To Kill the Dead

Hollowcliff Detectives #3

by C.S. Wilde

All terrible things come in two.

Mera never imagined she would have to face a necromancer without Bast, her fae partner, but the Captain decided to separate them on a whim - or so she thinks.

Running against the clock to avoid an outbreak that could destroy the human borough, Mera is forced to work with Julian Smith, the man she used to love before the Night Prince came waltzing in her life.

Not good. Not good at all.

Meanwhile, Bast chases Poseidon with the help of his brothers, knowing it’s the only way to ensure Mera's safety. He’ll do anything to save her, even if it means his doom.

The dead are rising. And Poseidon is coming.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Fae, Audiobook, Paranormal

1 pages, Audio CD

First published September 30, 2020

About the author

C.S. Wilde wrote her first Fantasy novel when she was eight. That book was absolutely terrible, but her mother told her it was awesome, so she kept writing.
Now a grown-up (though many will beg to differ), C. S. Wilde writes about fantastic worlds, love stories larger than life and epic battles.

She also, quite obviously, sucks at writing an author bio. She finds it awkward that she must write this in the third person, and hopes you won't notice.

You can find her at: www.cswilde.com
On Twitter: @thatcswilde
Or on Facebook: thatcswilde

Reviews

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrated by Cris Dukehart and Tim Paige, To Kill the Dead by C.S. Wilde is the third audio in the Hollowcliff Detectives series. Frustration gave way to non-stop action in this addictive installment.

The captain splits Mera and Bast up for this next case. Mera once again finds herself partnered with her old partner, Julian. Neither Bast nor Mera is happy about it, but she is off to hunt down a necromancer and Bast heads off to hunt down Poseidon.

I loath love triangles and was worried Wilde was going to mess with me Thankfully, that issue was shaken out so we could get on with the action. To Kill the Dead was intense with moments of humor, alliances, and relationship building. I love Bast’s brother and was glad to see him come to his aid. We learn more about Mera and her family, but not before some freaky battles.

Things are coming to a head in the series story arc. Honestly, it’s getting intense and I love it! We suffered loss, gained allies, and got hints of things to come. The author left us on the brink and I’ll be counting the days until we get answers. The next audiobook is To Kill a God and looks like it will release in January 2022.

Cris Dukehart has become the voice of Mera, and I always enjoy her narrations. Tim Paige tackles the perspective of Bast and I enjoyed it, even if I wanted Bast to me a little more confident. The two pair nicely regarding pacing and tone. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[ShannaBanana✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait for the next book! I hate love triangles but this one thankfully wasn’t bad between Bast and Julian. I enjoyed this a lot more cause it also focused on Corvus and Ben. I’d really love more Ben in the final installment though 🤞🏻 fingers crossed. 5 stars

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5～3.75 stars. Well, that was a mess...& that ending has me 🤦‍♀️😮‍💨.

And OMFG!! HOW COULD YOU MERA?!?! 💔🥺😫
She really irritated me in this one.

I still really like Bast 🥰💕

[Leah Spurr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have lived this series I don’t usually go for detective books but this series caught my attention and I’ve been following it since. If you don’t follow the author on Facebook I suggest you do as I love her funko pop of bas and I seriously need my own!!

I’m desperate for the next book and am gutted I have to wait till next summer!! This series has seen me through quarantine well the second and third bolds have at least.

I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to know what will happen next especially since the Ruth situation happened. I love bas he’s an amaze an character and well thought out as I think we can all be about like him.

