What do you think?
Rate this book
Vampire Pet Boutique Mysteries #2
The Tell-Fang Heart
Someone is stalking and staking vampires in Arteria Falls, Colorado. Can the town’s resident sleuth catch the culprit before one of her loved ones is next?
A snowstorm is coming just as Valentine’s Day approaches, causing all of Arteria Falls to stock up on blood and other essentials—like Cupid-shaped cakes for dogs. Josie Wixx, disabled vampire, is busy running the cake promotion for her pet boutique, so she barely notices the weather frenzy. Amid the rush of orders, someone leaves a lipstick heart on the boutique’s door. Josie doesn’t think much of it until little hearts start popping up around town…followed by diabolical attacks.
The victims all have one thing in common—bright-blue eyes, just like Josie’s. Just as she wonders if she could be the next victim, she spots another heart…on her blue-eyed coworker and cousin’s car. Desperate to save her cousin, Josie vows to catch the attacker.
With the snowstorm raging around her, she tries to track the culprit. But they leave no trace behind…except for small trinkets that might just reveal the next victim. Can Josie follow the clues before her cousin ends up in a coffin?
If you like cozy towns, vivacious vampires, and charming canine companions, then you'll love Elle Wren Burke’s fangtastic mystery.
A snowstorm is coming just as Valentine’s Day approaches, causing all of Arteria Falls to stock up on blood and other essentials—like Cupid-shaped cakes for dogs. Josie Wixx, disabled vampire, is busy running the cake promotion for her pet boutique, so she barely notices the weather frenzy. Amid the rush of orders, someone leaves a lipstick heart on the boutique’s door. Josie doesn’t think much of it until little hearts start popping up around town…followed by diabolical attacks.
The victims all have one thing in common—bright-blue eyes, just like Josie’s. Just as she wonders if she could be the next victim, she spots another heart…on her blue-eyed coworker and cousin’s car. Desperate to save her cousin, Josie vows to catch the attacker.
With the snowstorm raging around her, she tries to track the culprit. But they leave no trace behind…except for small trinkets that might just reveal the next victim. Can Josie follow the clues before her cousin ends up in a coffin?
If you like cozy towns, vivacious vampires, and charming canine companions, then you'll love Elle Wren Burke’s fangtastic mystery.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2023
22 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 30, 2023
Humor, suspense, and a strong female protagonist kept me turning the pages of Elle Wren Burke’s new paranormal cozy mystery,
The Tell-Fang Heart
. This is the second book in the Vampire Pet Boutique Mystery series. While it’s the first one that I’ve read, it worked as a standalone. It’s set in Arteria Falls, Colorado.
Josie Wixx is a unique protagonist. She’s a vampire with an inherited connective tissue disorder and uses a wheelchair as well as a cane or crutch for short distances. She has a private investigator’s license from when she worked with her grandfather. However, she now owns and operates a pet boutique while doing some sleuthing on the side. With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, she barely notices the hearts showing up on doors and windshields until the attacks begin. The victims have one thing in common. They all have bright, blue eyes just like her and her cousin and co-worker Dawk. When they get the hearts as well, Josie goes into her investigative mode.
The characterization is great in this novel. Josie is funny, caring, organized, and high-spirited. She loves pets, including her own Scottish terrier, Matilda. The secondary characters (including pets) have varying degrees of depth, but there were clues about their personalities through their words, actions, reactions, and mannerisms.
The plot is multi-layered and has more depth to it than many will expect. There are some twists, some exciting scenes, and some laugh-out-loud moments. The diverse characterization was accompanied by great world-building details. This is not your typical vampire story. While the main plot is brought to a satisfactory conclusion, there are threads for future books in the series that are still open.
Overall, this book was entertaining, funny, and it had a solid mystery.
Additionally, the novel tackled some deeper issues. I believe reading the series in order would provide an even better understanding of the characters, their backgrounds, and the events that have occurred. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Elle Wren Burke provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be February 6, 2023.
