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Quest Investigations #1
Five Dead Herrings
Listening Length: 5 hours and 26 minutes
Something’s definitely fishy about this case…
On my last stakeout for Quest Investigations, I nearly got clotheslined by a grove of angry dryads. I expected my bosses to reprimand me, but instead they handed me my first solo assignment. Me! Matt Steinitz, the only human on the Quest roster!
Okay, so the mission isn’t exactly demanding. Obviously, the bosses wanted to give me something they think I can’t screw up. I’m determined to show them what I can do, however, so I dive right in with no complaints.
At first glance, it looks as simple as baiting a hook: A selkie’s almost-ex-husband is vandalizing his boat with unwanted deliveries of deceased sea life. All I have to do is document the scene, tell the ex to cease and desist, and present the bill for property damages. Boom. Mission accomplished, another Quest success, and as a bonus, I get to keep my job.
But then things get…complicated. Suspicious undercurrents muddy up my oh-so-easy case. Nothing is as clear as it should be. And the biggest complication? My inappropriate attraction to the client, who may not be as blameless as he claims.
Turns out those dead herrings aren’t the only things that stink about this situation.
Dammit.
Five Dead Herrings is the first in the Quest Investigations M/M paranormal mystery series, a spinoff of E.J. Russell’s Mythmatched paranormal rom-com story world. It contains no on-page sex or violence, and although there is a romantic subplot, it is not a romance.
Something’s definitely fishy about this case…
On my last stakeout for Quest Investigations, I nearly got clotheslined by a grove of angry dryads. I expected my bosses to reprimand me, but instead they handed me my first solo assignment. Me! Matt Steinitz, the only human on the Quest roster!
Okay, so the mission isn’t exactly demanding. Obviously, the bosses wanted to give me something they think I can’t screw up. I’m determined to show them what I can do, however, so I dive right in with no complaints.
At first glance, it looks as simple as baiting a hook: A selkie’s almost-ex-husband is vandalizing his boat with unwanted deliveries of deceased sea life. All I have to do is document the scene, tell the ex to cease and desist, and present the bill for property damages. Boom. Mission accomplished, another Quest success, and as a bonus, I get to keep my job.
But then things get…complicated. Suspicious undercurrents muddy up my oh-so-easy case. Nothing is as clear as it should be. And the biggest complication? My inappropriate attraction to the client, who may not be as blameless as he claims.
Turns out those dead herrings aren’t the only things that stink about this situation.
Dammit.
Five Dead Herrings is the first in the Quest Investigations M/M paranormal mystery series, a spinoff of E.J. Russell’s Mythmatched paranormal rom-com story world. It contains no on-page sex or violence, and although there is a romantic subplot, it is not a romance.
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 4, 2021
127 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Russell
54 books413 followersE.J. Russell –grace, mother of three, recovering actor–writes romance in a rainbow of flavors. Count on high snark, low angst and happy endings.
Reality? Eh, not so much.
Reality? Eh, not so much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
January 20, 2023
3.5-4 stars
well i have been going back and forth on reading this book for awhile, and seeing as Greg B narrates it that was a really big deciding factor. the thing that took me away from wanting to read it was the lack of romance that was going to happen.. i heard this was sllllllooooooooowwwwwww burn haha and it is, no kissing or anything, just the start of attraction starting in this book.
Matt (Hugh) is a human who accidentally..kinda.. stumbled on the supe world (getting photographic evidence..whoops haha) and is now working for a Quest investigation a supe investigation firm haha. Lochlan is a selkie who needs help finding out who is harassing him, and Hugh is put on the job haha.
This does have a lot of the characters from EJ Russels Mythmatched world, but you don't have to read those to enjoy this book.. i mean it might be smart to read Single White Incubus, since Ted is brought up ever chapter at least 5 times haha, but you really don't need to. and almost all of the super natural characters that EJ Russel has created are going to pop up in this book for a cameo.
I am going to continue on with the series, i like all these characters and Greg B doing a Scottish accent for Lochlan...um yes please!
well i have been going back and forth on reading this book for awhile, and seeing as Greg B narrates it that was a really big deciding factor. the thing that took me away from wanting to read it was the lack of romance that was going to happen.. i heard this was sllllllooooooooowwwwwww burn haha and it is, no kissing or anything, just the start of attraction starting in this book.