Whilst waiting for the next book, I’m thinking of starting her other series though. I’m not one who usually writes reviews as I don’t know what to say without giving too much away I’m hoping/ praying I haven’t given too much away with this one. If I’m being honest!! But I loved her to kill a king book was truly epic in my opinion in fact I just love the series it’s an easy read and instant fave which I recommended to a few friends :3 one of the reasons I’m writing a review is to try and get this fabulous author to 100 reviews and so she knows that fans appreciate her work I’m unsure if she will see this but if she does... I’d like to thank you for an amazing read and you should know that by writing this I genuinely mean it your books are thrilling and I don’t usually like fae books as they all blend in together there’s a few that stick out and yours is one that’s fresh in the memory. I’m thinking of reading the series again there’s no parts I want to skip over in this series a serious feat if I’m honest there’s normally parts I don’t like in books but with this series there is none!! Thank you so much for providing me with a truly amazing read!! And great fan page on Facebook 😊 please keep up with the amazing work your doing


Many thanks,
Leah xxxxxxxxxx

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up some time after the conclusion of the previous book, To Kill the Dead opens with an exciting chase scene in which Mera and Bast confront a living dead (aka zombie). We find out that Mera and Bast have become the dream team detectives, solving all sorts of cases. When the opportunity to go back to her home district presents itself, Mera (and Bast) are all in, which is how the pair ends up chasing down the living dead. The pair quickly learns that there is a rogue necromancer loose, and its goal is to create chaos while making Mera suffer.

Although I enjoyed the first two titles in the Hollowcliff Detectives urban fantasy series, I had some issues with the quality of storytelling. I feel that To Kill the Dead represents a huge improvement, with a strong plotline, engaging character interactions, and a solid love story. Although the story is shared via both Bast and Mera’s POV (a feature I appreciate), the story feels like it belongs more to Mera since the overall, mysterious bad guy is tied to her life under the sea. This time around Mera (and Bast) still makes a couple bad choices, but overall, her character has shown growth over the course of the series. She’s stronger both emotionally and with paranormal abilities, and she’s come to terms with her relationship with her foster mom/police caption, Ruth. Additionally, she has time to evaluate her feelings for former partner Julian, and current partner Bast.

The mysterious necromancer seems to have a personal vendetta with Mera, and as the story progresses, it appears it also has link to the unofficial Poseidon case. Working separately, Mera and Bast piece together the facts, which come with a few a shocking revelations. I enjoyed seeing Bast work with his once estranged brothers, the trio bringing some comic relief and bromance to the tale.

Narration: The story is shared via the third person POVs of Mera and Bast. Ms. Dukehart does a good job representing Mera, capturing her drive and emotions. I appreciate the way the narrator separates the dual natures of Mera: her human and siren. Ms. Dukehart changes tone and voice for dialogue, making it appropriately deeper for males. I didn’t notice a huge difference between characters of the same gender, but enough for distinction and to keep it interesting. Mr. Paige performs the sections shared from Bast’s POV. His tone, speed, and cadence are fitting. However, his performance is very dramatic... he infuses a lot of emotion into the characters, but it’s a bit over the top. It makes Bast almost appear to be whiny, which he isn’t. Additionally, I am not a fan of his voices for female characters. They are lighter and more feminine (or childish), but almost to the point of being shrill.

In the end, I enjoyed To Kill the Dead. The tale is filled with solid action and a strong plot. The standalone mystery is interesting and feeds into a larger story arc. It feels like things are coming to a head, and I look forward to listening to the next title.

My Ratings:
Story: B
Narration:
Ms. Dukehart: B
Mr. Paige: C

Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The partners are separated for this investigation and Mera is assigned back with her old partner Jules tracking down a necromancer while Bast is sent of on another investigation to find Poseidon. Bast is not happy with this arrangement and Mera has to deal with unresolved feelings for her old partner leading to.. well you have to read the book 😳😱😱😱. Bast’s night blood was boiling over in this episode and surprisingly it’s his brother the new night king who provides solace and advice. Soon their investigations collide and the race is on to find their quarries, cures, solidify relationships.

[Suez · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, this is book 3 of the series and it’s fantastic!! As Mera and Bast’s journey continues, you’ll find evil is not far away. It wants Mera!! Don’t miss any of the action, suspense, pain and loss. Can they destroy Poseidon and save Mera? I’m so excited and anxious to see what happens next. This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

[Diana Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This is the third installment in the series and can we just say a LOT of developments happen in this book. This book is leading up to the final show down and boy does it deliver!! Action, angst, snark and ALL the feels. Such a good book.

[Ashlee McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I’m shook!