Josie Wixx is a unique protagonist. She’s a vampire with an inherited connective tissue disorder and uses a wheelchair as well as a cane or crutch for short distances. She has a private investigator’s license from when she worked with her grandfather. However, she now owns and operates a pet boutique while doing some sleuthing on the side. With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, she barely notices the hearts showing up on doors and windshields until the attacks begin. The victims have one thing in common. They all have bright, blue eyes just like her and her cousin and co-worker Dawk. When they get the hearts as well, Josie goes into her investigative mode.
The characterization is great in this novel. Josie is funny, caring, organized, and high-spirited. She loves pets, including her own Scottish terrier, Matilda. The secondary characters (including pets) have varying degrees of depth, but there were clues about their personalities through their words, actions, reactions, and mannerisms.
The plot is multi-layered and has more depth to it than many will expect. There are some twists, some exciting scenes, and some laugh-out-loud moments. The diverse characterization was accompanied by great world-building details. This is not your typical vampire story. While the main plot is brought to a satisfactory conclusion, there are threads for future books in the series that are still open.
Overall, this book was entertaining, funny, and it had a solid mystery.
Additionally, the novel tackled some deeper issues. I believe reading the series in order would provide an even better understanding of the characters, their backgrounds, and the events that have occurred. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Elle Wren Burke provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be February 6, 2023.
January 25, 2023
The Tell-Fang Heart is the second book in the Vampire Pet Boutique series by Ellen Wren Burke.
I absolutely LOVED this book.
I love the characters in this book! The main character, Josie, lives with chronic pain and spends a lot of time in her custom wheelchair. I also live with chronic pain and really can relate to this character, well not the vampire part, but you get the idea.
I love the vampires in this story and there is danger for them. The mystery is well crafted and pefectly plotted. I cannot say enough good things about this book.
The book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the first book in the series A Fang to Remember.
I can't wait for more books in this series!
I absolutely LOVED this book.
I love the characters in this book! The main character, Josie, lives with chronic pain and spends a lot of time in her custom wheelchair. I also live with chronic pain and really can relate to this character, well not the vampire part, but you get the idea.
I love the vampires in this story and there is danger for them. The mystery is well crafted and pefectly plotted. I cannot say enough good things about this book.
The book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the first book in the series A Fang to Remember.
I can't wait for more books in this series!
May 16, 2023
This is the second book in the Vampire Pet Boutique Mystery series, but works well as a standalone. The main character in this new series is Josie Wixx, who like the author, has a condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Josie runs a pet boutique and is also a licensed PI. In this book, it appears a serial killer may be on the loose in Arteria Falls, Colorado.
This cozy mystery has both realistic and paranormal elements. The mystery is intriguing and suspenseful and the paranormal world is also very interesting. The author is able to inform the readers about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome while telling an entertaining, often humorous, story. The author will keep you guessing on the identity of the killer and the final showdown is dramatic and satisfying. Josie is also dealing with a mystery involving her grandfather, from whom she learned how to be a PI. It appears this storyline will continue on into the next book.
I received a copy of this book from the author at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
This cozy mystery has both realistic and paranormal elements. The mystery is intriguing and suspenseful and the paranormal world is also very interesting. The author is able to inform the readers about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome while telling an entertaining, often humorous, story. The author will keep you guessing on the identity of the killer and the final showdown is dramatic and satisfying. Josie is also dealing with a mystery involving her grandfather, from whom she learned how to be a PI. It appears this storyline will continue on into the next book.
I received a copy of this book from the author at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
April 22, 2024
This is such a fun series! The world building is well done and easy to imagine (even for me who lacks imagination for things like this); the characters are relatable and well developed, and the mystery keeps you guessing until the very end. I love that Josie has training as a PI so a lot of the awkward explanations as to why she’s investigating are eliminated. Add in the detailed information about her chronic illness and it all is very real while being set in a fictional community. Looking forward to the next one!
