How to tell if a vampire is lying to you—when his mouth is moving!
To do list:
- Find a missing husband who may or may not be a real dirtbag - Rescue a wizard from a dragon - Save a poodle from getting eaten by vampires—seriously
It’s just another day at JT Investigations, only this case isn’t exactly what it seems. Is it ever?
My name is Jesse Ames. Eleven years at the FBI taught me two things—how to stay alive when a gun is pointed at my head, and that I never want to work for anyone else ever again. When I moved to Atlanta and started my own PI firm, I swore I’d never make my living chasing down missing or philandering spouses. But the rent is due, so when a woman knocked on my door and offered me a boatload of money to track down her missing husband who helped himself to a family heirloom on his way out, I had a hard time saying no. Seemed like easy money.
Wrong.
The local vampire cartel has also taken an interest in my case, and now I’m neck-deep in the shady blood trade questioning who the bad guys really are. Throw in a wizard with a fascination for dinosaurs and Venus flytraps, and my case just got even more complicated.
Did I mention my dead ancestors talk to me, and my partner and I are on the run from a ruthless vampire in New Orleans?
The Chronicles of Jesse Ames series is part of the Katie Bishop universe, so old friends from Savannah will pop in often.
Warning: Jesse has a mouth like a sailor. Colorful language is guaranteed.
Luanne Bennett is an author of fantasy and the supernatural. Born in Chicago, she lives in Georgia these days where she writes full time and doesn’t miss a thing about the cubicles and conference rooms of her old life. When she isn’t writing or dreaming up new stories, she’s usually cooking or tending a herd of felines and basset hounds. Look for book three of the Katie Bishop series coming this spring!
LUANNE BENNETT created one of my favorite urban Fantasy worlds with Katie Bishop. Now, that world continues with the Jesse Ames series and RED WIDOW.
What an outstanding book. I loved the characters personalities.
Jesse: the ex-FBI agent turned private investigator. She rides a classic Harley, carries a gun and a toy poodle in her pocket. She's tattooed with the symbols of her ancestors that inhabit her.
Thor: the shifter and her business partner. He has a huge personality that tends to get him into a lot of trouble.
Then there's Gabriel; our favorite demigod from the Katie Bishop books.
Desperate for work and money, Jesse takes a questionable job from a woman claiming her husband and the family jewels are gone. Jesse has to get them back for her or else..... Bad luck and old vendettas get the most powerful vampire cartels involved and force Jesse to keep working for a madwoman.
We are introduced to a bunch of new characters. Different entities with other supernatural gifts and a new city.
Action packed with all the ingredients for a perfect page turner. This is a must read for fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy fans.
I received this ARC from Luanne Bennett and the publisher -The Word Lounge, LLC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed reading about an older more experienced main female character (instead if a 20-something) and I liked her relationship with Ma and Gabriel who came to her rescue. However, I felt Jesse was caught by surprise and ambushed too many times for someone with 10+ years experience in the FBI and her link to Thor (who by the way seems to be a complete immature idiot) did not make sense to me. The world the book is taking place in has multiple creatures and imo has a rather old-school feel (you may like that) without being something unique so far. I found the important action scenes anticlimactic, done and dusted too quickly, and were a bit lackluster. This is however the first book and connected to another series; things may get better, so I would give it a try if you are looking to read new to you authors.
If you are like me don't read this until you have read the Katie bishop universe books. There is a lot of hints or reminders of past events that just left more focused on what I missed than the current story.
„Red Widow” marks the start to a brand-new a captivating, innovative and gritty urban fantasy series by Luanne Bennett; “The Chronicles of Jesse Ames”, which is takes place in the ‘Katie Bishop Verse’, well-known to Bennett’ fans. Kati and Jesse share common traits, without ever been interchangeable, both are intelligent, strong, smart, and unapologetic, but Jesse’s snark and colourful language surpasses Katie by the experience of a couple of decades 😉 Jesse as a woman in her middle forties: Don’t… Ever… Call… Her… ‘Middle Aged’…. or do it at your own risk and Thor’s fury 😉 and speaking of Thor (another pebble of ‘wisdom’ for you… Don’t… .Ever… Call… Him… Theodore (unless you are Jesse and mad).
Jesse Ames is a force to reckon with at all times, walking the line between paying rent and starvation is not for the faint of character, even when your family is constantly having your back, by living in your brain (literally). As Mrs. Fraser turns on her doorstep looking to hire her to find a strayed husband (and the ring he took with him), Jesse has to make a fast decision: take a case she usually wouldn’t or pay the rent 😊 However, the case turns out to be very different and much dangerous as she was expected.
“The Chronicles of Jesse Ames” is urban fantasy at its very core: well-crafted plot, realistic heroine, a very ‘interesting’ shifter-sidekick you should not miss 😉, relatable stories, set in a world much like our own, with the sole difference of displaying fantastic elements and creatures, who live side-by-side with us. A carefully build world, already familiar to those already acquainted with Bennett’s ‘Katie Bishop’ series, although knowledge of the ‘Katie Bishop’ series is by not means needed to enjoy this new series to the fullest.
