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Vampire Pet Boutique Mysteries #1
A Fang to Remember
A disabled vampire who runs a pet boutique? Impossible. Unless, of course, everything you've been told about vampires is a lie…
You'd think Arteria Falls, Colorado would be riddled with dead bodies considering its vampire population, but Josie and her fellow vampires live peacefully in their little hidden town. Josie is just an average resident running a pet boutique while managing her disability until her best customer is murdered…in her friend’s bakery.
Stunned to hear that the kindhearted baker is now the prime suspect in the murder, Josie must resurrect the investigation skills she acquired while working for her grandfather’s P.I. business to help clear her friend’s name. But as she unravels the web of lies and secrets woven around the victim, it becomes clear a killer more devious than Dracula himself is on the loose. Josie fears her pained joints might give up before she can stop them.
With more suspects on the list than Josie has working joints, can Arteria Falls’ only P.I. catch the killer before they claim another victim?
If you like cozy towns, vivacious vampires, and charming canine companions, then you'll love Elle Wren Burke’s fangtastic mystery.
Sharpen your fangs and buy A Fang to Remember today!
You'd think Arteria Falls, Colorado would be riddled with dead bodies considering its vampire population, but Josie and her fellow vampires live peacefully in their little hidden town. Josie is just an average resident running a pet boutique while managing her disability until her best customer is murdered…in her friend’s bakery.
Stunned to hear that the kindhearted baker is now the prime suspect in the murder, Josie must resurrect the investigation skills she acquired while working for her grandfather’s P.I. business to help clear her friend’s name. But as she unravels the web of lies and secrets woven around the victim, it becomes clear a killer more devious than Dracula himself is on the loose. Josie fears her pained joints might give up before she can stop them.
With more suspects on the list than Josie has working joints, can Arteria Falls’ only P.I. catch the killer before they claim another victim?
If you like cozy towns, vivacious vampires, and charming canine companions, then you'll love Elle Wren Burke’s fangtastic mystery.
Sharpen your fangs and buy A Fang to Remember today!
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2022
93 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
September 12, 2022
I received a free eARC of this book, and am glad I did! It gives me an opportunity to voluntarily share my reactions with you!
Sometimes, a book just hits at the right time. I mostly read eARCs of children’s/MG books because those are the ones I want to consider adding to the library. However, this one pulled me in from the cover on. See, there aren’t many books with a wheelchair on the cover that aren’t “disabled protagonist is so inspirational and often dies an inspirational death”. Wheelchairs, or other signs of disability on book covers are kind of like dogs on Newberry award winners-a sign that it’s going to be a tear jerker.
But. This was a cozy mystery. While most cozies begin with a death, they’re not one where the protagonist is going to die an inspirational death. Typically, they’re a non-professional protagonist figuring out a crime before the pros do, often through contacts made via their job of hobby. They’re fun reads, one of my favorite genres just for fun, and one that I often recommend for advanced readers who aren’t quite ready for the emotional intensity of many YA books.
So, I gave it a try. All the cozy requirements are there. Josie runs a pet boutique. Furthermore, she’s a vampire, in a town of mostly vampires. And she has hyper mobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which makes walking physically hard and standing painful. When her friend and fellow business owner is accused of the death of a frequent customer, she decides that she needs to check it out, using skills learned from her long disappeared grandfather, who was a PI.
And here is where this book really shines. Because while the “supernatural world is a normal world” and “hobbyist sleuth” are both well known genres, they don’t generally intersect with disability. And it is in this vein (pun intended) that this shines. Because this is literally the first book I have EVER read-and remember, I read a lot of books for kids designed to support diversity-that realistically explains how much mobility aids actually increase mobility and how moving to a wheelchair isn’t a “poor thing”, but actually makes life easier. It’s the first book I can remember reading that is realistic about the physical obstacles a wheelchair user faces. The first book that is realistic about the sheer physical exhaustion just getting through the day with chronic pain causes. All without ever infantilizing the protagonist or making her unable to still solve the mystery and save the day.
If you are a cozy mystery fan, check this book out. It’s a good cozy. But it is the fact that Josie is an extremely capable person who has a disability, not a disability which happens to have a name attached, that makes this book really shine. And it’s why I am begging those of you who read this to go check it out once it’s released in a few weeks. Not just because this is a good book, but because the world NEEDS more books with people who have disabilities where the focus is the person, not the disability. And the only way that will happen is if publishers realize that these are stories people want to hear.
Sometimes, a book just hits at the right time. I mostly read eARCs of children’s/MG books because those are the ones I want to consider adding to the library. However, this one pulled me in from the cover on. See, there aren’t many books with a wheelchair on the cover that aren’t “disabled protagonist is so inspirational and often dies an inspirational death”. Wheelchairs, or other signs of disability on book covers are kind of like dogs on Newberry award winners-a sign that it’s going to be a tear jerker.
But. This was a cozy mystery. While most cozies begin with a death, they’re not one where the protagonist is going to die an inspirational death. Typically, they’re a non-professional protagonist figuring out a crime before the pros do, often through contacts made via their job of hobby. They’re fun reads, one of my favorite genres just for fun, and one that I often recommend for advanced readers who aren’t quite ready for the emotional intensity of many YA books.
So, I gave it a try. All the cozy requirements are there. Josie runs a pet boutique. Furthermore, she’s a vampire, in a town of mostly vampires. And she has hyper mobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which makes walking physically hard and standing painful. When her friend and fellow business owner is accused of the death of a frequent customer, she decides that she needs to check it out, using skills learned from her long disappeared grandfather, who was a PI.
And here is where this book really shines. Because while the “supernatural world is a normal world” and “hobbyist sleuth” are both well known genres, they don’t generally intersect with disability. And it is in this vein (pun intended) that this shines. Because this is literally the first book I have EVER read-and remember, I read a lot of books for kids designed to support diversity-that realistically explains how much mobility aids actually increase mobility and how moving to a wheelchair isn’t a “poor thing”, but actually makes life easier. It’s the first book I can remember reading that is realistic about the physical obstacles a wheelchair user faces. The first book that is realistic about the sheer physical exhaustion just getting through the day with chronic pain causes. All without ever infantilizing the protagonist or making her unable to still solve the mystery and save the day.
If you are a cozy mystery fan, check this book out. It’s a good cozy. But it is the fact that Josie is an extremely capable person who has a disability, not a disability which happens to have a name attached, that makes this book really shine. And it’s why I am begging those of you who read this to go check it out once it’s released in a few weeks. Not just because this is a good book, but because the world NEEDS more books with people who have disabilities where the focus is the person, not the disability. And the only way that will happen is if publishers realize that these are stories people want to hear.
April 28, 2024
I loved this book and really like the prognostic, Josie Wixx. She is such a gutsy girl that it's very easy to forget that she is a vampire and is disabled. Every time she pointed out her pain, I would cringe because I know what chronic pain is like.
I am so happy that the author is writing about someone who has not only a disability but has chronic pain as well. I don't believe that there is any other books where any of the characters have these types of disabilities. I am hoping that these stories brings awareness to these conditions. Thank you Elle Wren Burke for bringing attention to these conditions.
I volunteered a honest review for a free copy of this book.
I am so happy that the author is writing about someone who has not only a disability but has chronic pain as well. I don't believe that there is any other books where any of the characters have these types of disabilities. I am hoping that these stories brings awareness to these conditions. Thank you Elle Wren Burke for bringing attention to these conditions.
I volunteered a honest review for a free copy of this book.
September 16, 2022
A Fang to Remember was a sweet light and cozy read that grabbed my attention from the beginning. A Fang to Remember has more to offer than just a mystery to solve. A Fang to Remember is about a town of vampires who live in secret away from the eyes of humans. With the exception of a few humans who keep their secret well.
