What do you think?
Rate this book
Dak Farrell #1
Dead Pretty
An FBI agent, a TV star, and a serial killer. Love hurts.
Special Agent Dak Farrell works cold cases, and she's damn good at it. She's always on the move and doesn't care where the next case takes her. But when the Salt Lake City police department need her help with a new serial killer, she'll be around a little longer than usual. Long enough to get attached to the beautiful woman next door...
Mortician Callie "CJ" Johnson is on top of the world until her show, Dead Pretty, is canceled. Thanks to a frivolous lifestyle, she's got nothing to show for it. With no other alternative, she heads home to lick her wounds and wait for a new opportunity. When she sees the hot FBI agent living next door, that opportunity isn't what she expected.
When CJ fixes the serial killer's "artistic" work, she becomes his next target. Will Dak be able to save her? Or will The Artist claim CJ as his next victim?
Special Agent Dak Farrell works cold cases, and she's damn good at it. She's always on the move and doesn't care where the next case takes her. But when the Salt Lake City police department need her help with a new serial killer, she'll be around a little longer than usual. Long enough to get attached to the beautiful woman next door...
Mortician Callie "CJ" Johnson is on top of the world until her show, Dead Pretty, is canceled. Thanks to a frivolous lifestyle, she's got nothing to show for it. With no other alternative, she heads home to lick her wounds and wait for a new opportunity. When she sees the hot FBI agent living next door, that opportunity isn't what she expected.
When CJ fixes the serial killer's "artistic" work, she becomes his next target. Will Dak be able to save her? Or will The Artist claim CJ as his next victim?
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2022
100 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Nyx
21 books120 followersRobyn Nyx is an avid shutterbug and lover of all things fast and physical. Her writing often reflects both of those passions. She lives with her soul mate and fellow scribe. They have no kids or kittens, which allows them to travel to exotic places at the drop of a hat for “research.” She works hard to find writing time, when she’s not being distracted by blue skies and motorbike rides.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 26, 2025
**'I feel most pleased with a plotline when i do understand it's premise, it's specificity, it's style, it's character driven and i'm even enticed by it..'
Engrossing read!
A riveting, at times spicy, suspenseful and even entertaining book #1 in Robyn Nyx's FBI Romantic thriller 'Dak Farrell' law enforcement procedural series.
Highly recommended book!
Engrossing read!
A riveting, at times spicy, suspenseful and even entertaining book #1 in Robyn Nyx's FBI Romantic thriller 'Dak Farrell' law enforcement procedural series.
Highly recommended book!
November 2, 2022
A fantastic read. Interesting MCs with a lot of chemistry between them. I loved the romance and the crime aspects of the story. Highly recommend.
March 2, 2022
So good!
CJ is taking a break after her show, Dead Pretty, is cancelled. She heads home and finds herself intrigued by Dak, the woman living next door to her parents. When CJ discovers Dak is an FBI agent, who is on the trail of a serial killer and the work she is temporarily doing is linked to the case, things get intense.
What a thrill of a story! Filled with angst, intensity, and complex case that involves Dak and CJ on personal levels as well as professional, I was hooked from the start. It’s a very unexpected adventure, not only for the reader but for Dak and CJ as all the pieces start coming together and affecting them personally.
I loved how their relationship developed from this intense attraction, to an understanding between them, to something more. Neither of them expected it and it just came so naturally as part of the story. CJ is the one who gets the biggest surprises. Everything she knows changes and although she adapts well, it takes her time and so there is a lot of character development as she goes through these stages and takes a step back from her lavish Hollywood lifestyle and re-evaluates.
While this story has a lot of focus on CJ and Dak it doesn’t forget the case of the serial killer. I genuinely couldn’t work out who it was and ended up suspecting so many people that when it was all revealed I was shocked. Robyn has cleverly interwoven the story so your mind doesn’t focus too much on the blossoming romance or the trail of the killer and so every chapter and moment was a complete surprise.
I really enjoyed the story and found it most intriguing and can’t recommend it enough.
CJ is taking a break after her show, Dead Pretty, is cancelled. She heads home and finds herself intrigued by Dak, the woman living next door to her parents. When CJ discovers Dak is an FBI agent, who is on the trail of a serial killer and the work she is temporarily doing is linked to the case, things get intense.
What a thrill of a story! Filled with angst, intensity, and complex case that involves Dak and CJ on personal levels as well as professional, I was hooked from the start. It’s a very unexpected adventure, not only for the reader but for Dak and CJ as all the pieces start coming together and affecting them personally.