January 22, 2024
This is another very enjoyable romp into Elle Burke's world of vampires, pet boutiques, and small-town crime. I'll be headed right into the third to see what happens next.
February 22, 2023
There are not enough books with heroines in wheelchairs. Quite a lot of people in this world are chronically ill and quite a few of those people use wheelchairs quite often. I'm therefore really happy that I'm encountering more and more books where we meet chronically ill heroines using wheelchairs. And since I really enjoyed the first book in this series I was very excited to also get a review copy via BookSirens for this second book.
Once more the author gives us the perfect mix of romance, issues chronically ill people encounter, friendship and a nice mystery to be solved. I really love how the author shows us our heroine's complete life. We see her at work, at home and we see what happens when she's spending time with friends. It's nice to see a part-time wheelchair user with such an active life and with so many people caring about her without her illness being erased.
Our heroine does have pain, can grow tired a little faster than others, does have to keep in mind how to travel somewhere and what the impact of certain things will be on her illness. Although my illness is quite different I still recognized myself in our heroine. I also really love how her dog is trained to be so helpful. She walks where she has to walk. She stays put when she has to stay put. But she's not a miracle dog; the author does mention that it took time to teach her all that.
I also really loved the mystery in this book. It was quite hard to actually find the culprit, but our heroine did logical things, found useful information and connected the pieces in a very logical way. You would say that this is how mysteries should be written, but quite often we see heroines making almost impossible connections and being right more by luck then by logic. In this book that's really not the case. It's really realistic that this is how a case like this could be solved.
I can't wait for the next book to be released!
Once more the author gives us the perfect mix of romance, issues chronically ill people encounter, friendship and a nice mystery to be solved. I really love how the author shows us our heroine's complete life. We see her at work, at home and we see what happens when she's spending time with friends. It's nice to see a part-time wheelchair user with such an active life and with so many people caring about her without her illness being erased.
Our heroine does have pain, can grow tired a little faster than others, does have to keep in mind how to travel somewhere and what the impact of certain things will be on her illness. Although my illness is quite different I still recognized myself in our heroine. I also really love how her dog is trained to be so helpful. She walks where she has to walk. She stays put when she has to stay put. But she's not a miracle dog; the author does mention that it took time to teach her all that.
I also really loved the mystery in this book. It was quite hard to actually find the culprit, but our heroine did logical things, found useful information and connected the pieces in a very logical way. You would say that this is how mysteries should be written, but quite often we see heroines making almost impossible connections and being right more by luck then by logic. In this book that's really not the case. It's really realistic that this is how a case like this could be solved.
I can't wait for the next book to be released!
January 31, 2023
The Tell-Fang Heart is the second book in the Vampire Pet Boutique Mysteries by author Elle Wren Burke. The Tell-Fang Heart was just as cute and cuddly as the first book in the series, A Fang to Remember. It will draw you in just as deep as its predecessor did and it will not let go until that last page is read.
The world-building is one of the best I have seen by far. I loved all the characters and their sweet personalities. I especially loved the main character Josie Wixx. She is a person with a great big heart. She loves animals and humans alike. Josie is a vampire in a vampire world. Josie runs her own pet boutique. Josie lives with chronic pain. Pain that is so bad that she uses a wheelchair. She does have a cane for short distances.
In The Tell-Fang Heart, Valentine’s Day is almost upon them and someone is leaving valentine's hearts. A good thing, right? Well, not in this case as the ones who are receiving the hearts are being staked. Josie finds a valentine's heart hanging on the door of her pet boutique. She doesn’t think much of it at first as the shop is pretty busy with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. But when she learns that people are being staked now that makes it a different story all together.
Josie decides to look into the case of the Valentine’s day staker herself before her time and her friend's time are up. The Tell-Fang Heart has a lot of laughs. It had me laughing right out loud more than once. The twists will keep you turning the pages as you race to the end to see how it all turns out.