Luanne Bennett’s writing style is – as always – amazing; the book is well-written and carefully edited; the story is fast-paced, a veritable page-tuner with a balanced mix of fast-action and in-deep description, a smart plot, fully enjoyable from start to finish, a surely wonderful addition to the verse, a clear recommendation to any fans of solid, good, entertaining UF.
I just love the way Luanne writes! It's like she is sitting right beside me reading me a tall tale. The only other author that does that for me is Robin Hobb, but Luanne does it best. Makes it really hard to put the book down 'ya know?
Having read the Katie Bishop series already, I thought I knew what to expect from this latest offering. What I got was a whole new addition to the existing universe. Luanne's adept worldbuilding is once again on display as the focus shifts from Katie Bishop to Jesse Ames. This book is a great read on it's own, but is a also an awesome new installment to the urban fantasy realm Luanne adds to with each new novel.
I'd always wondered about Jesse's backstory. She came into the Katie Bishop universe partway through the story as did Gabriel. She kind of showed up to help out, and then disappeared again, while Gabriel stuck around. So there's more to these characters than what is in just this book. I'd hoped to maybe someday see a novel on Jesse, but a whole series? I am so in!
Surrounded by a cast of immediately familiar, relatable characters --Vampires, dragons, all manner of beasties and bad guys add spice to great story telling. I can't wait to read the next installment.
Jesse and her poodle Thor are truly one of a kind, a double shifter dog who is a poodle, wolf and a man and Jesse is a ex-FBI agent who is now a private investigator for the Paranormal Community. She takes on the cases that no one else has the experience in dealing with or the ability to understand what they are capable of. She seems to find herself in deep trouble more often than not and she has no problem with friends coming to her aid to help her when she’s in over her head and needs help. Through the decades of her working with the paranormal community she has become friends with some very strong witches, a demigod and a few other creatures who are willing to give her backup when she needs it most. In this case she’s up against a Queen Komodo Dragon who has lied her way into Jessy’s helping her find her husband and has tricked her into believing that he is a normal human being. But he is not. So Jesse has to track down this mysterious husband and figure out what and who he is without getting killed in the meantime. It’s a great read, and she is a friend of Katie Bishop and Jackson of Savannah, Georgia. Definitely worth reading if you’re a fan of the Katie Bishop Series.
Red Widow is the first book in a spinoff series. I didn't realize this so I was expecting a bit more world building. Jesse Ames is a 40-something private eye, which is refreshing compared to the abundance of 20-something urban fantasy heriones. She has the world weariness, but none of the aches & pains most 40 year olds have. That doesn't seem possible, but then Jesse is in much better shape than I have ever been. She spent 10 years in the FBI so she has mad skills and rides a motorcycle.
Her newest client is a woman whose husband has stolen a ring that she desperately wants back. Jesse works with (sleeps with) her partner Thor who is a shapeshifter. She also works with a demigod named Gabriel. Jesse & Thor have a history with the vampires of New Orleans that is never explained so I'm guessing that happened in the first series. I've seen people bragging about that series so if I decide to read the rest of this series I will start with the first one.
This the first instalment of the Chronicles of Jessie Ames and what a start to a new series! From the first chapter to the very last, it is action all the way. It was so good to get to know the actual guy, Thor, as previously we met him, it was usually his two alter-egos. This case centred on The Red Widow (or grieving new bride) when her newly-wed husband disappears with family heirlooms. Because the investigation business is so slack, Jessie and Thor take the job of finding him and the missing valuables – bad idea! There’s so much more to this case than they both envisage and have to call on their friendly demi-god for help, with vampires, fae and shifters at every turn. If you love the Katie Bishop series you will simply love this book. This honest review has been given freely after receiving an ARC.
I actually read the Kate Bishop series but I can’t remember if I finished it or stopped after a few books. Which means I’ll probably have to go through it again. But anyway!
Jesse was pretty funny. A bit of a reckless cannon that also happens to be a lucky shot. She’s always passing out or getting knocked out. Some of the guys gave her eyes but I wasn’t sure why other than her being so brash and assertive. Literally nothing else setting off my romance radar.
The idea was cool and I liked that it unfolded the world with unfolding the bad guys and loose ends in the case and just having everything connect and reveal itself afterward was fun for me. It did take me a while to get it down. I didn’t feel the need to sit and read it all, but rather open it when it was time to wind down.
This was really quite fun to read. The Red Widow follows a minor character from the Katie Bishop books, Jessie Ames - and her wolf-shifter partner, Thor. I really liked that Bennett chose to work with an older protagonist for this series and she did a solid job building the character. I really liked Thor too, even though he doesn't play too big a role in the book. There are actually parts of the book where I found myself chuckling over how Thor's actions reminded me of a big dopey Golden Retriever.
I was a little disappointed in the use of Gabriel as a deus ex machina in several places and thought it would he been truer to a confident, mature woman if Jessie had been able to figure things out on her own, but all in all, this was an entertaining read. Looking forward to book 2!