I loved how their relationship developed from this intense attraction, to an understanding between them, to something more. Neither of them expected it and it just came so naturally as part of the story. CJ is the one who gets the biggest surprises. Everything she knows changes and although she adapts well, it takes her time and so there is a lot of character development as she goes through these stages and takes a step back from her lavish Hollywood lifestyle and re-evaluates.
While this story has a lot of focus on CJ and Dak it doesn’t forget the case of the serial killer. I genuinely couldn’t work out who it was and ended up suspecting so many people that when it was all revealed I was shocked. Robyn has cleverly interwoven the story so your mind doesn’t focus too much on the blossoming romance or the trail of the killer and so every chapter and moment was a complete surprise.
I really enjoyed the story and found it most intriguing and can’t recommend it enough.
Read
January 31, 2022‘Dead Pretty’ works really well. It’s a mystery novel and a police procedural subtext and a romance that creates a sprinkle of spice to the story. And Robyn Nyx has cleverly made sure that one doesn’t dominate the others. In ‘Dead Pretty’ Agent Dak Farrell solves cold cases but the latest cases are much too warm. The victims are the work of a serial killer known as ‘The Artist’.
CJ Johnson, a reality TV star whose show, “Dead Pretty”, in which her mortician skills are displayed for all who tune in, has been cancelled, so she has come home to…well, she’s not really sure. Perhaps to reconnect with her parents who have been distant throughout her life. Perhaps to reevaluate her life. Perhaps to wonder what her next opportunity will be.
Agent Dak and CJ cross paths when they discover that they’re neighbours, and the spark between the two is instant. Deciding on a no-strings-attached, fast, whirlwind arrangement, they quickly fall into bed, both finding the sex a gratifying distraction from life and work and family relationships and memories.
Meanwhile, ‘The Artist’ takes another victim and Dak races to find out the serial killer’s identity. Meanwhile, CJ begins working at the funeral home that she apprenticed at when she first began her career and fixes the mess that ‘The Artist’ makes of his victims. Nyx ramps up the pressure, pulling the strings taut.
The point where ‘The Artist’ becomes incensed that another artist, CJ, is erasing his heart-stopping and makes for a really great tension-filled section of the story. The pointy end of a novel is just that; pointy. It needs to stick into the reader, give them a jolt, and pay attention, because they’ve been on a journey with these two characters; it’s important to see the result.
Robyn Nyx does great pointy. She makes sure we pay attention to the pointy, the sharp, because this is where the mystery holds the humanity which in turn envelopes the mystery. The thriller is solved. The humans, with all their horror and their love and their vulnerability, are revealed. And in ‘Dead Pretty’, Nyx has carefully held the two journeys—the riddle and the relationship—never letting one slip away from the other. She’s ensured that, just like the shibari ropes that support the killer’s art, CJ and Dak are entwined. Their relationship may be fast but in the frightening and the fearsome, sometimes people find their forever.
CJ Johnson, a reality TV star whose show, “Dead Pretty”, in which her mortician skills are displayed for all who tune in, has been cancelled, so she has come home to…well, she’s not really sure. Perhaps to reconnect with her parents who have been distant throughout her life. Perhaps to reevaluate her life. Perhaps to wonder what her next opportunity will be.
Agent Dak and CJ cross paths when they discover that they’re neighbours, and the spark between the two is instant. Deciding on a no-strings-attached, fast, whirlwind arrangement, they quickly fall into bed, both finding the sex a gratifying distraction from life and work and family relationships and memories.
Meanwhile, ‘The Artist’ takes another victim and Dak races to find out the serial killer’s identity. Meanwhile, CJ begins working at the funeral home that she apprenticed at when she first began her career and fixes the mess that ‘The Artist’ makes of his victims. Nyx ramps up the pressure, pulling the strings taut.
The point where ‘The Artist’ becomes incensed that another artist, CJ, is erasing his heart-stopping and makes for a really great tension-filled section of the story. The pointy end of a novel is just that; pointy. It needs to stick into the reader, give them a jolt, and pay attention, because they’ve been on a journey with these two characters; it’s important to see the result.