I highly recommend The Tell-Fang Heart to all romantic and vampire fans! Grab your copy of The Tell-Fang Heart today!
The world-building is one of the best I have seen by far. I loved all the characters and their sweet personalities. I especially loved the main character Josie Wixx. She is a person with a great big heart. She loves animals and humans alike. Josie is a vampire in a vampire world. Josie runs her own pet boutique. Josie lives with chronic pain. Pain that is so bad that she uses a wheelchair. She does have a cane for short distances.
In The Tell-Fang Heart, Valentine’s Day is almost upon them and someone is leaving valentine's hearts. A good thing, right? Well, not in this case as the ones who are receiving the hearts are being staked. Josie finds a valentine's heart hanging on the door of her pet boutique. She doesn’t think much of it at first as the shop is pretty busy with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. But when she learns that people are being staked now that makes it a different story all together.
Josie decides to look into the case of the Valentine’s day staker herself before her time and her friend's time are up. The Tell-Fang Heart has a lot of laughs. It had me laughing right out loud more than once. The twists will keep you turning the pages as you race to the end to see how it all turns out.
I highly recommend The Tell-Fang Heart to all romantic and vampire fans! Grab your copy of The Tell-Fang Heart today!
February 1, 2023
When vampires are attacked in their homes and the only clues are the color of the victims' hair (blond) and eyes (blue) and recently finding paper hearts, Josie Wixx quickly realizes that both she and her cousin fit the profile. When she finds multiple paper hearts in her store and home, Josie kicks into high gear to find the perpatrator before she and her cousin become the next victims.
I seriously loved the first book and was looking forward to the next installment of this great series. I was not disappointed. Being a "Disabled Vamp" throws so many tropes on it's head, but the author does a great job of using Josie's abilities to overcome the adversity of her disorder. So much thought goes into Josie's coping mechanisms, you can see how the disability never goes away, but doesn't keep her from getting to the bottom of the mystery.
The world-building is still amazing, from the well-named Vein St to the proprietary blood blends-- wine mixed with type O, Arteria Falls springs off the pages.
I can't wait for the next installment! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I seriously loved the first book and was looking forward to the next installment of this great series. I was not disappointed. Being a "Disabled Vamp" throws so many tropes on it's head, but the author does a great job of using Josie's abilities to overcome the adversity of her disorder. So much thought goes into Josie's coping mechanisms, you can see how the disability never goes away, but doesn't keep her from getting to the bottom of the mystery.
The world-building is still amazing, from the well-named Vein St to the proprietary blood blends-- wine mixed with type O, Arteria Falls springs off the pages.
I can't wait for the next installment! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2023
The Tell-Fang Heart cozy murder mystery was an absolute delight to read, and this is a perfect time to read it as it all takes place around Valentine’s Day! I quickly became immersed in the hidden vampire town of Arteria Falls, Colorado and the vampires, humans and pets that live there.
Our protagonist is Josie Wixx a vampire who is differently abled and relies on a cane and wheelchair to get around. She’s a successful small business owner with her pet boutique named after her Scottish Terrier, Matilda. There is a lot of humor mixed in with the drama of a murder mystery. You won’t want to miss out on the blood cocktail recipes Josie’s roommate, the scientist, comes up with.
The mystery of who the killer is and why he/she’s murdering blond, blue eyed inhabitants of Arteria Falls the week before Valentine’s Day takes a few twists and turns before there’s a satisfactory ending. This book can stand alone even though it is the second book of a series. It’s a fast, fun read and I recommend you check it out.
I received this book as an arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Our protagonist is Josie Wixx a vampire who is differently abled and relies on a cane and wheelchair to get around. She’s a successful small business owner with her pet boutique named after her Scottish Terrier, Matilda. There is a lot of humor mixed in with the drama of a murder mystery. You won’t want to miss out on the blood cocktail recipes Josie’s roommate, the scientist, comes up with.