Matt (Hugh) is a human who accidentally..kinda.. stumbled on the supe world (getting photographic evidence..whoops haha) and is now working for a Quest investigation a supe investigation firm haha. Lochlan is a selkie who needs help finding out who is harassing him, and Hugh is put on the job haha.
This does have a lot of the characters from EJ Russels Mythmatched world, but you don't have to read those to enjoy this book.. i mean it might be smart to read Single White Incubus, since Ted is brought up ever chapter at least 5 times haha, but you really don't need to. and almost all of the super natural characters that EJ Russel has created are going to pop up in this book for a cameo.
I am going to continue on with the series, i like all these characters and Greg B doing a Scottish accent for Lochlan...um yes please!
October 3, 2025
Despite Greg B. , my attention while listening to this audiobook kept slipping 🤷♀️
Firstly: while this is technically the start to a new series, it’s a spinoff of other series and should be read after the “Supernatural Selection” series, or at least after reading “Single White Incubus”, the first book in that series.
There, we meet Matt, the human photographer with a crush on Ted, the grizzly shifter. This entire series is about Matt, who now works at Quest Investigations, a semi official supernatural detective agency. And about Lochlan, a Scottish selkie shifter who turns up at Quest Investigations with a case (involving dead herrings, hence the title).
It’s… nice. But as I said, I kept losing focus while listening, and that’s very unusual when listening to Greg B.
As it is: the narration is top notch, but the book itself isn’t. It’s… nice. Very tame. Very show burn, in fact, only in the last pages we actually get them both to admit that they might, possibly, eventually, be interested in each other.
So yeah. Great audio, free within Audible right now, but the book itself is a 3* at most.
Firstly: while this is technically the start to a new series, it’s a spinoff of other series and should be read after the “Supernatural Selection” series, or at least after reading “Single White Incubus”, the first book in that series.
There, we meet Matt, the human photographer with a crush on Ted, the grizzly shifter. This entire series is about Matt, who now works at Quest Investigations, a semi official supernatural detective agency. And about Lochlan, a Scottish selkie shifter who turns up at Quest Investigations with a case (involving dead herrings, hence the title).
It’s… nice. But as I said, I kept losing focus while listening, and that’s very unusual when listening to Greg B.
As it is: the narration is top notch, but the book itself isn’t. It’s… nice. Very tame. Very show burn, in fact, only in the last pages we actually get them both to admit that they might, possibly, eventually, be interested in each other.
So yeah. Great audio, free within Audible right now, but the book itself is a 3* at most.
October 29, 2022
I didn't realize how much I missed the Mythmatched universe until starting this series, but I am so pumped that Russell has started a new series in this magical, fun, and amazing world. Matt, or Hugh depending on who you ask, stole my heart in Vampire with Benefits and he continued to do so here. He's the only human in a world full of supes, still in love with Ted, and just trying to find where he belongs. Along the way he also has to solve the mystery of the dead herrings, deal with the fact that the dryads seem to have a vendetta against him, and try not to fall in love with the wrong person, the ever dashing selkie would-be-king Lachlan. If you're looking for a book with magic, an engaging series, fabulous characters, and what is shaping up to be a very good slow-burn romance, this is the book for you. I honestly cannot wait for the next book!
November 3, 2022
Audiobook Review
Having read this in ebook form, I knew what was going to happen, but even still, Greg B made it better.
Know off the bat that this is a mystery first with a hint of a romance to come. I did not know that when I first read it and it made me a bit upset. Though knowing how it ends now, I was able to enjoy the story and not be worried about when the HEA/HFN was gonna happen.
I really enjoyed Matt, otherwise known as Hugh (for human). He unfortunately had a massive crush on a character from another story and had to admit it in front of the tribunal so everyone knew. He gets to do his first investigation and meets Lachlan, the selkie king.
Throughout the investigation Matt really is into Lachlan, and eventually at the end they agree to go on a boat ride together with a chaperone.
Like the other books in this world, there are paranormal beings and I really like it.
As always Greg Boudreaux did an excellent job.
_______________________________
Cute...