Robyn Nyx does great pointy. She makes sure we pay attention to the pointy, the sharp, because this is where the mystery holds the humanity which in turn envelopes the mystery. The thriller is solved. The humans, with all their horror and their love and their vulnerability, are revealed. And in ‘Dead Pretty’, Nyx has carefully held the two journeys—the riddle and the relationship—never letting one slip away from the other. She’s ensured that, just like the shibari ropes that support the killer’s art, CJ and Dak are entwined. Their relationship may be fast but in the frightening and the fearsome, sometimes people find their forever.
November 7, 2022
4 stars
Fun, even if kinda predictable, but the crimes were sufficiently horrifying and the romance sufficiently nice for me to enjoy the story.
Fun, even if kinda predictable, but the crimes were sufficiently horrifying and the romance sufficiently nice for me to enjoy the story.
Read
March 14, 2022DNF @ 32%… I loved the description of the book, but sadly the plot and the romance just don’t flow smoothly. Idk, I’m just not feeling this book :/ the writing style is not my cup of tea and the story itself is just meh… not to mention that I can’t feel any chemistry between the two MCs. But I’ve read the other reviews and people seem to like this book, so maybe I’m just not in the right mood for it rn.
August 18, 2025
3⭐️
This was pretty good. It’s a decent who done it, with a charismatic FBI agent who I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, I really didn’t like the second MC. CJ came across as immature and kind of a brat.
Overall, I enjoyed it
This was pretty good. It’s a decent who done it, with a charismatic FBI agent who I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, I really didn’t like the second MC. CJ came across as immature and kind of a brat.
Overall, I enjoyed it
Want to read
May 11, 2022WHY TF ISNT ANYONE TALKING ABT THIS BOOK???
HELLOOOOO THE PLOT IS GOOD AND HARDLY ANY BAD REVIEWS????
FUCK I NEED TO READ THIS LESBIAN LOVERS <3333
HELLOOOOO THE PLOT IS GOOD AND HARDLY ANY BAD REVIEWS????
FUCK I NEED TO READ THIS LESBIAN LOVERS <3333
March 26, 2022
I'm not entirely sure how to rate this book. Where there were great things about it, there were a lot of things that irked me, too.
This story had two focal points running through it. One, finding out who the killer was and piecing the puzzle together. Two, the romantic--if you can call it that--relationship between Det. Dak and Hollywood starlet C.J. Crime suspense and romance aside, there was also family drama mixed in, and if I'm being honest, pulled at my heartstrings. With all this heavy, deep plot, Nyx did a good job at splitting the focus with ease without getting us readers lost or too bogged down with unnecessary information.
I really did enjoy this book, but I wished there had been more than one sex scene between Dak and C.J. I mean, c'mon, when you have a character like Dak, you have to take advantage of that and show us some of that beefcake! I felt cheated that after their first time together, which was hot, everything else after that was fade to black and we'd find out about it the day after. I also have to gripe about C.J. I honestly didn't care for her. I found her to be abrupt, rude, and slightly immature at times. Other than scoring an easy lay with the girl next door, I don't see why Dak found her attractive. There was also that cliché moment where the killer was moving closer to one of the protags so instead of acting rationally about it, the character pulls a "I'm independent, I don't need a hero, nothing will happen to me" moment and stupidly puts themselves in danger all because of pride and ego. And C.J. expertly pulled that move which made me lose more respect for her. Following Dak as she and her partner solved the case was rather thrilling and entertaining, more thrilling than the romance aspect of this book. I really liked Dak, she was easygoing, level-headed, intelligent, and a feast for the eyes.
I'm giving this a 3.5
This story had two focal points running through it. One, finding out who the killer was and piecing the puzzle together. Two, the romantic--if you can call it that--relationship between Det. Dak and Hollywood starlet C.J. Crime suspense and romance aside, there was also family drama mixed in, and if I'm being honest, pulled at my heartstrings. With all this heavy, deep plot, Nyx did a good job at splitting the focus with ease without getting us readers lost or too bogged down with unnecessary information.
I really did enjoy this book, but I wished there had been more than one sex scene between Dak and C.J. I mean, c'mon, when you have a character like Dak, you have to take advantage of that and show us some of that beefcake! I felt cheated that after their first time together, which was hot, everything else after that was fade to black and we'd find out about it the day after. I also have to gripe about C.J. I honestly didn't care for her. I found her to be abrupt, rude, and slightly immature at times. Other than scoring an easy lay with the girl next door, I don't see why Dak found her attractive. There was also that cliché moment where the killer was moving closer to one of the protags so instead of acting rationally about it, the character pulls a "I'm independent, I don't need a hero, nothing will happen to me" moment and stupidly puts themselves in danger all because of pride and ego. And C.J. expertly pulled that move which made me lose more respect for her. Following Dak as she and her partner solved the case was rather thrilling and entertaining, more thrilling than the romance aspect of this book. I really liked Dak, she was easygoing, level-headed, intelligent, and a feast for the eyes.
