The Witcher meets Dresden Files in this action-packed mystery.
"I am in love." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "This was a fast and fun read and I cannot wait for the second book in the series!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I felt so many emotions and am totally going along on this ride." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It only takes an instant for Grim—monster hunter and emotionally scarred hero—to lose everything. Grim is having a bad year. A hunter by trade, his world is ripped apart when he is cursed with a sickness that is slowly changing him into one of the very creatures he hunts.
Worse, Grim is forced to abandon the woman he loves for fear that he’ll destroy her. So he must find a cure. Otherwise, they’ll never be together.
Yet there’s hope in a thorny alliance with an eccentric billionaire who lives in a castle.
But the billionaire has his own problems. He’s being hunted by an elusive monster, one that wants him dead. So, he strikes a deal with Grim—capture the creature and Grim will be healed.
Now Grim must navigate a castle filled with creeping shadows and portraits that seem alive, a suspicious butler, and the billionaire's young daughter. She may hold the key to unlocking the truth behind why the creature is hunting her father—if only she could remember the past.
Can Grim stop the monster, break the curse plaguing him, and be reunited with the woman he loves? Or will he succumb to the darkness growing inside of him?
"Kept me guessing until the end." Amazon reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"From the time i started this story, I couldn't put it down. It was truly gripping and suspenseful. I loved every twist." Amazon reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hey, I’m Amy, I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life. And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World. If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me. —In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office. —I worked at Carnegie Hall. —I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one. If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com. Happy reading!
Grim is a monster hunter who has been infected with the Withering infection. He left his girl and travels with his dog hunting monsters and a cure. On his way to help a friend, he stumbled upon Matt, whom he first assumes is a monster. Matt is a human who has been cursed and looks part goat.
Matt tags along with Grim and his dog, Savage. They travel to a castle surrounded by a small village filled with witches, magic, and more. Apparently, Grim’s friend is being attacked by a monster that no one else can see. He lives in the castle with his seven-year-old daughter Lily and their faithful servants. If he stops the monster, his friend has promised to provide help with a cure for the infection.
The tale that unfolds was fast-paced with a clever mystery. I loved the village, particularly the book store. Grim reminds me a little of Dresden, from the Dresden Files. Matt was a fantastic sidekick and softened the gruff loner Grim.
A few things bothered me. Savage disappeared almost from the beginning and I found that odd, although he was mentioned at the end. Also, there was brief mention of the infection Grimm suffers from at only the beginning and the end. However, it entertained and held my attentions. It was a good start, and I loved the monsters and nods to folklore.
The mystery regarding the attacks wraps up, but the overall arc of the series continues. Michael Kirby narrates and did a great job capturing Grim’s gruff and Matt’s kind, talkative nature. I look forward to the next audiobook, Something Withering This Way Comes. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
"Grim" is the first book in "The Withering Mysteries" series by Amy Boyles. Grim has left town after being attacked by a creature. Grim is a monster hunter and wants to keep everyone safe. He tells Aaron that he will figure out what is happening in his house. My favorite scene is when Matt and Grim are talking to Larry, and Larry tells Grim about a "woman." I am so happy with this spinoff series of "The Accidental Medium." Grim's character really shined in this book, and he kept on going to figure out what was going on at Aaron's house.
Great story and writing, loved the characters and the descriptions of the location. Some of the mysteries are easy to solve but all in all is a great start to a series and I'm eager for book two to come out!
this is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. I find cast of characters in an entertaining storyline. Grimm is a monster hunter. He goes around the country seeking out creatures in monsters of every paranormal type there are. The kind it attacks and kills people. He’s an all time Hunter does it by hand and feel and senses. Read on and learn his story and see where his adventure leads. It’s an entertaining new series and an entertaining read. Check it out
I think I’m team Mina. She really got a bad deal because of her shitty husband. (I’m not a fan of his lack of genuine remorse and I don’t blame her for her choices.) Maybe Lily will do cool crow stuff and kick her dad’s ass when she’s older? I’m going to tell myself that’s what happened.