This was a lively romp that really was sweet and funny. Keep in mind that this was a spin off so go read the first books so that you know who all the people were. I did not read those books and still enjoyed it, but it would have helped to know the info.
Hugh man was funny but I would have loved to know more of the backstory of the selfie king.
Also, I did not realize that this was not a romance and that it was a sweet story. That was my fault, I did not read the entire blurb but I still liked it.
Having read this in ebook form, I knew what was going to happen, but even still, Greg B made it better.
Know off the bat that this is a mystery first with a hint of a romance to come. I did not know that when I first read it and it made me a bit upset. Though knowing how it ends now, I was able to enjoy the story and not be worried about when the HEA/HFN was gonna happen.
I really enjoyed Matt, otherwise known as Hugh (for human). He unfortunately had a massive crush on a character from another story and had to admit it in front of the tribunal so everyone knew. He gets to do his first investigation and meets Lachlan, the selkie king.
Throughout the investigation Matt really is into Lachlan, and eventually at the end they agree to go on a boat ride together with a chaperone.
Like the other books in this world, there are paranormal beings and I really like it.
As always Greg Boudreaux did an excellent job.
_______________________________
Cute...
This was a lively romp that really was sweet and funny. Keep in mind that this was a spin off so go read the first books so that you know who all the people were. I did not read those books and still enjoyed it, but it would have helped to know the info.
Hugh man was funny but I would have loved to know more of the backstory of the selfie king.
Also, I did not realize that this was not a romance and that it was a sweet story. That was my fault, I did not read the entire blurb but I still liked it.
March 12, 2022
After my historical romance phase, before my fantasy love was born, I devoured every single Agatha Christie book written so this cosy mystery was an absolute delight.
A spin-off in the Mythmatched Universe, this series focuses on the Quest Investigation agency set up by Mal and Niall at the end of the Fae Out Of Water trilogy.
But, in a twist to normal proceedings, it's centred on human former photographer Matt (the one who was in love with bear shifter Ted), who is one of the few humans fully integrated into Faerie and the supe world.
I loved everything about this, from the surly selkie Lachlan, to the mystery elements, to the surprising help from unexpected quarters and the reappearance of many fave characters from the rest of the world, including werewolf Jordan.
The plot worked for me, it had suitable hints and red herrings - plus dead smelly ones! - to be engaging and the secondary romance plot is intriguing.
A spin-off in the Mythmatched Universe, this series focuses on the Quest Investigation agency set up by Mal and Niall at the end of the Fae Out Of Water trilogy.
But, in a twist to normal proceedings, it's centred on human former photographer Matt (the one who was in love with bear shifter Ted), who is one of the few humans fully integrated into Faerie and the supe world.
I loved everything about this, from the surly selkie Lachlan, to the mystery elements, to the surprising help from unexpected quarters and the reappearance of many fave characters from the rest of the world, including werewolf Jordan.
The plot worked for me, it had suitable hints and red herrings - plus dead smelly ones! - to be engaging and the secondary romance plot is intriguing.
July 17, 2025
“Everybody’s got the potential to be an arse, lad, and most folks are willing to live up to it in full.”
So I have never read a book by this author, but I hear this is a spin-off series from one of their earlier ones — which I will most likely never get to. Either way, here we are with a supernatural fantasy cozy mystery series featuring all kinds of mythical and magical creatures. I have not read many books in this particular genre mashup, but I am really glad I picked up Five Dead Herrings when it was on sale, because it turned out to be pretty great.
I enjoyed the story a lot. Even though I did not know any of the characters going in, it did not matter at all. We got enough backstory for each as they were introduced that I picked up the gist of everything without the author being heavy handed.
As far as the mystery itself goes, with cozy mysteries, it is rarely about the actual mystery. It is more about the slow paced adventure. That said, I still did not guess any of it because my brain is far too small to be a proper detective or private investigator. I was out here guessing all the wrong things and then being like, oh wow, when everything was revealed. The twist caught me off guard in a fun way. I was definitely ooh-ing and ahh-ing.
Matt and Lachlan are interesting characters, along with the rest of the crew at Quest Investigations. The book sets up that the series will have romance, though as expected in a cozy mystery, it is very subtle and mostly left up to the imagination. Where are the spicy cozy mysteries at? Not that I am complaining, just saying. Also, the book makes it clear; “although there is a romantic subplot, it is not a romance.” So I guess we will see how Matt and Lachlan’s off-page relationship goes as the series continues.