I'm giving this a 3.5
June 2, 2025
I loved the action and mystery behind this book. Usually I can guess who the killer is pretty early on, but this book surprised me, having a little twist and surprise at the end. The storyline behind the serial killer was amazing, detailed, and gave me a Criminal Minds vibe.
The relationship between CJ and Dak disappointed me a bit. There was nothing necessarily wrong with the relationship, it just felt like something was missing. CJ was childish at times and didn’t take any threats seriously from a literal killer so that bugged me. They were good together, I just didn’t feel enough real passion or serious love from one another. I may be alone in that, but I. just didn’t feel it.
Overall, it was an enjoyable serial killer, action/thriller.
The relationship between CJ and Dak disappointed me a bit. There was nothing necessarily wrong with the relationship, it just felt like something was missing. CJ was childish at times and didn’t take any threats seriously from a literal killer so that bugged me. They were good together, I just didn’t feel enough real passion or serious love from one another. I may be alone in that, but I. just didn’t feel it.
Overall, it was an enjoyable serial killer, action/thriller.
March 24, 2024
This was interesting. The plot wasn’t all that engaging but the characters are possibly some of the most lovable ones I’ve interacted with all year. Their dialogue was good and the chemistry was instant. Recommend purely based on that!
May 2, 2023
Good story, but don’t look too deeply into the plot. Go with the flow and enjoy it - couple of good back character. First book I’ve read of RN. Recommended.
August 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐
This one was a great surprise! I'm not usually a mystery fan, but the combination of the suspense with the strong romance between Dak and Callie kept me hooked. The romance was especially well done—their chemistry felt genuine and refreshingly different from other books I’ve read. I really appreciated how they helped each other work through their childhood traumas; it made their relationship feel natural and heartfelt, not forced.
While I wasn’t deeply invested in figuring out who the killer was, it was still fun to guess along the way. Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I’ll definitely be picking up more of Robyn Nyx’s books in the future!
This one was a great surprise! I'm not usually a mystery fan, but the combination of the suspense with the strong romance between Dak and Callie kept me hooked. The romance was especially well done—their chemistry felt genuine and refreshingly different from other books I’ve read. I really appreciated how they helped each other work through their childhood traumas; it made their relationship feel natural and heartfelt, not forced.
While I wasn’t deeply invested in figuring out who the killer was, it was still fun to guess along the way. Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I’ll definitely be picking up more of Robyn Nyx’s books in the future!
February 15, 2022
Dead Pretty was a hell of a ride and another great read by Robyn Nyx. The action starts from the very first chapter and doesn’t let up until the final reveal, which was not at all what I expected. She hid the clues well throughout the story and we had to figure out who the killer was in real time with Dak because of it.
Without giving away too much (honestly, this review is a hard one to write since I really don’t want to spoil your journey), Dak Farrell is an FBI agent who specializes in solving cold cases and enjoys working relatively on her own after the loss of her partner. She is called to Salt Lake City to assist the police department with solving a string of killings by a serial killer dubbed The Artist because of the way he gruesomely displays his victims after killing them and draining their blood. The killer is meticulous and leaves very few mistakes behind, which forces Dak to stick around Salt Lake City and work with one of the SLCPD’s detectives to solve this puzzle before the killer strikes again.
Callie “CJ” Johnson is a mortician who is so good at her job she became a reality television star where she made the dead look alive before their respective services. When her show was canceled, the went back to her family home in Salt Lake City with her tail between her legs and finds everything had changed since she last visited. Her parents were suddenly the picture of domesticity when they were largely absent from her life and when they were, their lack of support of her artistic gifts made her doubt they would ever support her. She meets her handsome neighbor Dak immediately upon her arrival and the sparks between them were instant.