This book had a Witcher vibe, for sure. It’s not too deep, yet still entertaining. Will continue to read so I can learn what kind of exterminator Grim calls to take care of his infestation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Grim didn't disappoint. It was a 4/5 for me because there were some editing errors in the kindle edition and a bit of a plot hole with Grim's infection. The reason he left Paige in Alabama was because he could feel the infection changing him, causing dark thoughts. This book started off with reference to that, as well as a inner dialogue with the Withering infection as it tried to take hold....then nothing, other than mentioning the black lines of the infection spreading, not another painful episode, not another mention of feeling the pull to darkness, nothing. Savage, Grim's dog, also just disappears from the storyline for half the book to suddenly return at the end. Not that Savage plays a big role in any of the books, but he was Grim's loyal sidekick and suddenly not there. I noticed it about 2/3 of the way through and wondered where he was. If there had been some continuity with those storylines, I believe I would've given this book a 4.5 at least Matt was a great addition to the story. He brought an element of kindness, unconditional understanding and represented the concept of Faith in others. He also kept Grim from being able to shut himself off from others completely with his relentless pursuit of companionship. The mystery surrounding Aaron & the monster that plagued him was a well developed mystery that kept me intrigued and never quite sure if I had it figured out. Turns out, I only had it 3/4 figured out. I do like having a little mystery left at the end of a story. All in all a quick & fun read.
Grim is the first in The Withering Mysteries and throws you into a world filled with magic, witches and wizards, monsters, and monster hunters who search out and destroy all that lingers in the dark. I liked how we, as the reader, are introduced to monster hunter, Grim, in the midst of his journey, and although we don't know immediately what has caused him to seek help? It unfolds, albeit partially, as the book unfolds.
Grim has got himself into quite the grim predicament - pun intended and his life is dependent on finding an answer and cure but as it's book one in a series it's apparent that it won't be easy. As anyone knows who enjoyed the Witcher series of which some of the monsters could easily be a part of it, we all know that when a hunter has made a mistake and his life is in peril? We won't see that swift fix because hunters are just supposed to suffer. (Sorry Grim.) Amy Boyles has brought our moody and distant hero to life in such a visceral manner that you can practically feel the angst and tension ripple from the page.
Grim doesn't want help. He doesn't want to be beholden to anyone, but sadly, he has no choice, and he simply hates it. He's his own worst enemy, and I have a feeling he's going to be liked by many who read The Withering Mysteries because of it.
This is an excellent blend of mystery and fantasy as of course the monsters do come out to play and they're described so well as is the world-building so you can't help but feel as though you're in the bizarre town born from an old movie set hunting down these gruesome creatures alongside Grim. One such monster hunt may help him get answers for his predicament, but as things should always be when building up the angst, anticipation, and that rush of adrenalin? Nothing will come easy.
Grim held my attention from the get-go with diverse characters, some grumpy, some sunshine in their personalities, and some downright sketchy. The storyline is woven together in such a manner that there's both light ahead and utter darkness and despair.
I will say, however, that I did keep wondering where Grim's dog disappeared to? He arrived at their destination and then disappeared, and it seemed strange, I would have thought a hunter's dog would stay with the hunter? Small point, I know, but I kept waiting for the dog to turn up with a monster or clue in paw.. Book Two needs more Savage the dog..
Also, I think I would have liked a little more of Grim being drawn towards the darkness and the conflict he would experience as one who fights against the one thing circumstances have caused him to be ever closer to being. Again… I imagine book two will give me that because I'm a little evil and like to see a tortured soul or two in books such as this.
Grim was a really good introduction to a series I know I'll enjoy and not want to end. It's got everything you need for this genre of book, and I am hoping to see more of Grim and his unlikely companion, Matt, and his bright way of seeing the world as the series unfolds.
Will Grim get his happy ever after? I don't think for some time, but I'm looking forward to the adventures and mysteries along the way.
A book centered on a male character, completely written in his POV… sign me up! It was seriously refreshing to listen to a book like this. Grim is truly a fun book. A monster hunter turning into a monster… who picks up a cursed monster sidekick?!
Feel like I have to preface this by saying that this is the first book that I’ve read with the character Grim, So, I felt like I was missing a few things in the book. It felt like I was supposed to know certain things that weren’t explained in Grim. For instance, his girlfriend is talked about a lot in this book, yet we never really get to see that relationship, other than a few phone calls. So, I didn’t really get the connection with her.
Regardless of that, I did truly enjoy this story. This book isn’t a romance, it’s more of a cozy, paranormal/fantasy, mystery type of book. Kind’ve liked the sidekick instead of the romance being in the book. Matt, the monster sidekick was absolutely hilarious. He was quirky and added a lot to the book.
Though the mystery is wrapped up in the book, it’s clear that there’s plenty of story left. So, I’m excited to dive into Something Withering This Way Comes.
