife. Daughter. Friend. Keeper. Investigator. Book 2 brings us another engaging mystery to solve. I really love this unique take (at least to me) on retelling fairytales. I did a happy dance that Scarlet has become such a big part of the story but she does frustrate me to no end. Stop being so dang cryptic lol!! But that just adds to the mystery and the roller coaster ride of twists and turns EF delivers us. Can’t wait for book 3! ❤️
January 17, 2024
Has possibilities
This series has presented an interesting concept, but it is slow in pulling it together. The author spends a lot of unnecessary time talking about the need to solve the puzzle and not enough time solving it. It is only at the end of book 2 that the characters are finding their place. I cant quite get a handle on what I am not enjoying.
This series has presented an interesting concept, but it is slow in pulling it together. The author spends a lot of unnecessary time talking about the need to solve the puzzle and not enough time solving it. It is only at the end of book 2 that the characters are finding their place. I cant quite get a handle on what I am not enjoying.
June 19, 2022
This is a great sequel to the first book, and the characters have growth that is nice to see. This book will have you second guessing what you think you know, and it really pulls you in! Can't wait for the third book!
August 10, 2022
Such a fun continuation of the characters, and their development, from the first book. Really enjoyed the the weaving of different fairy tales and reference to fairy tales in this book. I loved the setting and the use of Alcatraz. Looking forward to reading the next book!
August 19, 2023
Emily has done it again with another exciting installment of the Mari Fable story. The plot really picks up in this second book, and while you might expect some things to be wrapped up, they are. But, there are more secrets uncovered with every page. I’m excited to see where this series goes!
March 16, 2023
I love this series so much this book is a bit slower pace then the first but the characters are great and I love the spin on classic fairy tales
March 24, 2023
As for as the first .
I enjoyed reading this book as much as the one before and know I will enjoy the next one even more.
I enjoyed reading this book as much as the one before and know I will enjoy the next one even more.
October 11, 2023
Interesting Take on Fairy Tales
I love how Emily Fluke twists these fairy tales into something unique while still leaving the reader mystified as to what is going to happen next.
I love how Emily Fluke twists these fairy tales into something unique while still leaving the reader mystified as to what is going to happen next.
June 22, 2024
Wonderful modernization of the classic fairy tales. Fluke is fabulous in her character development and plot!!
May 21, 2025
Entertaining and clever slant on mixed-up fairy tales. I would think Mari would have had a bit more of a reaction to being immortal.
June 20, 2023
Frankenstein and the Swan Maiden intermixed with murder and a crazy cult. This fairytale retelling mystery was absolutely insane.
This continuation of the Mari Fable series takes place one year after the previous book ends. After Mari has been the keeper for a year, she has found the story aura is back and it now involves her mother. There are more murders to solve and now a trip to the one place her family has been avoiding since her mother's escape.
Will these stories have a happy ending or will more people get hurt while Mari tries to figure out her role as Keeper?
This continuation of the Mari Fable series takes place one year after the previous book ends. After Mari has been the keeper for a year, she has found the story aura is back and it now involves her mother. There are more murders to solve and now a trip to the one place her family has been avoiding since her mother's escape.
Will these stories have a happy ending or will more people get hurt while Mari tries to figure out her role as Keeper?
June 28, 2022
A book you wont want to put down.
Mari is an investigator/mother who now is The Keeper. This book is full adventures and excitment to know ehat will happen nexts. I love that even thougt she second guessed her decision and mind is goes a mile a minute that kai calms her. And i cant wait for the next book in this series.
Mari is an investigator/mother who now is The Keeper. This book is full adventures and excitment to know ehat will happen nexts. I love that even thougt she second guessed her decision and mind is goes a mile a minute that kai calms her. And i cant wait for the next book in this series.
April 23, 2023
Kidnapping the Classics the 2nd book in the Mari Fable Mysteries is a classic transition tale. Mari has had a new fate thrust upon her after the first book and in her newest adventure she struggles to accept her new role. While trying to focus on what she thinks is a routine kidnapping/possible murder investigation Mari is pulled in multiple directions by her motherhood, family drama with her parents, and her new role as The Keeper by the former Keeper (Scarlet). All hell breaks loose when the so called real world crime gets hijacked by one story loop and collides with another story loop. Mari spends more time with Scarlet in this book and less with Kai. I enjoy Scarlet, but I sympathize with Mari and think the girl needs to be less cryptic. I understand that is what needs to be done Mari needs to figure out things on her own and become her own keeper because how will she learn. But dang can that be frustrating. I did miss Mari’s husband, Kai’s, role of partner. They have such great chemistry and I liked how they figured things out in the first book. I’m hoping for a good balance between Kai and Scarlet helping Mari in her role as keeper. Scarlet is a great resource if only she figures it’s better to be upfront then to hide things. Like the life rule from Crime Junkie, if you have an something important to say say it, because something bad will probably happen. We also got more of a background on Mari’s father and his cult like lifestyle. But like any good mystery series I have more questions with every answer I got. I am looking forward to where Emily Fluke is going with this series. I love her different Easter eggs through out the book. She even name drops her short story anthology Eve of Anarchy. I think there will be great things coming into this story world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2023
I really loved Scar’s character, she was hilarious and I always looked forward to her scenes! That being said, I was a little disappointed in the plot of this story, it felt confusing and I found myself bored at many points.
April 14, 2024
This one had some horrific elements but stayed more in the mystery lane. like the first, there was a spot where I wasn't sure if I would finish, but I did and I was glad. not sure if I'll read another.
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