As the people of Arteria Falls, Colorado will testify, yeah, you guessed it vampires are real but they are not like all the fantasy stories you have read about. No, these vampires are unlike any you have probably heard of before.
Josie Wixx is just your average vampire with a very beautiful canine friend. Josie runs a pet boutique and is disabled. Josie is in a lot of pain constantly. The pain gets so bad that it is hard for her to stay on her feet.
One of Josie’s best customers is murdered in her best friend’s bakery and is the number one suspect. Josie knows or believes that her friend is innocent so when she asks her to find out who the real killer is she accepts.
A Fang to Remember was a fun and cozy read that kept me guessing as to whodunit right up until the end. It had me racing to the end to find out what really happened and why. I was filled with so many questions from the moment the dude died until the killer was exposed.
A Fang to Remember will stay with me for a long time to come. As I write my review for A Fang to Remember I am sitting here contemplating the next book in the Vampire Pet Boutique Mysteries and all that it may or could entail.
I highly recommend A Fang to Remember to anyone looking for a sweet and cozy mystery with a vampire or two thrown in! Grab your copy of A Fang to Remember today for a cozy adventure!
As the people of Arteria Falls, Colorado will testify, yeah, you guessed it vampires are real but they are not like all the fantasy stories you have read about. No, these vampires are unlike any you have probably heard of before.
Josie Wixx is just your average vampire with a very beautiful canine friend. Josie runs a pet boutique and is disabled. Josie is in a lot of pain constantly. The pain gets so bad that it is hard for her to stay on her feet.
One of Josie’s best customers is murdered in her best friend’s bakery and is the number one suspect. Josie knows or believes that her friend is innocent so when she asks her to find out who the real killer is she accepts.
A Fang to Remember was a fun and cozy read that kept me guessing as to whodunit right up until the end. It had me racing to the end to find out what really happened and why. I was filled with so many questions from the moment the dude died until the killer was exposed.
A Fang to Remember will stay with me for a long time to come. As I write my review for A Fang to Remember I am sitting here contemplating the next book in the Vampire Pet Boutique Mysteries and all that it may or could entail.
I highly recommend A Fang to Remember to anyone looking for a sweet and cozy mystery with a vampire or two thrown in! Grab your copy of A Fang to Remember today for a cozy adventure!
December 10, 2022
I am a fan of Elle Wren Burke's Prickly Pear Psychic series and was eager to read A Fang to Remember, the first book in the Vampire Pet Boutique Mystery series. The main character in this new series is Josie Wixx, who like the author, has a condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Josie is managing a disability, running her pet boutique, and enjoying life with her fellow vampires in the small town of Arteria Falls, Colorado.
When her best friend becomes the prime suspect in a murder. Josie uses skills she had developed working as a private investigator with her missing grandfather to find the real killer. Josie is a thorough sleuth and it's especially fun reading about her investigation since she has experience as a PI.
This cozy has many realistic elements, but also has a paranormal element. The author does a really good job creating the setting for the book and establishing her own vampire characteristics, such as vampires having a much longer lifespan than humans, but not being immortal. I enjoyed getting to know more about Josie, her medical condition, and the town of Arteria Falls. I really loved Josie's grandmother who made a short, but impactful appearance in the book. I hope she plays a larger part in future books in this fun series.
I received a copy of this book from the author at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
When her best friend becomes the prime suspect in a murder. Josie uses skills she had developed working as a private investigator with her missing grandfather to find the real killer. Josie is a thorough sleuth and it's especially fun reading about her investigation since she has experience as a PI.
This cozy has many realistic elements, but also has a paranormal element. The author does a really good job creating the setting for the book and establishing her own vampire characteristics, such as vampires having a much longer lifespan than humans, but not being immortal. I enjoyed getting to know more about Josie, her medical condition, and the town of Arteria Falls. I really loved Josie's grandmother who made a short, but impactful appearance in the book. I hope she plays a larger part in future books in this fun series.
I received a copy of this book from the author at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
September 11, 2022
It's absolutely FANGTASTIC! Yep, I went there. I couldn't put it down. As this is a first in series I won't give much away. Promise.
Josie, the main character, is the resident vampire pet boutique owner (VampPets)/P.I., dis-capable (I dislike the term disabled) and all around bada$$. Lynnae is her vampire BFF and roommate. Disha is a human friend and resident veterinarian. And Calder...ooh la la...friend number three of the Josie's, a doctor and vampire hot bod. And the two side characters that definitely deserve mentioning. One, Matilda, Josie's beautiful Scottish Terrier and Zippy, Josie's brand spanking new, bright pink wheelchair. They all live in Arteria Falls, Colorado. A hidden vamp town that does allow a select few vetted humans to live and work there. Vamps can't do it all, right?
This murder mystery was written in such a way it had my brain spinning. In a good way! As soon as I thought I knew who the culprit was, there was another suspect thrown in. I just knew in my gut I had it solved three times and three times, I was wrong. That's some impressive sleuth writing. Other then murder, it has, humor, sexual tension, red herrings, drama and a bittersweet event in Josie's life. The next book promises more glimpses into the latter.
It's also written with much respect and touches on long overdue issues that Josie deals with on a daily basis. I can relate, different problems but same outcome. Cane and wheelchair. It's about time we got a dis-capable (I dislike the term disabled) bada$$ main character we can root for. Go Josie and thanks Elle!!!
In this woman's opinion you should buy now with one click. You'll be glad you did. Elle Wren Burke knocked it out of the park!
Josie, the main character, is the resident vampire pet boutique owner (VampPets)/P.I., dis-capable (I dislike the term disabled) and all around bada$$. Lynnae is her vampire BFF and roommate. Disha is a human friend and resident veterinarian. And Calder...ooh la la...friend number three of the Josie's, a doctor and vampire hot bod. And the two side characters that definitely deserve mentioning. One, Matilda, Josie's beautiful Scottish Terrier and Zippy, Josie's brand spanking new, bright pink wheelchair. They all live in Arteria Falls, Colorado. A hidden vamp town that does allow a select few vetted humans to live and work there. Vamps can't do it all, right?
This murder mystery was written in such a way it had my brain spinning. In a good way! As soon as I thought I knew who the culprit was, there was another suspect thrown in. I just knew in my gut I had it solved three times and three times, I was wrong. That's some impressive sleuth writing. Other then murder, it has, humor, sexual tension, red herrings, drama and a bittersweet event in Josie's life. The next book promises more glimpses into the latter.
It's also written with much respect and touches on long overdue issues that Josie deals with on a daily basis. I can relate, different problems but same outcome. Cane and wheelchair. It's about time we got a dis-capable (I dislike the term disabled) bada$$ main character we can root for. Go Josie and thanks Elle!!!
In this woman's opinion you should buy now with one click. You'll be glad you did. Elle Wren Burke knocked it out of the park!
September 24, 2022
I took one look at the cover of this novel, and I knew I had to jump right on it! A heroine in a wheelchair. Well, I have a daughter in a wheelchair, and it is about time this population is represented. Now this novel gets a little more complicated. Our protagonist, Josie is a disabled vampire who runs a pet boutique. Now isn't that an interesting premise. Add to that a somewhat rural community in Colorado that has a rather large vampire population. But here is seems everyone dwells in peace. Until there is a murder, and her friend is accused. Josie decides she needs to dig our her detective skills from when she worked for her grandfather's P.I. business to help clear her friend’s name.
Can Josie do this without putting herself in the murder's crosshairs? A truly intriguing story. You will not want to miss this one! I wonder what this author has up her sleeves for the next novel? I can't wait! I received this novel from BookFunnel. this is my true and honest review.