I like the vibe of the whole thing. I definitely plan to keep going with the series. Would recommend.
So I have never read a book by this author, but I hear this is a spin-off series from one of their earlier ones — which I will most likely never get to. Either way, here we are with a supernatural fantasy cozy mystery series featuring all kinds of mythical and magical creatures. I have not read many books in this particular genre mashup, but I am really glad I picked up Five Dead Herrings when it was on sale, because it turned out to be pretty great.
I enjoyed the story a lot. Even though I did not know any of the characters going in, it did not matter at all. We got enough backstory for each as they were introduced that I picked up the gist of everything without the author being heavy handed.
As far as the mystery itself goes, with cozy mysteries, it is rarely about the actual mystery. It is more about the slow paced adventure. That said, I still did not guess any of it because my brain is far too small to be a proper detective or private investigator. I was out here guessing all the wrong things and then being like, oh wow, when everything was revealed. The twist caught me off guard in a fun way. I was definitely ooh-ing and ahh-ing.
Matt and Lachlan are interesting characters, along with the rest of the crew at Quest Investigations. The book sets up that the series will have romance, though as expected in a cozy mystery, it is very subtle and mostly left up to the imagination. Where are the spicy cozy mysteries at? Not that I am complaining, just saying. Also, the book makes it clear; “although there is a romantic subplot, it is not a romance.” So I guess we will see how Matt and Lachlan’s off-page relationship goes as the series continues.
I like the vibe of the whole thing. I definitely plan to keep going with the series. Would recommend.
November 28, 2021
This series is a sequel series to the supernatural selection series, but while I did read that one, I get the feeling there's books in between that I haven't read. Either way, I really enjoyed this book. (Edit, the order of the series is supernatural selection, fae out of water, mythmatched and then this one, I need to go back to some more book).
It follows Matt, now nicknamed Hugh Mann, and his being part of the supernatural community (on probation) as he'd previously wished. As a first adventure, it was really exciting. It had a delightful cozy mystery feel. And Lachlan has potential as the love interest. A refreshing change!
It follows Matt, now nicknamed Hugh Mann, and his being part of the supernatural community (on probation) as he'd previously wished. As a first adventure, it was really exciting. It had a delightful cozy mystery feel. And Lachlan has potential as the love interest. A refreshing change!
November 9, 2022
E.J. Russell kills me with their endless creativity! Five Dead Herrings is amazing. Snarky, and witty, and 100% enjoyable.
The world Russell has created here is so clever, and these characters are completely unique. I love having the main character be a human... everything he sees, his take on all the things he discovers, is wonderful.
And if you really want to enjoy Five Dead Herrings, do it in audio! Greg Boudreaux's performance is simply marvelous. Five Huge Stars!
After all, what could be more alluring than an American doing a Scots accent? Literally nothing lol. Seriously, Mr. Boudreaux's range of accents and voices always blows me away, and E.J. Russell has created an astonishing array of characters. But Greg Boudreaux hasn't missed a single thing here. Bravo!
an audiobook copy of Five Dead Herrings was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
The world Russell has created here is so clever, and these characters are completely unique. I love having the main character be a human... everything he sees, his take on all the things he discovers, is wonderful.
And if you really want to enjoy Five Dead Herrings, do it in audio! Greg Boudreaux's performance is simply marvelous. Five Huge Stars!
After all, what could be more alluring than an American doing a Scots accent? Literally nothing lol. Seriously, Mr. Boudreaux's range of accents and voices always blows me away, and E.J. Russell has created an astonishing array of characters. But Greg Boudreaux hasn't missed a single thing here. Bravo!
an audiobook copy of Five Dead Herrings was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
September 15, 2021
Well.... I've loved some of the books Russell's written, but this wasn't one of them. Matt has never been a character of interest to me, and my attitude towards him didn't change much with him front and center in this story. And Lachlan's character was a bit too two-dimensional for me to truly care about him. I did, however, love visiting with favorite characters from Fae Out of Water. Hopefully, the next one will be a winner for me.