The mystery of who the killer is and why he/she’s murdering blond, blue eyed inhabitants of Arteria Falls the week before Valentine’s Day takes a few twists and turns before there’s a satisfactory ending. This book can stand alone even though it is the second book of a series. It’s a fast, fun read and I recommend you check it out.
I received this book as an arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 17, 2023
In the hidden vampire town of Arteria Falls, pet boutique owner and PI, Josie Wix is still puzzling over her grandfather’s disappearance and the mysterious notes she received. As Valentine’s Day approaches, she is presented with a new case. Blonde haired & blue eyed vamps are being targeted. Can Josie figure out the clues before she and her cousin Dawk become the next victims? And will she finally allow Calder to get closer to her?
This is the second book in Elle Wren Burke’s Vampire Pet Boutique Mysteries. Josie is a kick-ass heroine, smart and occasionally snarky, as well as compassionate. Though disabled, she doesn’t let her illness limit her nor does she succumb to self pity. She is surrounded by a diverse community of supportive friends and family and draws on their strengths as needed to solve the case.
The mystery is well written, tightly plotted, and moves at a fast pace. As Josie discovers links between the victims and deciphers clues left behind, she is able to identify the perpetrator and stop the attacks. While the main mystery is solved, there is the overarching mystery of her grandfather’s disappearance throughout the series. I would recommend reading in order.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in Elle Wren Burke’s Vampire Pet Boutique Mysteries. Josie is a kick-ass heroine, smart and occasionally snarky, as well as compassionate. Though disabled, she doesn’t let her illness limit her nor does she succumb to self pity. She is surrounded by a diverse community of supportive friends and family and draws on their strengths as needed to solve the case.
The mystery is well written, tightly plotted, and moves at a fast pace. As Josie discovers links between the victims and deciphers clues left behind, she is able to identify the perpetrator and stop the attacks. While the main mystery is solved, there is the overarching mystery of her grandfather’s disappearance throughout the series. I would recommend reading in order.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the vampire pet boutique mysteries, and it is a winner. Josie, owner of the Pet Boutique in Arteria, Colorado, suffers chronic pain and must use a wheelchair much of the time. But she remains plucky, fun, and determined to live her life to the full. This time, someone is leaving red valentine hearts for certain recipients, and they end up dead. Now Josie (or is it her cousin) has received one and the race is on to stop the killer. This is a wonderfully fun paranormal adventure with great characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 28, 2023
“You know, Josie, those who love us, love us. All of us.”
That's something everyone should remember. And Elle Wren Burke writes characters that live it. Humans, vamps, you name it. And unlike other authors who might seem to present their vampires as superior and all that, we have non-binary vamps, and angry vamps as well as ones like Josie with life altering disabilities. The stories resonate with people because of that and the mysteries are the machine that brings us there. And this one is hard not to write spoilers about. You'll just have to see where it leads on your own!
And, as Josie finds her voice and strengthens her perceptions, she is discovering what others around her already know: that she's a great friend and possible more with a certain someone.
Elee Wren Burke writes amazing characters that I look forward to seeing where they may be next. I feel that I would love to sit down with Josie and Calder and see what might happen. Highly Recommended 5/5
[I received an advance copy of the book. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way]
That's something everyone should remember. And Elle Wren Burke writes characters that live it. Humans, vamps, you name it. And unlike other authors who might seem to present their vampires as superior and all that, we have non-binary vamps, and angry vamps as well as ones like Josie with life altering disabilities. The stories resonate with people because of that and the mysteries are the machine that brings us there. And this one is hard not to write spoilers about. You'll just have to see where it leads on your own!
And, as Josie finds her voice and strengthens her perceptions, she is discovering what others around her already know: that she's a great friend and possible more with a certain someone.