Can Josie do this without putting herself in the murder's crosshairs? A truly intriguing story. You will not want to miss this one! I wonder what this author has up her sleeves for the next novel? I can't wait! I received this novel from BookFunnel. this is my true and honest review.
October 15, 2022
The first book in a very promising series that you can't put down! The main character, Josie, former PI with her grandfather now resides in Arteria Falls, CO and runs a Pet Boutique. A town where vampires and humans live in harmony. Josie is disabled and has a disability that affects her ability to walk or stand for long periods of time without pain. When one of her best friends, Isa who owns the best bakery in town, is accused of murdering Oliver, a customer, Josie jumps right in to find the real murderer. Isa is the sweetest, kindest person there is and she could never have murdered anyone. With the help of her friends, the search is on. With so many red-herrings, wrong turns, secrets and a bit of humor, you just can't put this book down once you begin! This is the beginning of a wonderful new series and I can't wait to read more! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
December 11, 2022
Layered like a parfait.
As an Urban Fantasy, it makes a good cozy murder mystery.
And a really good PSA on remembering disabled people and LGBTQ+ people. ARE people. This is the first time that I can recall a MC who had mobility issues.
There are people who would sneer and call this book "woke" and mean it as a negative. There are those who would describe Josie as "unrelatable". I relate. I'm a woman with a disability that causes me challenges. And I'm not rare.
If as a reader you have any shred of empathy, you will read the entire story, not skipping
the disability parts, particularly if you find them uncomfortable.
If the author would go a little deeper into describing things, I would appreciate it.
As an Urban Fantasy, it makes a good cozy murder mystery.
And a really good PSA on remembering disabled people and LGBTQ+ people. ARE people. This is the first time that I can recall a MC who had mobility issues.
There are people who would sneer and call this book "woke" and mean it as a negative. There are those who would describe Josie as "unrelatable". I relate. I'm a woman with a disability that causes me challenges. And I'm not rare.
If as a reader you have any shred of empathy, you will read the entire story, not skipping
the disability parts, particularly if you find them uncomfortable.
If the author would go a little deeper into describing things, I would appreciate it.
September 19, 2022
Vampire Pet Boutique mystery 1
Set in a vampire city where vanps live on bag blood and lead regular lives , former PI now pet boutique owner Josie , finds her friend being accused of a murder she did not commit. Josie takes the case to keep Isa out of jail. Setting out in her new hot pink wheelchair to gather the clues.
I loved this story and it's main character Josie Wixx, a handicapable wheelchair riding vampire owner of a pet boutique.
I loved the idea of a vampire city with a few humans in the mix. And I enjoyed the author's version of what vampire life is like.
5 stars at good reads
I received this book free from Booksirens and am providing a fair and honest review.
Set in a vampire city where vanps live on bag blood and lead regular lives , former PI now pet boutique owner Josie , finds her friend being accused of a murder she did not commit. Josie takes the case to keep Isa out of jail. Setting out in her new hot pink wheelchair to gather the clues.
I loved this story and it's main character Josie Wixx, a handicapable wheelchair riding vampire owner of a pet boutique.
I loved the idea of a vampire city with a few humans in the mix. And I enjoyed the author's version of what vampire life is like.
5 stars at good reads
I received this book free from Booksirens and am providing a fair and honest review.
September 20, 2022
I enjoyed this book immensely! Wonderful quirky characters and a very well written storyline! I never knew that a vampire story could be so much fun! Plus the "who done it" angle had me guessing almost until the end! Don't miss it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I'm definitely going to be looking to buy the rest of them!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I'm definitely going to be looking to buy the rest of them!
February 22, 2024
When a man dies in Josie’s friend's bakery, the police think they’ve found the killer. They don’t see why they should have to look any further, so Josie’s on the case.
The casual inclusivity makes this a delightful find. Sure, the language is a bit clunky and the dialogue is stilted in places. But it’s still a charming find.
The casual inclusivity makes this a delightful find. Sure, the language is a bit clunky and the dialogue is stilted in places. But it’s still a charming find.
September 13, 2022
First and foremost I would like to thank Elle Wren Burke for the Arc copy of A Fang to Remember.
A Fang to Remember is the first installment of the Vampire Pet Boutique Mysteries. This book follows Josie Wixx — Vampire PI and Pet Boutique owner, Matilda (her canine companion), and her merry band of besties both humans and vampires alike.
In the secret vampire town of Arteria Falls, it is a day like any other — until everyone’s favorite customer is killed next door at her friends bakery. In a race against an arrest warrant, Josie uses all her PI skills taught to her by her grandfather while also managing both her condition and a business and ultimately catching a killer!
5 FANGTASTIC STARS FOR THE VAMPY WHO DUNNIT! A must read! This book kept me intrigued and turning pages til the very end. I look forward to reading the next installment.
A Fang to Remember is the first installment of the Vampire Pet Boutique Mysteries. This book follows Josie Wixx — Vampire PI and Pet Boutique owner, Matilda (her canine companion), and her merry band of besties both humans and vampires alike.
In the secret vampire town of Arteria Falls, it is a day like any other — until everyone’s favorite customer is killed next door at her friends bakery. In a race against an arrest warrant, Josie uses all her PI skills taught to her by her grandfather while also managing both her condition and a business and ultimately catching a killer!
5 FANGTASTIC STARS FOR THE VAMPY WHO DUNNIT! A must read! This book kept me intrigued and turning pages til the very end. I look forward to reading the next installment.
September 14, 2022
This was a really great cozy paranormal mystery. The characters and story arc were well developed and kept you engaged. The fact that the main character, Josie had a disability made the story all that more engaging, as she gave a voice and characterization to conditions that are often hiding in plain site. While it was not literary fiction it was a great light read with just the right amount of mystery, adorable pets and romantic tension to help you escape into another world. I am looking forward to the next chapter in Josie's adventures and those of her fellow vampires and humans in Arteria Falls.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the author and BookSirens for allowing me the opportunity to review this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the author and BookSirens for allowing me the opportunity to review this book.
September 14, 2022
Josie is vampire in a hidden vampire town and destroys all the cliched vampire myths. First, Josie has Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which causes severe pain and makes walking and standing excruciating. Soon Josie gets her wheelchair and feels liberated! Don’t pity her or call her an inspiration. She is not a shrinking violet and holds her own in a confrontation.
When a vampire drops dead in the bakery belonging to her friend, Josie returns to her PI background to find the murderer.
This is a good mystery with humor (vampires do not glitter), a touch of romance, and a feisty heroine. Enjoy!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When a vampire drops dead in the bakery belonging to her friend, Josie returns to her PI background to find the murderer.
This is a good mystery with humor (vampires do not glitter), a touch of romance, and a feisty heroine. Enjoy!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2022
This is a very clever storyline, very twisted. I enjoyed watching this unfold trying to figure out who did it. I’m enjoying this series very much, it’s really very different!
December 26, 2022
This was a cute start to the series. I liked the premise of having vampires living in communities and towns dedicated to vampires. I liked the puns and play on words (Arteria Falls?!?!). I don’t think I’ve ever read a cozy with a disabled MC before. Josie, the MC, talks a lot about the struggles she has with her disability, as well as the achievements, which I thought was cool. I liked meeting the characters, both human and vampire, and seeing their interactions. Also, I liked Josie jumping back in to PI life, and I’m looking forward to learning more about what happened with her grandpa.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2022
I loved this book. I felt really connected with the characters. It is a fun book with a vampire twist.