September 5, 2021
I am so glad for another book in this world! Matt was always interesting and real. There was humour, action, and mystery. It was a fun read and I look forward to more and seeing the romance grow.
November 29, 2021
3.75 stars
October 12, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Five Dead Herrings takes place in Russell’s Mythmatched Universe, and is a spin off of the original series. It works fairly well as a standalone, and all pertinent information is given to full understand the tale. I haven’t read any books in the previous series. However, if you’re like me, you might feel a little bit like you’re missing something, as many of the secondary characters played a role in those books. But it is truly not necessary to have read those books to enjoy this one.
And enjoy it I did. Russell infuses her characters with a quirky sense of humor that really works throughout the book. Matt is a human living in the supernatural world, which is kept hidden from mundane humans at all cost. He’s utterly captivated by all things paranormal, eager to learn, and unafraid to ask questions. Russell effectively uses this as a tool to give the reader insight to the world and how things work without it feeling forced or like an info dump. I was drawn in right away, because Matt as a narrator is wholly entertaining.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Five Dead Herrings takes place in Russell’s Mythmatched Universe, and is a spin off of the original series. It works fairly well as a standalone, and all pertinent information is given to full understand the tale. I haven’t read any books in the previous series. However, if you’re like me, you might feel a little bit like you’re missing something, as many of the secondary characters played a role in those books. But it is truly not necessary to have read those books to enjoy this one.
And enjoy it I did. Russell infuses her characters with a quirky sense of humor that really works throughout the book. Matt is a human living in the supernatural world, which is kept hidden from mundane humans at all cost. He’s utterly captivated by all things paranormal, eager to learn, and unafraid to ask questions. Russell effectively uses this as a tool to give the reader insight to the world and how things work without it feeling forced or like an info dump. I was drawn in right away, because Matt as a narrator is wholly entertaining.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
September 12, 2021
4,5 stars
Oh this book was fun. I really enjoyed Hugh .... or Matt ....or Matthew .... and this adventure and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
The characters are really likeable but I often git the feeling that I missed previous books, which is partly correct. There is a related series and I think it would be nice to know all these characters and there stories from these books.
Hugh is the only human in the Quest office and has obviously a lot to learn about supes. I really liked his voice although sometimes he was a bit naive ... but OK.
The story was interesting, well paced and well written. Maybe the ending was a bit quick but somehow it fit.
The romance part is very light as this story is more of a prelude of the possibility of a love story. So it will be interesting to see how the author this possibility develops
All in all a very enjoyable read
Oh this book was fun. I really enjoyed Hugh .... or Matt ....or Matthew .... and this adventure and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
The characters are really likeable but I often git the feeling that I missed previous books, which is partly correct. There is a related series and I think it would be nice to know all these characters and there stories from these books.
Hugh is the only human in the Quest office and has obviously a lot to learn about supes. I really liked his voice although sometimes he was a bit naive ... but OK.
The story was interesting, well paced and well written. Maybe the ending was a bit quick but somehow it fit.
The romance part is very light as this story is more of a prelude of the possibility of a love story. So it will be interesting to see how the author this possibility develops
All in all a very enjoyable read
November 2, 2022
*4.5*
Quest Investigations is an expansion of the Supernatural Selections series as well as cameo appearances from the Mythmatched series. I've loved all of those as so was eager to see where this series will take us, following Matt, the only human who knows about the supernatural world as he works cases for Quest Investigations.
Matt gets started on his first case with the best of intentions but nothing really goes to plan as their grumpy client keeps interfering and a little case of attraction isn't helping Matt any. Suspicious activity and people make things confusing throughout the case and he's not quite sure who is supposed to be the bad guy anymore.
Matt makes for an entertaining MC. He's still coming to terms with knowing all about Supes as well as the distrust that he gets from a lot of them. Lachlan is very good as the grumpy reserved client who Matt finds himself attracted to. This is going to be something that develops over the series and it's had a great start and I look forward to seeing how things move forward for the two, with them being quite different and having such an entertaining start. It's so good seeing Jordan again (Howling on Hold), he's such an entertaining and energetic shifter who you can't help but love.
Definitely a recommended read from E.J. Russel with a good mystery and start to a new relationship. I'm looking forward to seeing how things progress for Matt and for the new couple.