What started out as a no strings fling between CJ and Dak turned into so much more, as did the growth of CJ throughout the book, who I initially found to be vapid and shallow. Yet as the layers peeled, I found her to be a compelling character who put up a brave front when all she really wanted was the love and support of her family. Dak was the epitome of charming and heroic, while also being forced to admit her own failings as a daughter once her father died and her mother remarried. While there was a bit of instalove as they fell hard in only 2 weeks, Robyn made sure that the characters acknowledged this, yet didn’t let it be a barrier for how far they fell for each other. Once the threats to CJ’s life begin, it is no wonder they fell so hard so fast for one another.
The big reveal was classic mystery theater and was not where I thought we’d end up. I’d like to read it again to see if I can snuff out the clues throughout the story now that I know how it ends. Definitely on my re-read list.
I was provided a courtesy copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Without giving away too much (honestly, this review is a hard one to write since I really don’t want to spoil your journey), Dak Farrell is an FBI agent who specializes in solving cold cases and enjoys working relatively on her own after the loss of her partner. She is called to Salt Lake City to assist the police department with solving a string of killings by a serial killer dubbed The Artist because of the way he gruesomely displays his victims after killing them and draining their blood. The killer is meticulous and leaves very few mistakes behind, which forces Dak to stick around Salt Lake City and work with one of the SLCPD’s detectives to solve this puzzle before the killer strikes again.
Callie “CJ” Johnson is a mortician who is so good at her job she became a reality television star where she made the dead look alive before their respective services. When her show was canceled, the went back to her family home in Salt Lake City with her tail between her legs and finds everything had changed since she last visited. Her parents were suddenly the picture of domesticity when they were largely absent from her life and when they were, their lack of support of her artistic gifts made her doubt they would ever support her. She meets her handsome neighbor Dak immediately upon her arrival and the sparks between them were instant.
What started out as a no strings fling between CJ and Dak turned into so much more, as did the growth of CJ throughout the book, who I initially found to be vapid and shallow. Yet as the layers peeled, I found her to be a compelling character who put up a brave front when all she really wanted was the love and support of her family. Dak was the epitome of charming and heroic, while also being forced to admit her own failings as a daughter once her father died and her mother remarried. While there was a bit of instalove as they fell hard in only 2 weeks, Robyn made sure that the characters acknowledged this, yet didn’t let it be a barrier for how far they fell for each other. Once the threats to CJ’s life begin, it is no wonder they fell so hard so fast for one another.
The big reveal was classic mystery theater and was not where I thought we’d end up. I’d like to read it again to see if I can snuff out the clues throughout the story now that I know how it ends. Definitely on my re-read list.
I was provided a courtesy copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2025
this was way too much of a fast burn for me with not a lot happening. once the two characters are together there’s no main angst whatsoever
January 30, 2022
I got this as an ARC for my honest review.
This is a different kind of February book.
I love where this story went. It is a mystery romance thriller. You can feel the worry about going back home after years away. The issues of running away from a family due to missing a loved one. There is a depth and dimensions to the characters that I really enjoyed. The spark and connection between the MCs is apparent from the get go.
As with any mystery, there are certain aspects you know are coming but I didn't see that ending at all! I like Robyn Nyx's writing style even though this is a new genre for them, they excelled at writing a mystery romance.
This is a different kind of February book.
I love where this story went. It is a mystery romance thriller. You can feel the worry about going back home after years away. The issues of running away from a family due to missing a loved one. There is a depth and dimensions to the characters that I really enjoyed. The spark and connection between the MCs is apparent from the get go.
As with any mystery, there are certain aspects you know are coming but I didn't see that ending at all! I like Robyn Nyx's writing style even though this is a new genre for them, they excelled at writing a mystery romance.
March 29, 2022
Almost a 4 for me.
I enjoyed it, but more the last part when the thriller evolved and there was much more suspence. Some other parts were a bit repetitive but I guess it was done to make the point clear about CJ and Dak's family histories.
I was less dark than expected.
The evolution of CJ and Dak's relationship was quite fast, but very believable. The pull between them is undeniable and Dak is such a nice character.
Overall a good read if you like the genre.
The twist at the end was quite interesting.
I enjoyed it, but more the last part when the thriller evolved and there was much more suspence. Some other parts were a bit repetitive but I guess it was done to make the point clear about CJ and Dak's family histories.
I was less dark than expected.
The evolution of CJ and Dak's relationship was quite fast, but very believable. The pull between them is undeniable and Dak is such a nice character.
Overall a good read if you like the genre.
The twist at the end was quite interesting.