January 7, 2025
Ah what a fun book! I read the novella and have been following the author through her newsletter, so I had high hopes that this book would not disappoint, and it didn’t!
Probably the best thing is the representation. Josie has EDS and uses a wheelchair to move with less pain. This might be my first book ever where the main character uses a wheelchair, and I have to say, FINALLY! Of course disability rep is important specifically for disabled people, but it also helps non-disabled people, like me, to see things from a different perspective and learn
It is so important to see a disabled person just living. This story is not about Josie’s disability, she just happens to have it and there is no hidden message like “she’s so inspirational” and she doesn’t end up dead just to be some tearjerker. She also talks a bit about how she likes Calder and would love to date him, but she thinks he couldn’t handle all her pain and she would just be a burden. To me this was very relatable even if in a lesser and different way, and I appreciated her mentioning this.
A lot of characters belonging to the LGBT+ community are present, and it fits really well. Maybe the introduction of the non binary character was a bit clumsy, but the variety is nice and very natural.
The setting is interesting too, maybe we didn’t get to see the boutique that much, but the vampire city is really cool and different from anything I read before, and was fun to hear about how they get things sent in and how blood is made in different places.
The only thing that bothered me was part of the mystery. The murder itself was good,
But excluding that, I still had fun. I can’t give this book 5 stars, but 4 is definitely right for me, and I am hopeful the next books will be even better.
Probably the best thing is the representation. Josie has EDS and uses a wheelchair to move with less pain. This might be my first book ever where the main character uses a wheelchair, and I have to say, FINALLY! Of course disability rep is important specifically for disabled people, but it also helps non-disabled people, like me, to see things from a different perspective and learn
It is so important to see a disabled person just living. This story is not about Josie’s disability, she just happens to have it and there is no hidden message like “she’s so inspirational” and she doesn’t end up dead just to be some tearjerker. She also talks a bit about how she likes Calder and would love to date him, but she thinks he couldn’t handle all her pain and she would just be a burden. To me this was very relatable even if in a lesser and different way, and I appreciated her mentioning this.
A lot of characters belonging to the LGBT+ community are present, and it fits really well. Maybe the introduction of the non binary character was a bit clumsy, but the variety is nice and very natural.
The setting is interesting too, maybe we didn’t get to see the boutique that much, but the vampire city is really cool and different from anything I read before, and was fun to hear about how they get things sent in and how blood is made in different places.
The only thing that bothered me was part of the mystery. The murder itself was good,
But excluding that, I still had fun. I can’t give this book 5 stars, but 4 is definitely right for me, and I am hopeful the next books will be even better.
October 14, 2022
Originally posted on Just Geeking by.
Content warnings:
I was looking forward to an urban fantasy novel with a protagonist with hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) as it’s a condition I have myself, however, I ended up DNFing this book at twelve percent. There were several issues with A Fang to Remember that caused me to stop reading the book. The author’s writing is very basic, and is littered with grammar and spelling mistakes that an editor or beta reader should have picked up. Advanced reader copies (ARCs) may have some errors, however, by this point they are expected to be fully edited. Book reviewers are not beta readers, and it is not our job to point out issues like this to the author. A Fang to Remember is also available on Kindle Unlimited and I took a moment to compare it to my ARC; the copies are exactly the same, mistakes included which is pretty embarrassing and very unprofessional.
The basic mistakes are compounded by Wren Burke’s overuse of a thesaurus, which when used correctly is a writer’s best friend. Unfortunately in this book it’s been used to just toss in flashy words to try and jazz things up, usually incorrectly or at inappropriate types.
Take for example in Chapter one when Josie has just been on her feet helping a difficult customer and has to head out to an appointment. She’s in a lot of pain and has just missed a bus.
“One foot in front of the other, I started down the street, my long, blond (sic) hair sashaying behind me.”
First, no one outside a fashion show or a drag show actually “sashays” and I’m sorry, but even if you’re filled with confidence if you’re in that much chronic pain and using crutches there is no way you’re sashaying anywhere. It’s a completely inappropriate word to use especially when the next paragraph after this talks about struggling with pain. It’s completely at odds with the imagery that the author has just presented. As someone with multiple chronic health conditions I’m here for representation, especially written by disabled people, however, representation needs to be realistic and this just isn’t. I also felt that the author’s basic description of pain was very repetitive, with the same words being used to describe Josie’s symptoms. This may change over the course of the book, but it wasn’t just the author’s writing that put me off.
A Fang to Remember is supposed to be a vampire novel, and I personally love when authors create new vampire mythos. The problem is that in this case the author has skimped on world-building. Just like their writing and editing, their world-building is very lazy. In the universe of A Fang to Remember while vampires do need to drink blood they do not have supernatural strength or speed, they are not immortal, and they can go out during the sun. As Josie explains, blood is the main calorie source for these “vampires” and they are allergic to “almost everything else” except “chocolate, coconut, dates, prunes, coffee, citrus, teas, wine, pickles, olives and seaweed … if eaten correctly”.
Essentially Wren Burke has created her own unique species which would be very interesting except for the fact that she’s trying to pass it off as a type of vampire when the only similarity between this species and vampires is blood drinking. Personally that isn’t enough for me to call this a vampire novel especially when Wren Burke offers no further world building for the species she has created. Why can her vampires only eat those certain foods? No idea! It seems like the author opened a cookbook and chose ingredients at random.
She’s very quick to mock Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series and her sparkly vampires, and no matter how silly the idea of sparkly vampires may sound Meyer’s world-building is solid. She gives good reasoning and explanation for why her vampires have to avoid the sun, and she sticks to various other core tenants of the vampire mythos while also making it her own. It’s really not a good look to call out another author when your own world-building is so poorly constructed.
The icing on the cake was the fact that Josie and her fellow characters are living in a small town just for vampires that appears to double as a vampire themed amusement park. The main street is called “Vein Street”, the waterfalls are called “Arteria Falls” and of course it wouldn’t be perfectly stereotypical without the completely mortal American vampire cursing “who in the bloody bite” after receiving a badly written cryptic poem. That was the point where I finally gave up with this one. I guess the “fangtastic mystery” comment in the synopsis probably should have given me an idea of the level of cringe that I was letting myself in for, but I was hoping that I could overlook it in favour of a book with a disabled protagonist written by a disabled author. No such luck.
Disabled is not a bad word
Just a reminder to non-disabled readers, because apparently it needs to be said again; your opinion on the word disabled is completely irrelevant. When discussing disabled people or characters the term you should be using is disabled whether you like the word or not. There’s a review for this book on Goodreads where a reviewer uses the word “dis-capable” because they “dislike” the word disabled and this is extremely insulting. Using alternatives like this is not respectful, it implies that there is something wrong with being disabled. The only people who have the right to use an alternative word for disabled/disability are those of us who are disabled and if a disabled person has a personal preference they will personally let you know (I personally use disabled, chronically ill or “spoonie” interchangeably).
I can tell that the person who left the review is not disabled because “dis-capable” is a typically ableist alternative as it heavily implies that there is something wrong with the word disabled. Also, a disabled person who disliked the word disabled would have most likely have used an alternative such as spoonie, chronically ill or reclaimed crip/pled that was not offensive. I would have quite happily have called out the reviewer on their review, however, they have their comments set to friends only. Instead, I’m making the point here and hoping to educate others at the same time.
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Content warnings:
I was looking forward to an urban fantasy novel with a protagonist with hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) as it’s a condition I have myself, however, I ended up DNFing this book at twelve percent. There were several issues with A Fang to Remember that caused me to stop reading the book. The author’s writing is very basic, and is littered with grammar and spelling mistakes that an editor or beta reader should have picked up. Advanced reader copies (ARCs) may have some errors, however, by this point they are expected to be fully edited. Book reviewers are not beta readers, and it is not our job to point out issues like this to the author. A Fang to Remember is also available on Kindle Unlimited and I took a moment to compare it to my ARC; the copies are exactly the same, mistakes included which is pretty embarrassing and very unprofessional.