I received an ARC via GRR and am happily giving a review.
*Audio review*
Greg's narration is perfect for this character and the Quest Investigations team. I love how Matt/Hugh's personality comes through straight away, and Lachlan's accent!! Phew, more please :-) Greg is perfect for this type of book as we have fun through the story but there's also a lot of character and relationship developments.
Quest Investigations is an expansion of the Supernatural Selections series as well as cameo appearances from the Mythmatched series. I've loved all of those as so was eager to see where this series will take us, following Matt, the only human who knows about the supernatural world as he works cases for Quest Investigations.
Matt gets started on his first case with the best of intentions but nothing really goes to plan as their grumpy client keeps interfering and a little case of attraction isn't helping Matt any. Suspicious activity and people make things confusing throughout the case and he's not quite sure who is supposed to be the bad guy anymore.
Matt makes for an entertaining MC. He's still coming to terms with knowing all about Supes as well as the distrust that he gets from a lot of them. Lachlan is very good as the grumpy reserved client who Matt finds himself attracted to. This is going to be something that develops over the series and it's had a great start and I look forward to seeing how things move forward for the two, with them being quite different and having such an entertaining start. It's so good seeing Jordan again (Howling on Hold), he's such an entertaining and energetic shifter who you can't help but love.
Definitely a recommended read from E.J. Russel with a good mystery and start to a new relationship. I'm looking forward to seeing how things progress for Matt and for the new couple.
I received an ARC via GRR and am happily giving a review.
*Audio review*
Greg's narration is perfect for this character and the Quest Investigations team. I love how Matt/Hugh's personality comes through straight away, and Lachlan's accent!! Phew, more please :-) Greg is perfect for this type of book as we have fun through the story but there's also a lot of character and relationship developments.
March 20, 2022
I made it to the end of this book but only just. It's the start in the series which will feature the main couple, a human paranormal investigator and a Selkie king. This was one of those paranormal crime novels were the plot felt forced and there wasn't enough romance to make up for it.
April 21, 2025
4.5 stars
September 14, 2021
mysterious.. had a bit of romance but not tons. it was interesting and kept me guessing. i would think.. i know who.. i know what.. i know why... nope.. i was wrong on all acounts. it was wonderful
November 2, 2022
So much fun and the audiobook was perfect!
I will start by saying I still haven't read the Mythmatched series and I think that reading it before this one would've definitely enhanced my enjoyment. But now I just can go back and read about the characters I briefly met here and see where they started and how they came to be how they are in this book.
Going back to Five Dead Herrings I will say that I love these kinds of murder mystery stories. And this was also paranormal which I also love a lot. I love that this is about a mystery that needs to be solved and that in the sidelines there is a romance or the potential of one that will not overshadow the story. The perfect balance. And it was so much fun! Matt is a hilarious MC and he makes this story shine. He is a human working in a not human workplace; he is however not out of place, he fits perfectly and at some point I even forgot he was human until it was said again.
The mystery! It was well done and my not very skillful detective abilities did not guess at all what was actually happening. It was nice being an active participant in the investigations and finding out alongside Matt all the clues.
I hurt for Matt, though. The guy has not the best luck when it comes to men. First his super embarrassing crush on Ted, who I think is from a Mythmatched book and who obviously is not romantically involved with Matt. Then with Lachland, his new client, a selfie with a dead herrings problem.
Will Matt be able to solve the mystery without crushing on his client and crushing his heart? Just read/listen and find out!
I will start by saying I still haven't read the Mythmatched series and I think that reading it before this one would've definitely enhanced my enjoyment. But now I just can go back and read about the characters I briefly met here and see where they started and how they came to be how they are in this book.
Going back to Five Dead Herrings I will say that I love these kinds of murder mystery stories. And this was also paranormal which I also love a lot. I love that this is about a mystery that needs to be solved and that in the sidelines there is a romance or the potential of one that will not overshadow the story. The perfect balance. And it was so much fun! Matt is a hilarious MC and he makes this story shine. He is a human working in a not human workplace; he is however not out of place, he fits perfectly and at some point I even forgot he was human until it was said again.
The mystery! It was well done and my not very skillful detective abilities did not guess at all what was actually happening. It was nice being an active participant in the investigations and finding out alongside Matt all the clues.