September 7, 2025
On the whole, I enjoyed my time reading this. CJ endeared herself to me and I enjoy the archetype of Dak's character (brooding cop with a soft side). The mystery/thriller plot itself dragged a bit for my liking and felt overly procedural at times. In the end, the way it gets resolved isn't creative by any means if you've watched any true crime television.
A few annoyances:
-a lot of calorie/restriction talk as it relates to one of the leads being a Hollywood reality TV star.
-feels overly contemporary with mentions of uber, iphones, instagram, and allusions to Trump
-minor, but i had a lot of trouble imagining a world where a reality show about giving dead bodies makeovers would achieve any kind of mainstream success LOL
A few annoyances:
-a lot of calorie/restriction talk as it relates to one of the leads being a Hollywood reality TV star.
-feels overly contemporary with mentions of uber, iphones, instagram, and allusions to Trump
-minor, but i had a lot of trouble imagining a world where a reality show about giving dead bodies makeovers would achieve any kind of mainstream success LOL
June 30, 2024
4 Stars
The romance side and the FBI side worked well together. Nice balance throughout. I got sucked in with the story real quick. The characters’ relationship may have developed fast but the level of connection was deep so it offset the instalove in my opinion.
The romance side and the FBI side worked well together. Nice balance throughout. I got sucked in with the story real quick. The characters’ relationship may have developed fast but the level of connection was deep so it offset the instalove in my opinion.
March 12, 2022
crime and sapphic brilliance
Second person, 2 POV sapphic crime book. What more could a girl really ask for. A fantastic combination of crime and love story twisted together in a well balanced flow. I adored both main characters but I am easily team Dak. I fell in love with the family dynamics, the imperfections of the characters, the red herrings, and the humour and tension.
Nyx’s writing is power and beautiful.
Second person, 2 POV sapphic crime book. What more could a girl really ask for. A fantastic combination of crime and love story twisted together in a well balanced flow. I adored both main characters but I am easily team Dak. I fell in love with the family dynamics, the imperfections of the characters, the red herrings, and the humour and tension.
Nyx’s writing is power and beautiful.
October 25, 2022
Predictable in the best way
The case itself wasn't overly predictable, but it followed the MO of a typical murder investigation/romance. Cop/Agent who's closed themselves off, meets cute lady who ends up with a connection to the ongoing serial case, and in the killers crosshairs. Everything that happens after that is basically formulaic, but isn't that why we read romance? If we didn't want tropes we wouldn't keep reading them so obsessively.
The case itself could have used some more attention. We didn't get answers to some questions, once the mystery was solved, there wasn't really a resolution. More could have been done with the case as a whole given the results of it. I'm being vague so as not to give spoilers, but suffice to say that there were some missed opportunities there to develop that plotline.
Still, I enjoyed the story overall, and will be following this author.
The case itself wasn't overly predictable, but it followed the MO of a typical murder investigation/romance. Cop/Agent who's closed themselves off, meets cute lady who ends up with a connection to the ongoing serial case, and in the killers crosshairs. Everything that happens after that is basically formulaic, but isn't that why we read romance? If we didn't want tropes we wouldn't keep reading them so obsessively.
The case itself could have used some more attention. We didn't get answers to some questions, once the mystery was solved, there wasn't really a resolution. More could have been done with the case as a whole given the results of it. I'm being vague so as not to give spoilers, but suffice to say that there were some missed opportunities there to develop that plotline.
Still, I enjoyed the story overall, and will be following this author.
May 11, 2022
A cold case FBI agent and a TV mortician vs a serial killer
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: butch character, favorite trope, meet-cute, not a romance, possibly other categories
An FBI agent that solves cold cases is called back to their last case to catch the active serial killer tied to her investigation. During the hunt, the neighbors' daughter, a reality show mortician, became romantically involved with the agent. The mortician was such an expert at her work that she "fixed" the victims' wounds well enough for them to have open casket funerals. The killer was enraged by the ruin of his creations and decided to act out in retaliation.
It was an interesting read, especially with the use of a character being a reality TV mortician. I don't watch TV, so I wouldn't know if this show could or already does exist. I can't imagine a family allowing a loved one to be televised in that manner, but it would be fascinating to watch.
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: butch character, favorite trope, meet-cute, not a romance, possibly other categories
An FBI agent that solves cold cases is called back to their last case to catch the active serial killer tied to her investigation. During the hunt, the neighbors' daughter, a reality show mortician, became romantically involved with the agent. The mortician was such an expert at her work that she "fixed" the victims' wounds well enough for them to have open casket funerals. The killer was enraged by the ruin of his creations and decided to act out in retaliation.