This is a fantastic addition to the Kate Bishop universe. Fast paced, you find yourself drawn in almost immediately to this exciting and thrilling adventure. Jesse Is our incredible mc who leaves behind the FBI to become a PI, to be her own boss and takes what should be an easy job but of course that just wouldn’t be very interesting to read now would it?? She’s strong, she’s sassy and she’s got one hell of a potty mouth on her but you just can’t help but be on her side throughout everything. It’s one hell of a ride that I am so happy I jumped on board, has vampires, wizards and shifters, old friends and new and this had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I found the author by accident with the Katie Bishop series. Since then, I've tried to stay on top of what's new from her. I've found that I truly enjoy the author's writing style. She creates characters, plots, and storylines that keeps a person's interest.
Her main characters are strong females that aren't always angels, but have a strong sense of loyalty and compassion. Their work ethics are also to be noted. As for Jesse Ames, I can't wait to see what kind of mayhem, chaos, and romance will brew up as the series continues.
This was a nonstop action movie. The writing was good, and the characters were fun; I enjoyed them very much. I did wish that Jess was a little less a hard case. She seemed very busy trying to stand on her own two feet yet needing help from her friend Gabriel quite a lot. it made it difficult at times to like her. I think her edges could be sanded down just a bit. I am hoping that Blade turns out to not be such a bad guy. Maybe a tiny little bit of a white hat in there somewhere. He is quite a character. Then there is Thor. Not sure where he is going; but I am interested in finding out. Looking forward to the next installment for sure.
This is a fantastic start to a new series. Readers have a recognize some characters from this author's Katie Bishop series but this book does not rely heavily upon that series for character depth or plot. This book can be read without reading Ms Bennett's Katie Bishop series beforehand. The characters here have a variety of personalities. The plot moves at a good pace and doesn't disappoint. This is not the first time I have read books by this author and I look forward to reading more from the author and this series.
I was given an ARC of Red Widow in exchange for an honest review.
What stops this book from receiving a higher rating is the MFC. She is supposed to be a former FBI agent, yet she continually misreads a situation and must be rescued by others. I don't call that an intelligent lead character. What I do like about the story is that she is an older woman and not an angsty or whiny 20 something with a limited vocabulary. The plot is unique, the writing good, and some of the secondary characters were interesting, but I just can't get past a female lead who is supposed to be a strong, experienced lead who is anything but that.
I received an ARC from the author but this review is my own. Having met Jessie and Thor in The Katie Bishop series, I was very much looking forward to them having their own books, I was not disappointed in the slightest, non stop action from the start without feeling rushed either. Was nice to get to know Jessie and Thor more. This book took a few turns that I didn't see coming which was great. I love the fact Jessie rides a Harley!! Can't wait for book 2 to see what else they get into.
As always, Luanne outdid herself! I started reading her books about a year ago, and every single one of them has me asking for more! I actually put down a different book I was trying to read to read Red Widow, and I am not sorry I did! This book had me itching for more, on the edge of my seat, and soaking up all the words. I highly recommend this book! I can't wait to read the second in the series! :)
I read over 175 books in 2023 but this was the best. I would recommend reading the Katie Bishop series first so you know the players. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down! I'm not your average reader I read everyday. Most books doesn't tie me down so it's easy to put the book down and take care of other things. This book was way beyond average I couldn't stop till the end. I have high hopes for the next book in the series!
After reading the Katie Bishop series and liking this character, I was pleased to see she had her own series. However, the writing seamed a little lackluster and Jesse was a little more vulnerable than expected. Until about 7/8’s through the book I thought I would not bother reading the other two, but it ended well enough to at least try the next in the series.
I couldn’t get enough of Katie Bishop, so when I saw this book coming out I was so excited. Took me a minute to remember this is a new character, but man such great universes you weave into my brain. The bad guy was perfectly horrible. The action and comedy balanced and hilarity with the wolf. I’m hooked and ready for Book 2. Woohoo
I recommend this book, but please read the Katie Bishop series first. You'll understand the characters better and ultimately enjoy it more. I like the protagonist, a well rounded character, as well as many of those interacts with. Action, magic, mystery and the start of a good series
I finally found a series not written for kids and (so far) no perfect man in sight. So far there has been no romance and I hope it stays that way. I don't really have a problem with romance but I'm so tired of the main character seeing the perfect man that she just can't resist.
Katie Bishop Arc !! Jesse Ames and Thor with old friends and new ! Set in the Deep South of Atlanta, Georgia , Jesse is working as a PI with the most unbelievable of cases just to pay the rent !! I loved this book so much and if you enjoy badass Harley riding female characters you will too!!
So happy to see these characters and world again. Also happy you chose Jesse as the main character. Tough chick with mysteries galore to unravel... Sign me up !
Fast read. Okay storyline with action. Not much magic, I would have liked more of her tattoo ancestors magic. It needed more character and world building for me. Older heroine was a plus.
Red Widow, the first book of the Chronicles of Jesse Ames series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). This was an interesting start for a new series. I liked Jesse's attitude and snark, and the story plot kept moving forward at a fast pace.
Former FBI she finds things and people. Her side kick is a wolf shifter who disguises itself as a little white poodle. In her scenario are vampires, shifters and other supernaturals.