I hurt for Matt, though. The guy has not the best luck when it comes to men. First his super embarrassing crush on Ted, who I think is from a Mythmatched book and who obviously is not romantically involved with Matt. Then with Lachland, his new client, a selfie with a dead herrings problem.
Will Matt be able to solve the mystery without crushing on his client and crushing his heart? Just read/listen and find out!
September 3, 2021
I liked the tongue-in-cheek aspects of this book a lot-- the “dead” herrings aren’t quite red herrings, but close; there are plenty of zany aspects (I’m looking at you, werewolf puppy, and you, dryad cabal); and of course our protagonist Matt, alias Hugh Man (wait for it), the only human in world full of supernaturals that doesn’t quite know what do with him. It’s easy to like him, and to feel for him (some supernatural entities are kind, some are indifferent, some are petty af and some of them are actively hostile in a “takeover the world and subjugate everyone” kind of way). The mystery moves quickly and has plenty of twists and turns. There’s promising chemistry between Matt and the client. There are fantastic supporting characters, many of whom will be familiar from the author’s other works. All in all, a promising start to a series.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2021
Delightfully creative paranormal mystery that will fill your imagination. I loved this story and so enjoyed the humor, vulnerability and found family of our characters. The idea of Quest Investigations and the complex backstory lay a foundation that will give vast license to many trips of fancy. Wonderful world-building and good writing with a solid story-line will make you very happy!
Matt and Lachlan are having a very slow burn and slow build attraction that will build over the next few books. They just know at this point that they are attracted but not free to act on it yet. Selkies and humans will come to life as Lachlan falls in love with his human Matt.
I loved the variety of the paranormal and the mystery was well done. I didn't expect the outcome and found the book rather fun and read till the last page in one sitting.
This is book one of the four books in the Quest Investigations series and i am excited for the next book.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
Matt and Lachlan are having a very slow burn and slow build attraction that will build over the next few books. They just know at this point that they are attracted but not free to act on it yet. Selkies and humans will come to life as Lachlan falls in love with his human Matt.
I loved the variety of the paranormal and the mystery was well done. I didn't expect the outcome and found the book rather fun and read till the last page in one sitting.
This is book one of the four books in the Quest Investigations series and i am excited for the next book.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
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May 14, 2022The spin-off series to ‘Mythmatched World’ that centered on the only human allowed into the Supes community. Having seen Matt on the previous books, I felt for him and his not so secret crush to bear-shifter Ted. ‘Quest Investigations’ chronicled his journey in Supes world and how he met another shifter who shifted his feeling from Ted. It’s a fun, adventurous, and entertaining tale. Then there’s also the nosy, energetic pup Jordan who lift-up the atmosphere of the story. Bring on more cases for the Hugh Mann!
October 29, 2022
4-4.5
It should be said, I didn’t realize this was a new series in a current world. But with having said that, this author did an excellent job making it known you missed things while also making it feel natural like “its okay I’ll go back at get their story”.
I loved this book. It was fun, funny, cute, SCOTTISH ACCENT, magical… I enjoyed the world and the characters and it made me just want to go back and binge the previous books while also continuing this one!
Definitely can’t wait to see more of Matt and Lachlan!
It should be said, I didn’t realize this was a new series in a current world. But with having said that, this author did an excellent job making it known you missed things while also making it feel natural like “its okay I’ll go back at get their story”.
I loved this book. It was fun, funny, cute, SCOTTISH ACCENT, magical… I enjoyed the world and the characters and it made me just want to go back and binge the previous books while also continuing this one!
Definitely can’t wait to see more of Matt and Lachlan!
September 11, 2021
This was such a fun book!! First of all the world building in this is off the charts fantastic! Loved the humor and snark. I’m excited to read more Matt and Lachlan over the series. The paranormal and mystery were really well done! Overall this was well written, definitely recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
December 30, 2021
When I first started reading MM, I wasn't really a paranormal gal but over the years the genre has grown on me. I live reading about the Supes, especially those which are new to me.
Having a human at the center of the cases is also onteresting.
Loved Hugh (Matt) and his persual of Lachlan is going to be great.
Having a human at the center of the cases is also onteresting.