Listening to the audiobook, I found myself laughing quite a bit. Michael Kirby narrated Grim and he did an amazing job with all of the characters voices.
If you’re looking for something a little different, I would highly recommend Grim!
In Grim, Amy Boyles introduces us to a seasoned monster hunter whose latest job has gone disastrously wrong. Infected by the very creatures he hunts, Grim faces the unsettling reality that he is slowly becoming one of them. His struggle forces him to distance himself from the woman he loves and reluctantly partner with a cursed man, all while seeking aid from a figure in his past who demands a dangerous favor in return.
The novel blends familiar monster-hunting tropes with inventive twists in its world-building, mechanics, and premise. While I found aspects of the plot predictable, there were still surprises that kept me engaged. The story moves quickly, balancing action with layers of mystery, and the gradual unraveling of secrets was one of the most enjoyable elements of the book.
That said, I didn’t feel particularly connected to any of the characters. They serve their roles effectively, but none lingered with me once the story ended. Additionally, the tone sometimes leaned into a more juvenile, almost Scooby-Doo-like atmosphere when I would have preferred the darker, more serious edge of something akin to The Witcher.
Even so, Grim was a fun and entertaining read. It doesn’t fully dive into the grimness its title suggests, but it delivers enough intrigue and energy to keep the pages turning. Readers who enjoy light, mystery-tinged monster-hunting adventures will likely find this a worthwhile pick.
3.5 stars. GRIM was a little slow-moving at times, but I grew to really like the lead character and namesake. He’s similar to Harry Dresden, but more reserved due to an infection from a withering beast, which will cause him to turn into said monster himself if he can’t cure the infection. But he does show some softening, including bringing Matt along on his journey to try to help him find a cure for his goat curse.
In this adventure, Grim tries to help a billionaire and former monster-hunting friend, Aaron, with killing an invisible monster that only hunts him at night. We learn a bit about Grim along the way, including his estrangement from his witch sister, Shelby, and the distance from his girlfriend, Paige, whom he’s afraid of harming due to his physical and emotional changes from the withering infection. Through all of his gruff exterior, Grim shows another softer side with Aaron’s seven-year-old daughter, Lily (I’m looking at you, Mrs. Pimplebottom!).
I loved the magical world in this book, especially what Grim finds in the bookstore and at the tailor’s shop. And the mystery around Aaron’s monster was really good. The only thing I didn’t like was . I’ll definitely keep reading this series!
god this just screams early 2000s wattpad like wooo the homophobia Jumped Out. This is like a modern au witcher if Geralt was a 2edgy4u alt boy and Jaskier was giving Olaf from Frozen (read intolerable). Off brand Geralt is so incredibly insecure in his masculinity that every time he does literally anything that isnt stereotypically masculine, he has to pretend he hates it the whole time he does it. Anyways he's so stressed about appearing straight that he's looped back around to seeming gay. He's mad that the clothes he's wearing make him look "like some kind of dandy" like girl just say faggot with your chest.
Like christ alive man. And it makes me truly crazy because despite how annoying and clueless 90% of the characters are, the book was very engaging and built tension very well. My god tho if I have to read about someones eyebrow curling or eye cocking anymore Im gonna have an aneurysm
When you pick up this book, you enter a world full of magic, wizards and witches, monsters, and monster hunters. It’s a nice first book of a series, introducing our main character who is going be the focus on a quest throughout a multi book series. This has a monster hunt focused book, so things are wrapped up with that by the end of the book. The clues to what was going on were liberally sprinkled thought out the book, and I still didn’t get the details right! Overall, a good book and I will be waiting for the next one to come out!
The main character is Grim, who is a monster hunter. He is on a quest to rid himself of an infection that he got battling a rare monster. The first step is to go to his old partner, Aaron. Aaron has a problem that he needs he’ll with, and in return he will help Grim. He has become a billionaire after they split, and has invested in rare books that might have the answer. As long as Grim doesn’t get himself killed trying to dispose of whatever monster is targeting Aaron.
A monster mystery set in a fantastical world and a city just for magic users. Grim is having a run of bad luck and goes to an old friend along the way. Picking up a monster a long the way he makes it to the small magical town only to be asked to hunt an invisible monster to get the help he needs.
There is tons of mystery and twists and turns. You are less to believe different things along the way so the anticipation of who is the bad guy is a lot of fun. I loved Grim and Matt but I think Lily is just an amazing character. Huge heart full of acceptance and a smart little cookie.