The basic mistakes are compounded by Wren Burke’s overuse of a thesaurus, which when used correctly is a writer’s best friend. Unfortunately in this book it’s been used to just toss in flashy words to try and jazz things up, usually incorrectly or at inappropriate types.
Take for example in Chapter one when Josie has just been on her feet helping a difficult customer and has to head out to an appointment. She’s in a lot of pain and has just missed a bus.
“One foot in front of the other, I started down the street, my long, blond (sic) hair sashaying behind me.”
First, no one outside a fashion show or a drag show actually “sashays” and I’m sorry, but even if you’re filled with confidence if you’re in that much chronic pain and using crutches there is no way you’re sashaying anywhere. It’s a completely inappropriate word to use especially when the next paragraph after this talks about struggling with pain. It’s completely at odds with the imagery that the author has just presented. As someone with multiple chronic health conditions I’m here for representation, especially written by disabled people, however, representation needs to be realistic and this just isn’t. I also felt that the author’s basic description of pain was very repetitive, with the same words being used to describe Josie’s symptoms. This may change over the course of the book, but it wasn’t just the author’s writing that put me off.
A Fang to Remember is supposed to be a vampire novel, and I personally love when authors create new vampire mythos. The problem is that in this case the author has skimped on world-building. Just like their writing and editing, their world-building is very lazy. In the universe of A Fang to Remember while vampires do need to drink blood they do not have supernatural strength or speed, they are not immortal, and they can go out during the sun. As Josie explains, blood is the main calorie source for these “vampires” and they are allergic to “almost everything else” except “chocolate, coconut, dates, prunes, coffee, citrus, teas, wine, pickles, olives and seaweed … if eaten correctly”.
Essentially Wren Burke has created her own unique species which would be very interesting except for the fact that she’s trying to pass it off as a type of vampire when the only similarity between this species and vampires is blood drinking. Personally that isn’t enough for me to call this a vampire novel especially when Wren Burke offers no further world building for the species she has created. Why can her vampires only eat those certain foods? No idea! It seems like the author opened a cookbook and chose ingredients at random.
She’s very quick to mock Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series and her sparkly vampires, and no matter how silly the idea of sparkly vampires may sound Meyer’s world-building is solid. She gives good reasoning and explanation for why her vampires have to avoid the sun, and she sticks to various other core tenants of the vampire mythos while also making it her own. It’s really not a good look to call out another author when your own world-building is so poorly constructed.
The icing on the cake was the fact that Josie and her fellow characters are living in a small town just for vampires that appears to double as a vampire themed amusement park. The main street is called “Vein Street”, the waterfalls are called “Arteria Falls” and of course it wouldn’t be perfectly stereotypical without the completely mortal American vampire cursing “who in the bloody bite” after receiving a badly written cryptic poem. That was the point where I finally gave up with this one. I guess the “fangtastic mystery” comment in the synopsis probably should have given me an idea of the level of cringe that I was letting myself in for, but I was hoping that I could overlook it in favour of a book with a disabled protagonist written by a disabled author. No such luck.
Disabled is not a bad word
Just a reminder to non-disabled readers, because apparently it needs to be said again; your opinion on the word disabled is completely irrelevant. When discussing disabled people or characters the term you should be using is disabled whether you like the word or not. There’s a review for this book on Goodreads where a reviewer uses the word “dis-capable” because they “dislike” the word disabled and this is extremely insulting. Using alternatives like this is not respectful, it implies that there is something wrong with being disabled. The only people who have the right to use an alternative word for disabled/disability are those of us who are disabled and if a disabled person has a personal preference they will personally let you know (I personally use disabled, chronically ill or “spoonie” interchangeably).
I can tell that the person who left the review is not disabled because “dis-capable” is a typically ableist alternative as it heavily implies that there is something wrong with the word disabled. Also, a disabled person who disliked the word disabled would have most likely have used an alternative such as spoonie, chronically ill or reclaimed crip/pled that was not offensive. I would have quite happily have called out the reviewer on their review, however, they have their comments set to friends only. Instead, I’m making the point here and hoping to educate others at the same time.
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February 27, 2024
This book is so unique - in a very good way. A disabled vampire who runs a pet boutique and a lot of cozy mystery.
The author has the same condition as the main character in this book. She is a rockstar! What an amazing author, with an amazing story. Great characters! Great plot!
I highly recommend this series. Very entertaining!
The author has the same condition as the main character in this book. She is a rockstar! What an amazing author, with an amazing story. Great characters! Great plot!
I highly recommend this series. Very entertaining!
October 5, 2022
Contrary to the cover's claim, this is not a Vampire Pet Boutique Mystery. I had hoped the pets were vampires, as it says. However, the book is about a vampire who owns and manages a pet boutique in a hidden town for vampires.
Josie Wixx is a vampire, disabled by a genetic disease--because vamps are like you and me--they just live longer and sometimes spill some AB- on little Daisy's leash. Josie's illness is forcing her to use a wheel chair; which she looks forward to for the relief of some pain.
Moments after the town's favorite and most friendly customer/citizen buys a treat (specially made because vamps can't eat regular human food or pastries) in the local bakery, he dies! Fortunately, Josie used to be a private investigator, so her friend Isa, the baker (and a human) will not be railroaded by the distrusting vamp police.
Don't jump to conclusions! Arteria Falls has more in common with a soap opera than the fun book I was looking for. So drawing any conclusions without all the dirt (and extensive list of blood "mix" drinks we get to picture every few pages, but not test for actual blend-ability without curdling) or other...evidence, would just be silly.
The story began slowly and on a basic level, then shifted into second gear (got its second wind?) and picked up speed.
Although Josie was the main character and narrator, I didn't like her. She was nice enough (usually), but she mostly liked people for what they did for her. For example, instead of accepting responsibility for her self-care and placing a (rolling?) stool on the sales floor for herself to sit on while working or helping a customer, or excusing herself to sit down somewhere else, she gritted her teeth on the increasing pain, and blamed the customer! Then laughed about her intentions--with an employee--to always hand-off that customer in the future. [The last several books I've read had store owners who deserved a C- in customer service at best. It's a disturbing trend.]
If the vampire-cuteness-but-not-sparkle sounds a bit too much so far, the street names, restaurant names, and the constant mention of mixed blood drinks will nudge things closer to the edge. The very, very, very long and careful explanation of what vampires can and cannot eat and/or do, or do not, may be a nudge too far. I debated whether the book was written for kids and mislabeled, or written for adults who are new to the concept of vampires who wear designer jeans. (Can they have missed all of the commercials and movie trailers?)
The plot was fine, although I would have been happier to have everyone clothed (risqué video), but I did not enjoy the book. I felt it was too soap-opera to be fun, and tried so hard to be fun that it could not be taken seriously.
2/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher and BookSirens for this temporary ebook preview; any review is voluntary and entirely my own opinion.
#AFangtoRememberAParanormalVampireCozyMystery
#AParanormalVampireCozyMystery
#AVampiresPetBoutiqueMysteriesBook1
#ElleWrenBurkeh #ElleWrenBurkeAuth
#FictionCozyMysteryAnimalsDogs
#FictionCozyMysteryPetStore
#FictionFemalePrivateDetective
#FictionFemalePrivateInvestigator
#VampireMysteries
#WomenSleuthsKindleStore
#CozyMystery
Josie Wixx is a vampire, disabled by a genetic disease--because vamps are like you and me--they just live longer and sometimes spill some AB- on little Daisy's leash. Josie's illness is forcing her to use a wheel chair; which she looks forward to for the relief of some pain.