Loved Hugh (Matt) and his persual of Lachlan is going to be great.
May 10, 2022
**4.5 Stars**
I really, really liked this story! It's a spin-off of Ms Russell's Mythmatched series so it was great to see some of the old gang.
Right off the top this is NOT a romance but there is the beginnings of something brewing between the MCs. I knew going in this wasn't a romance and I was perfectly fine with that but by the end I was really wishing for these two to, you know, fall for each other or... I don't know. Anyway silly me. 😂 Regardless, this was a joy to read. It was funny and sweet and I quite liked the mystery. I can't wait to read more of Matt's investigative, umm, prowess (?) 😂 and the attraction he and Lachlan seem to have and of course, I hope to see more of that adorable little Were Jordan, he stole my heart.
QUICK THOUGHTS
-- Paranormal -- Spin-off of the Mythmatched Series -- Selkie/Human and various other Supes -- mystery -- a bit of an adventure -- a grumpy, snarly Selkie -- very sweet -- made me smile a lot -- made me laugh -- not a warm a fuzzy story but weirdly it gave me a bit of the warm and fuzzies -- this was my kind of feel good story -- a little bit of evil (isn't there always) -- NOT a romance but a romance is blooming (hopefully) -- contains absolutely no sex (nice change of pace) -- secondary characters from the Mythmatched series drop by -- really loved the MCs... Matt (Hugh) & Lachlan -- maybe could be read as a stand-alone but I wouldn't there would be some important missing pieces -- going on my "would read again" shelf -- can't wait to start the next one
I really, really liked this story! It's a spin-off of Ms Russell's Mythmatched series so it was great to see some of the old gang.
Right off the top this is NOT a romance but there is the beginnings of something brewing between the MCs. I knew going in this wasn't a romance and I was perfectly fine with that but by the end I was really wishing for these two to, you know, fall for each other or... I don't know. Anyway silly me. 😂 Regardless, this was a joy to read. It was funny and sweet and I quite liked the mystery. I can't wait to read more of Matt's investigative, umm, prowess (?) 😂 and the attraction he and Lachlan seem to have and of course, I hope to see more of that adorable little Were Jordan, he stole my heart.
QUICK THOUGHTS
-- Paranormal -- Spin-off of the Mythmatched Series -- Selkie/Human and various other Supes -- mystery -- a bit of an adventure -- a grumpy, snarly Selkie -- very sweet -- made me smile a lot -- made me laugh -- not a warm a fuzzy story but weirdly it gave me a bit of the warm and fuzzies -- this was my kind of feel good story -- a little bit of evil (isn't there always) -- NOT a romance but a romance is blooming (hopefully) -- contains absolutely no sex (nice change of pace) -- secondary characters from the Mythmatched series drop by -- really loved the MCs... Matt (Hugh) & Lachlan -- maybe could be read as a stand-alone but I wouldn't there would be some important missing pieces -- going on my "would read again" shelf -- can't wait to start the next one
March 1, 2024
My only issue is that sometimes Matt's narration comes off as immature for a grown man, but otherwise I had a lot of fun with this. There was some backstory missing, but looking into that after I finished the book, there's actually a whole other trilogy that takes place prior to this book, so it makes sense why that's not here.
July 26, 2025
I listened to the audiobook for this one and I’m really glad I did, I’m not sure I would have gotten through the story otherwise. I was happy to know ahead of time that this isn’t actually a romance, more a mystery with romantic elements and there were no sex scenes. It worked with this story and I enjoyed the mystery part.
It’s a single POV story told by Matt. He’s a human working as an investigator for a paranormal agency. It was best to see all the different paranormal species the author added in. It didn’t always hold my attention but overall it was enjoyable.
It’s a single POV story told by Matt. He’s a human working as an investigator for a paranormal agency. It was best to see all the different paranormal species the author added in. It didn’t always hold my attention but overall it was enjoyable.
February 26, 2023
My rating system
1 Did not like it
2 It was okay
3 I liked/enjoyed it
4 I Loved it
5 It was amazing!
1 Did not like it
2 It was okay
3 I liked/enjoyed it
4 I Loved it
5 It was amazing!
September 8, 2021
This was my first E.J Russell and it was fun! 3.5 stars
November 24, 2021
B+rating
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