Elee Wren Burke writes amazing characters that I look forward to seeing where they may be next. I feel that I would love to sit down with Josie and Calder and see what might happen. Highly Recommended 5/5
[I received an advance copy of the book. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way]
February 19, 2023
Another great cozy mystery about Josie and her friends. The ongoing character and story development had me engaged throughout the story. The matter of fact telling about a main character with a hidden disability is well done and brings attention to the many faces of disability. If you like cozy mysteries with a bit of paranormal and a bit of romance with likable characters here is a new set of stories for you to enjoy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 23, 2023
What a fabulously well written paranormal cozey mystery. This series has some rather interesting and colorful mane characters that I enjoy becoming more acquainted with each new mystery, the characters have such a varying range of employment as well as lifestyles yet are a close nit group of friends and family .You will be drawn in by these characters yourself wanting to get to know them better. The mane heroine like myself lives most her life from her wheelchair as dose author Elle Wren Burke the creator of this mystery, so she is able to bring heartwarming humanity to a vampire with all to human pain and discomfort of a debilitating condition and how it can create mayhem in day to day ventures. Anywhosers I ramble it's so easy with all the creativity Once you have been drawn in by the vibrant characters familiar and new you will be enticed further by the intrigue of the mystery while the plot carries you throughout mixing and pouring out the drama of clues, fauls,suspects and motives keeping you turning page after page with apprehension and excitement until you've reached the unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " The Tell-Fang Heart " for hours of intriguing, on the edge of your seat enjoyable entertainment.I couldn't rest until I read this in one full sitting. OH did I mention it's set during the Valentine's Day leed up. 💘🍷🥂😍😃Kat
February 3, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a cosy mystery set in a pet store. It was fun, entertaining and quirky. I hadn't read the previous book, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of this one. It brought a smile to my face, and I thought it was appropriate for the time of year, given that it was Valentine's Day themed.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.
This was a cosy mystery set in a pet store. It was fun, entertaining and quirky. I hadn't read the previous book, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of this one. It brought a smile to my face, and I thought it was appropriate for the time of year, given that it was Valentine's Day themed.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.
February 7, 2023
I enjoyed this cozy mystery involving vampires. Small town and good friends and family and it’s almost Valentine’s Day. A disabled PI is up for the challenge. I can’t wait to read more by Meg Summers and the town of Arteria Falls. *I was given an advanced reader copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
January 29, 2023
I'm a fan if cozy mysteries, in general, and this one by Elle Wren Burke is easy to read. It's always nice to see other-abled people represented and not just as a side character but as the lead. A fondness for vampires and animals makes for a charming quick read. The writing style is a little simple for my taste, but it wasn't too jarring. Overall a pleasant read and I will look for other books by this author. Thank you to #Booksirens and Elle Wren Burke for a free preview in exchange for an honest review. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 27, 2023
Josie is still obsessed with the disappearance of her grandfather- and now a new investigation has cropped up
an ugly Valentine has started delivering hearts and small stakes to his victims, along with losds of creepiness and very anti romantic notions
Can Josie and her friends unravel the mystery before more folks get hurt?
are the investigations simply a distraction from her search? or are they necessary, especially given the relative incompetence of a certain police detective or two?
mystery, drama, health and heart issues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
an ugly Valentine has started delivering hearts and small stakes to his victims, along with losds of creepiness and very anti romantic notions
Can Josie and her friends unravel the mystery before more folks get hurt?
are the investigations simply a distraction from her search? or are they necessary, especially given the relative incompetence of a certain police detective or two?
mystery, drama, health and heart issues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2023
Love this series. I'd love to just sit and chat with Josie. Wish Elle would write faster.
March 11, 2023
2023 bk 87. An enjoyable second book in the series. I did some disconnects having forgotten some key details from book one, but that quickly passed as I got into swing of things. Valentine's is on its way and romance (or at least giggles over romance) is in the air. But someone is out for revenge - by hitting, biting, and then staking out those he feels have rejected him. It's up to our P.I. and her friends to sort out the problem. Note - Elle Wren Burke has also written a freebie prequel that is available through her newsletter - also a fun mystery.
January 24, 2023
Josie Wixx and friends are back with another mystery to solve in The Tell-Fang Heart, the second book in the Vampire Pet Boutique series by Elle Wren Burke. Someone in Arteria Falls is attacking vampires. Josie dusts off her PI license and decides to investigate when she learns that she, and her cousin Dawk, might be the attackers next victims.
Josie is such a smart and funny character, I laughed out loud a few times reading this story! The mystery was very clever, and I liked how Josie goes about interviewing and researching things.
This was a fast paced cozy read that takes place around Valentine's Day.
Josie is such a smart and funny character, I laughed out loud a few times reading this story! The mystery was very clever, and I liked how Josie goes about interviewing and researching things.
This was a fast paced cozy read that takes place around Valentine's Day.
February 7, 2023
I like this series so much and this newest book. What lurks in the hearts of men and women is often well concealed but is many times clawing to get out! I thought this book was well written, I like the storyline and I like the peeling of the onion.
February 9, 2023
Since Josie owns Matilda’s VamPets, and her dog is Matilda, she has fun when owners bring in their animals and if there aren’t any other customers she can play. One of her faves is Xander, yes, he is named for that Xander from Buffy. But since Xan is a big dog, he gets over excited and wrecks a display while his owner does the same. It’s funny! She has one of the shelter’s adoptable cats in her store in the hopes of finding him a furever home. Her cousin Dawk, works for her as does her friend Lacey. With the help of Isa next door, who bakes, they are running a special on dog Valentines cakes. Omg everything having to do with that is hysterical! I love Isra’s assistant Hadley, as well as Josie’s roommate Lynnae. She bribes her buds into helping bake the night before Vday because Freshness!
I love watching Josie zip around in Zippy her new pink super wheelchair, and I love the character so much, I wish I could help with her chronic pain. I love that the author uses her own so called disability to make people aware of what name done, there is no fixing this type of disease. There are good days and bad and using heating pads and pillows and not overdoing is a big part of handling chronic pain for this disease. Josie’s mom Velma,as well as Dawk’s mom are terrifying! I love them tho. Since Arteria Falls is a vampire town, and hidden from most of the humans, biting crimes are almost unheard of! But it happens in this book! Omg! The bad guy in this will surprise you. I really enjoyed the book as I bit my nails while I was worried about Josie and Dawk as both fit the victim profile! Josie is also an awesome PI, as taught by her missing Gramps. Calder is a cutie and I’m waiting desperately for Josie to admit how she feels about him. As he is so adorable and sweet with her. Matilda’s antics are so funny.
The whole book is suspenseful, hysterically funny and a bit romantic. I was very interested in the doggie cake making. The way they made them was awesome! The whole book was awesome. I like the fact that Josie is a vampire but her body has a problem. Usually, vampires are all like, the only thing that can take me down is a werewolf or a group of Van Helsings. lol I can’t wait for the next book! I was totally sucked in,pun intended lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love watching Josie zip around in Zippy her new pink super wheelchair, and I love the character so much, I wish I could help with her chronic pain. I love that the author uses her own so called disability to make people aware of what name done, there is no fixing this type of disease. There are good days and bad and using heating pads and pillows and not overdoing is a big part of handling chronic pain for this disease. Josie’s mom Velma,as well as Dawk’s mom are terrifying! I love them tho. Since Arteria Falls is a vampire town, and hidden from most of the humans, biting crimes are almost unheard of! But it happens in this book! Omg! The bad guy in this will surprise you. I really enjoyed the book as I bit my nails while I was worried about Josie and Dawk as both fit the victim profile! Josie is also an awesome PI, as taught by her missing Gramps. Calder is a cutie and I’m waiting desperately for Josie to admit how she feels about him. As he is so adorable and sweet with her. Matilda’s antics are so funny.