Moments after the town's favorite and most friendly customer/citizen buys a treat (specially made because vamps can't eat regular human food or pastries) in the local bakery, he dies! Fortunately, Josie used to be a private investigator, so her friend Isa, the baker (and a human) will not be railroaded by the distrusting vamp police.
Don't jump to conclusions! Arteria Falls has more in common with a soap opera than the fun book I was looking for. So drawing any conclusions without all the dirt (and extensive list of blood "mix" drinks we get to picture every few pages, but not test for actual blend-ability without curdling) or other...evidence, would just be silly.
The story began slowly and on a basic level, then shifted into second gear (got its second wind?) and picked up speed.
Although Josie was the main character and narrator, I didn't like her. She was nice enough (usually), but she mostly liked people for what they did for her. For example, instead of accepting responsibility for her self-care and placing a (rolling?) stool on the sales floor for herself to sit on while working or helping a customer, or excusing herself to sit down somewhere else, she gritted her teeth on the increasing pain, and blamed the customer! Then laughed about her intentions--with an employee--to always hand-off that customer in the future. [The last several books I've read had store owners who deserved a C- in customer service at best. It's a disturbing trend.]
If the vampire-cuteness-but-not-sparkle sounds a bit too much so far, the street names, restaurant names, and the constant mention of mixed blood drinks will nudge things closer to the edge. The very, very, very long and careful explanation of what vampires can and cannot eat and/or do, or do not, may be a nudge too far. I debated whether the book was written for kids and mislabeled, or written for adults who are new to the concept of vampires who wear designer jeans. (Can they have missed all of the commercials and movie trailers?)
The plot was fine, although I would have been happier to have everyone clothed (risqué video), but I did not enjoy the book. I felt it was too soap-opera to be fun, and tried so hard to be fun that it could not be taken seriously.
2/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher and BookSirens for this temporary ebook preview; any review is voluntary and entirely my own opinion.
#AFangtoRememberAParanormalVampireCozyMystery
#AParanormalVampireCozyMystery
#AVampiresPetBoutiqueMysteriesBook1
#ElleWrenBurkeh #ElleWrenBurkeAuth
#FictionCozyMysteryAnimalsDogs
#FictionCozyMysteryPetStore
#FictionFemalePrivateDetective
#FictionFemalePrivateInvestigator
#VampireMysteries
#WomenSleuthsKindleStore
#CozyMystery
October 12, 2022
“A Fang to Remember” (Vampire Pet Boutique Mysteries #1) by Elle Wren Burke. Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery. Location: Arteria Falls, Colorado, USA. Time: Present.
NOTE: Author Burke has the same disability as her main character. She wrote Josie with a disability to help herself process, help people with disabilities feel seen, and help people without disabilities understand what it’s like to live with chronic pain/disabilities.
THE SERIES:
Former private investigator Josie Wixx, 28, has Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. It causes chronic joint and muscle pain and instability. She’s also a vampire with a hot pink wheelchair. Josie and her fellow vampires live peacefully in their hidden town where she runs Matilda’s VamPets pet boutique.
THIS BOOK:
When her best customer is poisoned in Isa’s Eats Bakery, Josie dusts off her investigative skills to clear her friend before she’s arrested for murder.
Recently, Josie’s joints have become unbearably painful. Luckily, her new wheelchair arrives just in time. Now she has to learn to use it while investigating the murder.
This is definitely a themed book. Vampire and pet humor are everywhere, so get ready to enjoy the puns, for fangs sake! Burke’s book includes lots of description. It’s the 1st book in a series so we need to be introduced to Josie’s world. I’m not sure we needed to have everything explained-for example, Elm’s non-binary identity. Using they/them when referring to them might have been enough to normalize Elm’s identity without overemphasizing it.
If you’re a fan of scary vampire books, this isn’t your cup of blood. These vamps won’t feed on you, tear out your throat, or burn to ashes in the sun. But if you like cozy mysteries (where the protagonist just happens to be a friendly vampire with a disability), then check out this book. It’s clever, sweetly snarky, fun, there are puns galore, and you may just increase your understanding about living with a disability. It’s 4 glittery vampire stars from me.🌵📚💁🏼♀️ Thank you BookSirens and author Elle Wren Burke for this e-copy!
NOTE: Author Burke has the same disability as her main character. She wrote Josie with a disability to help herself process, help people with disabilities feel seen, and help people without disabilities understand what it’s like to live with chronic pain/disabilities.
THE SERIES:
Former private investigator Josie Wixx, 28, has Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. It causes chronic joint and muscle pain and instability. She’s also a vampire with a hot pink wheelchair. Josie and her fellow vampires live peacefully in their hidden town where she runs Matilda’s VamPets pet boutique.
THIS BOOK:
When her best customer is poisoned in Isa’s Eats Bakery, Josie dusts off her investigative skills to clear her friend before she’s arrested for murder.
Recently, Josie’s joints have become unbearably painful. Luckily, her new wheelchair arrives just in time. Now she has to learn to use it while investigating the murder.
This is definitely a themed book. Vampire and pet humor are everywhere, so get ready to enjoy the puns, for fangs sake! Burke’s book includes lots of description. It’s the 1st book in a series so we need to be introduced to Josie’s world. I’m not sure we needed to have everything explained-for example, Elm’s non-binary identity. Using they/them when referring to them might have been enough to normalize Elm’s identity without overemphasizing it.
If you’re a fan of scary vampire books, this isn’t your cup of blood. These vamps won’t feed on you, tear out your throat, or burn to ashes in the sun. But if you like cozy mysteries (where the protagonist just happens to be a friendly vampire with a disability), then check out this book. It’s clever, sweetly snarky, fun, there are puns galore, and you may just increase your understanding about living with a disability. It’s 4 glittery vampire stars from me.🌵📚💁🏼♀️ Thank you BookSirens and author Elle Wren Burke for this e-copy!
October 12, 2022
Representation is a theme for me currently. I'm tired of explaining people why I need disabled leads in all kinds of stories. Why I need someone to tell me that yes, I can have adventures and solve murder mysteries and be a vampire and have someone romantically interested in me even though I'm constantly in pain. People can't imagine how much it meant to me to find this book on BookSirens, to be able to download a copy and to read about a heroine almost like me (I have CRPS, not EDS).
In every way this is a normal cozy mystery. The story takes places in a small town. There is a murder and when a close friend is being accused of the murder our heroine has to pick up her PI activities again. We follow our heroine while she searches for clues, interviews people, stumbles upon some dangerous and vague situations and eventually finds the murderer. While she's also struggling with chronic pain, having to navigate the world in a wheelchair and believing the person who's in love with her has no idea what he gets himself into.
I love how the disability aspect in this story was not the main plot-line. This was not about our heroine accepting her medical condition, dying because of it or fighting to get better. But the disability was an active part of the story. It influenced what she could and couldn't do. It made her vulnerable at times. It limited her choices and sometimes forced her to be creative or to ask help. It was there. It was clearly there. In such a way that maybe non-disabled people might understand the struggles a little.
What I loved most though is how it's quite clear the author speaks from experience and does exactly what I dream of doing one day too: She writes the story she would have wanted to read. An exciting mystery filled with twists and turns and an amazing conclusion. An adventure where the girl in the wheelchair eventually does become the hero. A story where vampirism isn't a magical cure and where you can be a bloodsucker and still be in a wheelchair.
I want more like this!