It was an interesting read, especially with the use of a character being a reality TV mortician. I don't watch TV, so I wouldn't know if this show could or already does exist. I can't imagine a family allowing a loved one to be televised in that manner, but it would be fascinating to watch.
April 9, 2022
a fantastic book
Engaging characters, a story full of twists and turns, that kept the pages turning long after I should have been in bed. Robyn Nyx is a wordsmith that takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and drops you off at a HEA, but only after you’ve bitten your nails down to the quick.
Engaging characters, a story full of twists and turns, that kept the pages turning long after I should have been in bed. Robyn Nyx is a wordsmith that takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and drops you off at a HEA, but only after you’ve bitten your nails down to the quick.
January 3, 2024
Dead Pretty
This is an action-packed novel by Robyn Nyx that kept you intrigued from the beginning. I enjoyed the mystery and romance. I look forward to more books by this author and will continue to follow her.
This is an action-packed novel by Robyn Nyx that kept you intrigued from the beginning. I enjoyed the mystery and romance. I look forward to more books by this author and will continue to follow her.
July 5, 2022
3 stars
An easy romance with a bit of thriller.
An easy romance with a bit of thriller.
January 31, 2022
Dead Pretty starts as a mystery involving a crime that needs to be solved with some hot sex between the main characters, before becoming more of a thriller and a romance, and even more hot sex. It really ticked all my boxes.
The mystery isn’t as straight forward as you might think, and the story keeps you turning the page wanting more. The last few chapters were exhilarating.
The main characters Dax and CJ are very different and from their first meeting you are conscious of those differences. But Robyn Nyx certainly knows how to write a sizzle, and there is a definite spark between the women from that moment. As the story progresses their character ARC’s move along the story ARC and many of the differences between the women you realize resonate with each other.
I particularly enjoyed the depiction of Hamilton, Dax’s temporary partner at work. He has just the right mixture of youthful exuberance and willingness to learn that makes for some amusing moments in the story.
Whilst the story has some crime scenes involving dead bodies and CJ one of the main characters is a mortician, I think that death is handled very sensitively in the story and I found that I was more interested in finding out what the clues were.
I am really hopeful that this is going to be a genre that Robyn Nyx continues to write in. I can’t wait to read her next offering. Well done.
The mystery isn’t as straight forward as you might think, and the story keeps you turning the page wanting more. The last few chapters were exhilarating.
The main characters Dax and CJ are very different and from their first meeting you are conscious of those differences. But Robyn Nyx certainly knows how to write a sizzle, and there is a definite spark between the women from that moment. As the story progresses their character ARC’s move along the story ARC and many of the differences between the women you realize resonate with each other.
I particularly enjoyed the depiction of Hamilton, Dax’s temporary partner at work. He has just the right mixture of youthful exuberance and willingness to learn that makes for some amusing moments in the story.
Whilst the story has some crime scenes involving dead bodies and CJ one of the main characters is a mortician, I think that death is handled very sensitively in the story and I found that I was more interested in finding out what the clues were.
I am really hopeful that this is going to be a genre that Robyn Nyx continues to write in. I can’t wait to read her next offering. Well done.
October 30, 2022
I was so excited to read this book because the plot sounded amazing, however I am a little disappointed as I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would, let’s start with the negatives;
- I found it quite boring at times, it didn’t have me hooked
- didn’t feel connected to any of the characters
- bit of a slow start for the actual storyline, however I felt the relationship between CJ and Dak moved a little too fast and often felt a little forced
- HATED how often the author felt the need to point out CJ’s body image which could be really triggering for some people. We get it, she’s skinny, let’s move on.
- The person who turned out to be the serial killer was way too obvious but there was a twist which I didn’t suspect
Now onto the positives;
- I enjoyed the drama towards the end with the serial killer and the battle to save CJ. It wasn’t underplayed or over the top, it was done just right.
- It had a bit of everything. Romance, smut, drama, suspense and even some comedy
- The book to me kinda resembled the tv show Rizzoli & Isles (one of my favourite shows) not sure if the author took inspiration from that but there was a few similarities that I picked up on
Overall the book was average, I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either.