I was on the edge of my seat a good part of this book and I loved it! I’m so hyped for the next book I can’t believe we have to wait so long! And such a crazy cliff hanger too! I’m crazy about this series and I can’t wait to see how it ends!

[Oz & · Rating 5 out of 5]

Water magic

Dam loved this book mermaids faerie necromancer dead undead love and revenge all tied together book four can't come soon enough roll on 2021

[Krista]

Action + magic + Romance

Love this series and can’t wait for the next one. Bast and Mera are the best and I can’t wait to see how Julian ends up.

[Maria Laguna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story progresses very slowly I assume to make it into the 4 books it has. Although there is a lot that felt unnecessary. Enjoyable read.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment. Plenty of action and surprises. I can't wait until the last in the series.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This story has so much action and keeps you guessing. I love the attraction between Mera and Best. There are so many questions and answers in thus book.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and I am not so secretly wishing for Mera And Bast to wind up together as a couple. I feel that they are a great match. I love this series and am so excited for more of this story! I highly recommend this as a great Fantasy read!!!

[B3AUT1FUL PH03N1X · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the whole series so far. This book had me on the edge of my seat. Mera and Bast are two of my favorite characters ever. In this book, Mera is trying to figure out who is trying to kill her, and why this person seems to hate her so much. Bast is always by Mera's side and keeps her secret because she is his hart. This book involves more of Bast's family, and trusting them with Mera's secret. I have never been more on the edge of my seat, as I have during this book. It takes you through all your emotions like an amazing book should, and I couldn't put it down until the end. I will be sad since the next book is supposed to be the last one. There are very few series I can't wait to read the next book, and this is one of them. I recommend this book to anyone that like books about the fey and other mystical characters. I can't wait to read the next book. I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was going to give it five stars but you just had to go there, Wilde. NOT her, anyone but her, I'd even let you take Bast. (Maybe??) I sit here, 1am and I'm literally shaking with utter grief. I can't remember a time I felt such grief over a fictional character. (Well, maybe Fourth Wing). This book could've been perfect. I don't think I can read the last book, I just can't. It's admitting that she's not going to be in it.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

So the first 40 to 50% was kind of just okay I was starting to get a bit bored but then I saw it all kind of coming together and kept going. There's only one book left and now I'm invested and curious so I'll read the last book but like I said with the other two books they're good as a side read if you want something light and not too convoluted or a book that you really have to follow along and take notes for in order to keep everything straight.

[JW USA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging

Another engaging episode on this world. There is progress in relationships and a solid plot for this novel. The narrative arc for the series continues to progress too. There is grief in this story and misunderstandings that cause pain which is why it’s a 4 stars.

[Sasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still Entrrtaining

Although I did not enjoy this book as much as the last one, it was still enjoyable. I felt that the actions of a heroine were not on par of my expectations of her. I wish that she had took a different route with resolving some of her ongoing conflicts.

[Hel Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally the storyline is coming together.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I claim you under your silver moon and my furious sea. I claim you through the shallows and the trenches. I claim you under the night sky and the realms of the deep.”

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one didn't quite pull me in as much as the first two. Probably because there was so much going on that the focus felt more on the plot than on character development and interactions, which is where this series really shines in my opinion. That said, what was there was great (particularly liked Corvus and Ruth). Looking forward to the next book!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, sad too

Good plot, great characters - maybe, just maybe a bit thin on the details / atmosphere..
But enjoyable none the less.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. Paranormal Mera & Bast together. Will Mera’s father destroy them and everyone around them? Good characters, relationships, myths

[Desdemona Dreadless · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perfectly OK, nothing special... simple and entertaining enough. Very basic, perfect for background audiobook.

[Taylor]

DNF about 80% through

[Sn8wflake · Rating 4 out of 5]

urban

Separate cases that combine into one. A bond is formed. The brother gains a conscience. Sadly more deaths that a close to home

[Eliza]

I just lost my interest in the whole series. It might be a me-problem or the writing wasn't exciting for me anymore. In any case, I do recommend the first book and its world building with fondness.

[Sugarpop · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know, the story has started to lose me.