In every way this is a normal cozy mystery. The story takes places in a small town. There is a murder and when a close friend is being accused of the murder our heroine has to pick up her PI activities again. We follow our heroine while she searches for clues, interviews people, stumbles upon some dangerous and vague situations and eventually finds the murderer. While she's also struggling with chronic pain, having to navigate the world in a wheelchair and believing the person who's in love with her has no idea what he gets himself into.
I love how the disability aspect in this story was not the main plot-line. This was not about our heroine accepting her medical condition, dying because of it or fighting to get better. But the disability was an active part of the story. It influenced what she could and couldn't do. It made her vulnerable at times. It limited her choices and sometimes forced her to be creative or to ask help. It was there. It was clearly there. In such a way that maybe non-disabled people might understand the struggles a little.
What I loved most though is how it's quite clear the author speaks from experience and does exactly what I dream of doing one day too: She writes the story she would have wanted to read. An exciting mystery filled with twists and turns and an amazing conclusion. An adventure where the girl in the wheelchair eventually does become the hero. A story where vampirism isn't a magical cure and where you can be a bloodsucker and still be in a wheelchair.
I want more like this!
March 18, 2024
Good
Josie Wixx is a vampire, the owner of a pet boutique, a licensed P.I., and a sufferer of a chronic condition that leaves her in terrible pain and requiring a wheelchair to get around.
When her favourite customer is murdered, Josie is determined to make sure the police don’t just target a convenient human in their vampire town, but actually get the right person; and no wheelchair/crutches/murderously inclined villain is going to stop her from finding the truth.
I enjoyed reading this story of Josie and her condition for several reasons: one, she is unique. I liked seeing her cope with her difficulties, and overcome the inconveniences that the abled world provides for those with mobility devices. Two, the book was actually written from the perspective of someone with experience of these difficulties, and I’m not ashamed to admit that some of these issues never really occurred to me- despite the fact that we used to wheel my mother-in-law around in a wheelchair. The story presented a different view, and I found it fascinating reading.
Paranormal cosy mysteries are one of my favourite genres, and I love to read about the weird and wonderful differences our paranormal characters have; Ellen Wren Burke has presented vampires with a difference, and I enjoyed the many punny references throughout.
The mystery as intriguing, and kept me guessing, but I freely admit I am even more intrigued by the mystery regarding Josie’s grandad, and I’m looking forward to finding out more about that!
Ultimately, this is a mystery with a difference: Josie’s difficulties in navigating life provided me with much food for thought, and I enjoyed the slant the author had on the traditional vampire myth.
If you like paranormal cosy mysteries, or enjoy unusual heroines, then you’ll have fun with this book.
Josie Wixx is a vampire, the owner of a pet boutique, a licensed P.I., and a sufferer of a chronic condition that leaves her in terrible pain and requiring a wheelchair to get around.
When her favourite customer is murdered, Josie is determined to make sure the police don’t just target a convenient human in their vampire town, but actually get the right person; and no wheelchair/crutches/murderously inclined villain is going to stop her from finding the truth.
I enjoyed reading this story of Josie and her condition for several reasons: one, she is unique. I liked seeing her cope with her difficulties, and overcome the inconveniences that the abled world provides for those with mobility devices. Two, the book was actually written from the perspective of someone with experience of these difficulties, and I’m not ashamed to admit that some of these issues never really occurred to me- despite the fact that we used to wheel my mother-in-law around in a wheelchair. The story presented a different view, and I found it fascinating reading.
Paranormal cosy mysteries are one of my favourite genres, and I love to read about the weird and wonderful differences our paranormal characters have; Ellen Wren Burke has presented vampires with a difference, and I enjoyed the many punny references throughout.
The mystery as intriguing, and kept me guessing, but I freely admit I am even more intrigued by the mystery regarding Josie’s grandad, and I’m looking forward to finding out more about that!
Ultimately, this is a mystery with a difference: Josie’s difficulties in navigating life provided me with much food for thought, and I enjoyed the slant the author had on the traditional vampire myth.
If you like paranormal cosy mysteries, or enjoy unusual heroines, then you’ll have fun with this book.
September 23, 2022
A Fang To Remember
When it comes to vampires I am a traditionalist, if it isn’t included in Van Helsing’s summary of vampires in Dracula, it is just wrong.
But if you plan to ignore all the rules at least have the courtesy to say so upfront. And this Elle Wren Burke does so the reader is immediately warned this isn’t your grandma’s vampire story.
The integration of the central character’s limitations is well done, making it clear but not allowing it to box in the story. I am of the mind that this could have been better served in a more conventional story but it does not in any way slow the story’s flow.
The flow of the plot is smooth if a tad conventional but then this is a cozy so Dashiell Hammet plotting cannot be expected.
The majority of the characters have enough life to feel real and the way the world of this story is constructed is believable. I am wondering if excursions are available.
The only minor glitch is in the pet shop which is too cutesy for belief but then this is a cozy.
I am concerned the villain pops up with little foreshadowing, mad as a hatter while never having shown the smidge of a character flaw. Even the missing character is given a more detailed backstory than this hapless killer.
So as a cozy this works well. It is lively and engaging with only a touch of saccharine, not even enough to make a Hallmark movie.
The limitations of the rating system make this a three stars book, but it is really better than that. Let’s say an unofficial three and a half stars. Certainly, for the audience it is aimed at it will be well received. Nicely done even if you did walk away from the source material
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When it comes to vampires I am a traditionalist, if it isn’t included in Van Helsing’s summary of vampires in Dracula, it is just wrong.
But if you plan to ignore all the rules at least have the courtesy to say so upfront. And this Elle Wren Burke does so the reader is immediately warned this isn’t your grandma’s vampire story.
The integration of the central character’s limitations is well done, making it clear but not allowing it to box in the story. I am of the mind that this could have been better served in a more conventional story but it does not in any way slow the story’s flow.
The flow of the plot is smooth if a tad conventional but then this is a cozy so Dashiell Hammet plotting cannot be expected.
The majority of the characters have enough life to feel real and the way the world of this story is constructed is believable. I am wondering if excursions are available.
The only minor glitch is in the pet shop which is too cutesy for belief but then this is a cozy.
I am concerned the villain pops up with little foreshadowing, mad as a hatter while never having shown the smidge of a character flaw. Even the missing character is given a more detailed backstory than this hapless killer.
So as a cozy this works well. It is lively and engaging with only a touch of saccharine, not even enough to make a Hallmark movie.
The limitations of the rating system make this a three stars book, but it is really better than that. Let’s say an unofficial three and a half stars. Certainly, for the audience it is aimed at it will be well received. Nicely done even if you did walk away from the source material
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 15, 2024
I actually really enjoyed this. I’ve had bad luck with cozy mysteries in the past (with the exception of the Skeleton in the Family series from Leigh Perry) but A Fang to Remember turned out to be just what I needed. I finished a fairly upsetting book recently and kind of wanted something lighter to refresh me. The fact that there’s representation for the handicapped/disabled community was a huge bonus, moreso because our main character, Josie, suffers from the same health problems the author has so the reader gets an accurate portrayal rather than a facsimile of what it’s like.
I found myself charmed by the characters and wishing I could visit this secret town of vampires. It sounded quite nice aside from the murder and missing (possibly kidnapped) people. I appreciated that, although many in the small town were supportive of Josie, we also saw the reality of being in a wheelchair: dealing with doors that aren’t handicap friendly, receiving snide remarks and condescending backhand compliments, etc. It’s sad but true, and I was glad that Miss Burke added it in instead of making everyone in the town a saint.
The mystery was a fun one, with plenty of red herrings as well as legitimate clues to lead the reader along. The quirky vampire humor kept things light despite the murder mystery aspect but also didn’t detract from it. Overall, I was pleasantly impressed and will be diving into book two very soon.
I found myself charmed by the characters and wishing I could visit this secret town of vampires. It sounded quite nice aside from the murder and missing (possibly kidnapped) people. I appreciated that, although many in the small town were supportive of Josie, we also saw the reality of being in a wheelchair: dealing with doors that aren’t handicap friendly, receiving snide remarks and condescending backhand compliments, etc. It’s sad but true, and I was glad that Miss Burke added it in instead of making everyone in the town a saint.
The mystery was a fun one, with plenty of red herrings as well as legitimate clues to lead the reader along. The quirky vampire humor kept things light despite the murder mystery aspect but also didn’t detract from it. Overall, I was pleasantly impressed and will be diving into book two very soon.
December 15, 2022
I was intrigued by the premise of this book when I first saw the author talking about it on insta - a paranormal cozy mystery series featuring a disabled vampire? A disabled main character who uses a mobility aid? A cover featuring a person in a wheelchair? It's not something you see a lot of, and I feel like that makes this book even better. I love the rep in this book, I love the fact the author is writing about something very dear to her heart (she also has hEDS like Josie), and I love that the book features a character who is living her best life and who also has a disability.
As to the plot itself, I really enjoyed the mystery. I feel like the first book in a cozy series can be a bit hit or miss since it's setting up the characters and the setting, but this one did not suffer for all that. I loved the explanation of how vampires work in this world and also how a vampire can have hEDS, especially with all the lore around vampires. If I was going to use one word to describe how I felt reading this book it would be organic - everything made sense, and (without spoilers!) the showdown scene was so well done, and it just felt right?
If you enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries, then this is a book you need to pick up. If you want to see a main character who saves the world from her wheelchair, then this is the book for you! I cannot WAIT for the second book.
As to the plot itself, I really enjoyed the mystery. I feel like the first book in a cozy series can be a bit hit or miss since it's setting up the characters and the setting, but this one did not suffer for all that. I loved the explanation of how vampires work in this world and also how a vampire can have hEDS, especially with all the lore around vampires. If I was going to use one word to describe how I felt reading this book it would be organic - everything made sense, and (without spoilers!) the showdown scene was so well done, and it just felt right?
If you enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries, then this is a book you need to pick up. If you want to see a main character who saves the world from her wheelchair, then this is the book for you! I cannot WAIT for the second book.
September 11, 2022
This was so entertaining! I haven't read a vampire book in a long time, so I was excited to see the author had started a new series where the main character is a vampire. A Fang to Remember is the first book in the new Vampire Pet Boutique Mysteries. We are introduced to Josie Wixx, a vampire who is living with chronic illness. Josie is smart, funny, and loyal to her friends and family. When her good friend is the top suspect in a murder investigation, Josie uses her skills as a former private investigator to find the real killer.
The author did a fantastic job of creating the world of Arteria Falls, Colorado, a secret city where vampires (and some humans) reside. I liked learning about the vampires of Arteria Falls, from previous tv shows, movies, etc. there are different ideas about vampires and what they can and can't do. The vampires of Arteria Falls have pretty much normal lives, with a few exceptions.
I appreciated the diverse community that the author created within the story. It is a direction that more cozy mysteries are going. This was a quick read for me, and left me wanting to read more about Josie, and her next adventure!
Thank you to the author for the review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The author did a fantastic job of creating the world of Arteria Falls, Colorado, a secret city where vampires (and some humans) reside. I liked learning about the vampires of Arteria Falls, from previous tv shows, movies, etc. there are different ideas about vampires and what they can and can't do. The vampires of Arteria Falls have pretty much normal lives, with a few exceptions.
I appreciated the diverse community that the author created within the story. It is a direction that more cozy mysteries are going. This was a quick read for me, and left me wanting to read more about Josie, and her next adventure!
Thank you to the author for the review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 21, 2022
“You know, Josie, those who love us, love us,” she said quietly. “All of us. Our passions, our obsessions, our perfections, our flaws. They love the spark inside of us. Keeping yourself from them…isn’t just hard on you. It’s hard on them too. I know you think you’re a burden, but you’re not. Let yourself be loved.”
Josie Wixx, pet-boutique owner and disabled vampire, has a pretty sweet setup in Arteria Falls. Only her disability seems to hold her back at certain times. When her best customer dies almost in front of her, she restarts her PI business after another friend is accused murdering him. This is a recipe where some of the ingredients are dead wrong.
Will Josie be able to solve the case before the police charge the wrong culprit? And, can she accept herself enough to allow more than a friendship with another?
Come meet the vamps and humans that make up the "hidden in plain site" town where living to 100 is not unexpected. It's a town where blood is a major industry and where situations get curiouser and curiouser. It's just another day in Arteria Falls. And, hopefully, we're going to visit a lot in the future. Highly Recommended 5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book from Book Sirens and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
Josie Wixx, pet-boutique owner and disabled vampire, has a pretty sweet setup in Arteria Falls. Only her disability seems to hold her back at certain times. When her best customer dies almost in front of her, she restarts her PI business after another friend is accused murdering him. This is a recipe where some of the ingredients are dead wrong.
Will Josie be able to solve the case before the police charge the wrong culprit? And, can she accept herself enough to allow more than a friendship with another?
Come meet the vamps and humans that make up the "hidden in plain site" town where living to 100 is not unexpected. It's a town where blood is a major industry and where situations get curiouser and curiouser. It's just another day in Arteria Falls. And, hopefully, we're going to visit a lot in the future. Highly Recommended 5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book from Book Sirens and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
February 3, 2024
great mystery; fun and intriguing
What a grand adventure with Josie and her friends and family (and a few not so much friends) A beautiful man killed who was a regular customer at her pet boutique brought Josie out of her self retirement as a PI since her partner went missing-her mentor and grandfather. Every turn of the page brought a surprise or a clue, or sometimes a confusion just like a mystery should!
Elle Wren Burke weaves her tale descriptively with clear details so you feel you are right there alongside Josie. She also carefully and honestly covers Josie’s disability, pain, and daily struggles to maneuver it, and writes thus from personal experience and similar to her own life.
When finally she cracks the case and luckily, is still alive ( though hurting) she hosts her granddad’s 100 year celebration, and the story ends with Josie and with her mom reminiscing and sharing their ache of his being gone.
Definitely I wanted somehow for grampa Roan to pop back somewhere in the story…but alas, it didn’t happen. At the end of the story, she receives a creepy note including a horrific item, which makes her double or more like quadruple down in resolve to find her grandfather.
…and that remains to be solved in another book, I hope favorably!
What a grand adventure with Josie and her friends and family (and a few not so much friends) A beautiful man killed who was a regular customer at her pet boutique brought Josie out of her self retirement as a PI since her partner went missing-her mentor and grandfather. Every turn of the page brought a surprise or a clue, or sometimes a confusion just like a mystery should!
Elle Wren Burke weaves her tale descriptively with clear details so you feel you are right there alongside Josie. She also carefully and honestly covers Josie’s disability, pain, and daily struggles to maneuver it, and writes thus from personal experience and similar to her own life.
When finally she cracks the case and luckily, is still alive ( though hurting) she hosts her granddad’s 100 year celebration, and the story ends with Josie and with her mom reminiscing and sharing their ache of his being gone.
Definitely I wanted somehow for grampa Roan to pop back somewhere in the story…but alas, it didn’t happen. At the end of the story, she receives a creepy note including a horrific item, which makes her double or more like quadruple down in resolve to find her grandfather.
…and that remains to be solved in another book, I hope favorably!
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