- I found it quite boring at times, it didn’t have me hooked
- didn’t feel connected to any of the characters
- bit of a slow start for the actual storyline, however I felt the relationship between CJ and Dak moved a little too fast and often felt a little forced
- HATED how often the author felt the need to point out CJ’s body image which could be really triggering for some people. We get it, she’s skinny, let’s move on.
- The person who turned out to be the serial killer was way too obvious but there was a twist which I didn’t suspect
Now onto the positives;
- I enjoyed the drama towards the end with the serial killer and the battle to save CJ. It wasn’t underplayed or over the top, it was done just right.
- It had a bit of everything. Romance, smut, drama, suspense and even some comedy
- The book to me kinda resembled the tv show Rizzoli & Isles (one of my favourite shows) not sure if the author took inspiration from that but there was a few similarities that I picked up on
Overall the book was average, I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either.
January 29, 2022
A dead good read
I was hooked on Robyn Nyx's “Dead Pretty” from the opening page. It starts off running and never slows down.
CJ Johnson’s reality TV show has been axed so she goes back to her hometown to lick her wounds. CJ finds the perfect distraction in the gorgeous butch next door. Special Agent Dak Farrell lives a solitary life on the road solving cold cases for the FBI. When she is asked to assist in the live investigation into a macabre serial killer she reluctantly agrees. Agent Dak is immediately drawn to her neighbour’s daughter, a feisty femme who seems to know exactly what she wants. What starts out as a bit of fun for both women, turns into a matter of life or death.
This is so much more than just a crime procedural about a serial killer with a hot romance. “Dead Pretty” is imaginative, funny and tender with just the right amount of tension and intrigue. It made me laugh out loud one minute and then had my heart racing in suspense the next. Robyn Nyx combines authentic characters, original ideas with a great plot which left me guessing until the dramatic reveal. I absolutely loved this book.
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
I was hooked on Robyn Nyx's “Dead Pretty” from the opening page. It starts off running and never slows down.
CJ Johnson’s reality TV show has been axed so she goes back to her hometown to lick her wounds. CJ finds the perfect distraction in the gorgeous butch next door. Special Agent Dak Farrell lives a solitary life on the road solving cold cases for the FBI. When she is asked to assist in the live investigation into a macabre serial killer she reluctantly agrees. Agent Dak is immediately drawn to her neighbour’s daughter, a feisty femme who seems to know exactly what she wants. What starts out as a bit of fun for both women, turns into a matter of life or death.
This is so much more than just a crime procedural about a serial killer with a hot romance. “Dead Pretty” is imaginative, funny and tender with just the right amount of tension and intrigue. It made me laugh out loud one minute and then had my heart racing in suspense the next. Robyn Nyx combines authentic characters, original ideas with a great plot which left me guessing until the dramatic reveal. I absolutely loved this book.
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
March 2, 2022
A gripping read! This is a well worked crime procedural novel with a hot lesbian romance worked into it. The plot is inventive and unusual in the choices of characters.
CJ and Dak at first glance couldn't be more different, but they both have family issues, that have made them build walls around their heart. Their chance encounter hits both of them unexpectedly with the instant chemistry. The dialogues are as witty as they are revealing. While mischievously playful CJ tries to lure Dak out of her shell, she unwittingly drives herself deeper and deeper into the "unknown" feelings that she will finally have to admit to being love.
As the case Dak is working on gets worse their mutual feelings get stronger until the perp starts going after them. The resolution is as unexpected as it is inventive, I simply could not put the book down before I'd read it to the last page.
CJ and Dak at first glance couldn't be more different, but they both have family issues, that have made them build walls around their heart. Their chance encounter hits both of them unexpectedly with the instant chemistry. The dialogues are as witty as they are revealing. While mischievously playful CJ tries to lure Dak out of her shell, she unwittingly drives herself deeper and deeper into the "unknown" feelings that she will finally have to admit to being love.
As the case Dak is working on gets worse their mutual feelings get stronger until the perp starts going after them. The resolution is as unexpected as it is inventive, I simply could not put the book down before I'd read it to the last page.
February 26, 2022
Dead Pretty is my favorite type of book. Serial killers, smart law enforcement, strong tough women. And some steamy romance to spice things up. It pulled me in from the very start and did not let go. FBI agent Dak is swoon worth, but so much more than that. C J is a party girl with family issues. Both main characters are just so fleshed out. I felt like I knew them like friends. But there is so many other characters in the story. The Serial killer search is well told and grabs hold. Details are well thought out. Just a thrilling read. I could not figure it out. And I loved that. I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews