The Pinocchio Project

The Mari Fable Mysteries #3

by Emily Fluke

From the streets of San Francisco to a new world of virtual reality, where not even immortality and planning can save me.

I’m officially The Keeper of Stories, but am I the only one? I met a young man who wants to be real, and the mystery of it pulled me into his game, the same place the mysterious, jerkwad Johnson may be hiding. While this alternate reality might offer answers, it also comes with a threat to my life just when I wanted to have another baby.

But I don’t give up. Ever. Even if the investigation tries to kill me.


Content please check my website for further information on a sensitive topic presented in this book.

Genres: Fantasy, Ebooks

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 5, 2022

About the author

Emily 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.

Reviews

[Leslie Erkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this author! Ever have an author you just automatically buy their new books? This is one of those authors!
This is the third book in the Mari Fable mysteries series. You do need to read the first two books. Otherwise you maybe a bit lost.
This story picks up several years after the last book ends. It adds a layer of technology. It revolves around a game. Games are based off of stories after all.
You get the same funny MC characters. Mari & Kai’s Interactions are great as a married couple. You get to see the support and the struggle.
I can’t wait til the next book!

[Emily Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ive never read a Pinocchio retelling, and I've definitely never read a Pinocchio meets Alice in Wonderland story in VR!! I've loved this series so far but this was easily my favorite so far. We get to see a lot more of Mari and Kai interact, and Scarlet (even though she isn't around much in this book) getting a life of her own outside of being a Keeper. Definitely recommend-- but also recommend reading the authors note first as it does cover some heavy topics.

[Sarah Havener · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! It's a really quick read. This book combines everything we know about the Mari Fable Mysteries and adds another layer of technology. It does have a sensitive topic warning about infertility, and having gone through 2 miscarriages myself, it reminded me of my struggles (not in a bad way, just relatable).

[Viviana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before anything this book does have sensitive topic and theme of infertility. I enjoy the vr gaming aspect of it. This book doesnt pick right after the other one it a few years later, since i read the first 2 book i wasnt lost at all. So i recommend reading the first 2 books. I cant wait for the next book.

[Michelle Fluckiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing tale. Such a fun twist on some classic stories that it had me guessing and flipping pages to see how it ended. But then was a little sad that it was over. Can’t wait until the next one. Favorite quote… “This was my story and I could choose any ending I wanted…”

[Christine Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fairy tales.

Once again Emily has shown what a good storyteller and is. She has me excited for her next story. May her imagination lead me where ever it may.

[Debbie Lawrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another smashing fairy tale mash-up in the saga.

[S G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series!

I’m absolutely loving this series. It has the perfect mix of real world and fantasy in it. Def recommend these books!

[Reilly AS · Rating 5 out of 5]

After two and a half years Pinocchio finally makes an appearance again. The modern world has truly twisted his tale and surprised us with a side of Alice in Wonderland.

Pinocchio or Carlo in this rendition is trapped in a videogame and the only people who could save him are Mari, Kai, and of Scarlet. Who come together to try to save both him and the videogame. We also have an annoying reappearance of our most despised villain.

Trigger Warning:
Fertility problems

[Hallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Emily Fluke’s writing. Her stories are always interesting and The Pinocchio Project is no different. Mari is coming into her own as The Keeper of Stories and this time reality is virtual when she has to learn a video game in order to save Pinocchio’s story. I did struggle with the beginning of the book, I thought Mari had lost it with her behavior, but as the book progresses the Mari I’ve come to relate to and love re-emerged. There is a lot of video game talk in this book and as someone who doesn’t know a lot about that I had a harder time getting into this book. The ending was just what you want in a series; leaving you wanting more. I can’t wait to see where Emily takes Mari next.