A fun read with a solve mystery but a cliff hanger of sorts as well. Enjoyed it a lot and would definitely pick up book two!
I was very excited to start reading Grim’s series. Especially after I read a review that compared Grim to Harry Dresden and I can definitely see the similarities. This book exceeded my expectations! Being able to experience things from Grim’s perspective was very insightful. You can see just how much he loves Paige and how him being separated from her, due to him being infected, is breaking his heart. I love Matt’s character and how he has become a friend to Grim.
Overall, this whole book was brilliantly written. The story was filled with mystery, heartbreak, secrets and deceit. I ended up finishing the book in a couple of hours since I could not put it down. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who loves a good paranormal mystery.
Grim is a hunter of supernatural creatures in modern day Tennessee. A quick read – monster hunter, billionaire, cute kids, epic curse. Not really YA but very PG-13. But still, it was so dull, so predictable. There was a television show called “Grim,” with a very similar presence that I was reminded of and this almost felt like fanfiction for that. The only thing that kept my attention was the mysterious off-book Page, the woman that Grim is in love with but cannot be with because of his curse.
Not sure if I’ll pick up the next book in this long series. A quick read, if that’s what you’re in the mood for.
The last book of The Accidental Medium trilogy sets things up for a series about Grim. I loved seeing his POV as the series before this is told through a female POV. This was a fun read. Grim must fight a monster for his billionaire friend in order to get what he hopes is a cure to the infection that has been inside him. Almost everyone in the castle is sus and even though I figured out who was behind the whole monster thing I wasn’t expecting some of the stuff that happened near the end. I’m ready for the next book to come out!
This was an interesting first installment to a series. Grim seems to be a likeable enough character, but I think Matt is my favorite. Everyone needs a sidekick in life.
The story is filled with magical characters and interesting people. Boyles begins her world building pretty well with this one.
There are plenty of twists and turns as Grim tries to solve the mystery. Just who is that mystery creature?? You’ll have to read it to find out!
Quick read, monster hunter, curse, billionaire. I found it a bit predictable in some areas and unexpected in others, which I enjoyed.I found Lily a bit creepy which went very well with the castle vibe. I did struggle with the lack of world & character building. Overall a 3, if you need a quick read or palate cleanse between books, this may be for you. Check it out.
I wasn't sure I'd like this book but I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading. I really did enjoy it. Grim has been cursed and he goes to his friend who lives in a castle. His friend says he has a cure but in exchange he has to help with a problem, a creature is haunting him. Of course Grim helps but there are some twists. I can't wait to read the next book to see where Grim ends up next.
Great book, I hate that Grim left Paige, but he wants to protect her. Love listening to more of the series. It is a hard road that Grim is going down and he thinks he is doing the right thing by leaving Paige to find a cure. Grim finds a cursed man and takes Matt with him. Now things don't seem right when he goes to an old friend looking for help. Grim is asked to do him a favor in a chance to get a cure. Now to the next book. Love the author and narrator.
Very predictable. My biggest complaint is he’s a demon hunter and he even states “sometimes the easiest answer is the right one” but then writes off what’s in front of him and easy to see since the little girl talking to someone who’s not there.
Lily even says he mom talks to her And then the attacks are worse when they share a room at night…Like come on, how dumb are you to not put 2 & 2 together 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I dug up an old goodreads account to make this review after finishing the audiobook on the drive home after a 13 hour shift. I can promise you it wasn't the shift that made me feel the need to write this review that I am keeping vague to avoid being cruel. I think the several minutes it took me to get this account and find the book is enough explanation from me.
2.5 stars. It was a fast-paced read which I liked, but lacked anything that really made it a book you can’t put down. The characters and storyline felt like bits and pieces pulled together from other books and tv shows about magical characters, so while it was a good book, it all felt…somewhat repetitive.
What a great story! I was really interested to know who the monster was and would Grim get the answers he was seeking. It kept me interested and I was a little surprised with that ending, I’ll be checking out the next book because I’m still curious.
I didn't know what to expect going into this book i rarely read books with male main characters. But i am in love and im so sad i have to wait until August to find out what happens next. O and i HATE aaron that is all lol. Do yourself a favor and read this book!!!!!
From the time i started this story, I couldn't put it down. It was truly gripping and suspenseful. I loved every twist. A must read for fan of Amy Boyles
Delightful, intriguing mystery with monsters. This story had me guessing as I continued suspecting character after characters based off of fresh clues. Kind of had the ending figured but still was delighted. Great story.