The whole book is suspenseful, hysterically funny and a bit romantic. I was very interested in the doggie cake making. The way they made them was awesome! The whole book was awesome. I like the fact that Josie is a vampire but her body has a problem. Usually, vampires are all like, the only thing that can take me down is a werewolf or a group of Van Helsings. lol I can’t wait for the next book! I was totally sucked in,pun intended lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2023
I predict this to be a great selling whodunit for Elle Wren Burke! It's a perfect addition to the Vampire Pet Boutique series.
Josie, Dawk and Everly, Dawk's girlfriend, are in personal danger in this story. Can you imagine anyone wanting to hurt them? Well, I guess Josie when in P.I. mode but Dawk and Everly, no way. Anyway, it's got paper heart "calling cards" all over town, an intentional red herring, two (almost four) victims, some extremely odd characters and.........FLAMINGOS.....lots and lots of FLAMINGOS. I think I'm as traumatized as Josie and Lynnae about the flamingos. Spiders, in moderation sure, but flamingos, way too pink. (Sorry Josie.)
It's not all P.I. work for Josie and her friends. And let me tell you, they are true friends. She volunteered everyone for something without their knowledge and they all came through for her. Let's just say it involves cake. Lots and lots of cake. Josie and Calder almost have a moment as well but dang it if it wasn't ruined by a dang phone. Technically an extremely important call but still, so sad.
On a side note: Everytime I read the second victims name, Niall, it sent my brain to one of my favorite TV shows. Eureka. Niall Matter played Zane Donovan. Now I must binge watch it. Oh, and Josie's thoughts on humans and tomatoes are my thoughts on vampires and pickles. Gross. LOL.
This is a definite must read and can be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading the other books in the series. They are fantastic and entertaining. Not to mention worth every penny. Go now and buy with one click. You'll be glad you did.
Josie, Dawk and Everly, Dawk's girlfriend, are in personal danger in this story. Can you imagine anyone wanting to hurt them? Well, I guess Josie when in P.I. mode but Dawk and Everly, no way. Anyway, it's got paper heart "calling cards" all over town, an intentional red herring, two (almost four) victims, some extremely odd characters and.........FLAMINGOS.....lots and lots of FLAMINGOS. I think I'm as traumatized as Josie and Lynnae about the flamingos. Spiders, in moderation sure, but flamingos, way too pink. (Sorry Josie.)
It's not all P.I. work for Josie and her friends. And let me tell you, they are true friends. She volunteered everyone for something without their knowledge and they all came through for her. Let's just say it involves cake. Lots and lots of cake. Josie and Calder almost have a moment as well but dang it if it wasn't ruined by a dang phone. Technically an extremely important call but still, so sad.
On a side note: Everytime I read the second victims name, Niall, it sent my brain to one of my favorite TV shows. Eureka. Niall Matter played Zane Donovan. Now I must binge watch it. Oh, and Josie's thoughts on humans and tomatoes are my thoughts on vampires and pickles. Gross. LOL.
This is a definite must read and can be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading the other books in the series. They are fantastic and entertaining. Not to mention worth every penny. Go now and buy with one click. You'll be glad you did.
March 19, 2024
good
When someone starts attacking the blue-eyed blonds in town, Josie and her cousin Dawk find themselves part of the victim profile. The victims all received hearts (since it is Valentine’s Day) so when Dawk finds a heart, Josie is worried.
Since she doesn’t want her favourite relative hurt, out comes her P.I. hat again, and Josie is once more investigating a case.
Things are complicated by a snowstorm (her wheelchair Zippy does not like them much) and some intense cold (Josie’s joints are not fans), and the business of the season itself, but the intrepid investigator will not let any of that stop her from finding the culprit.
This is a light hearted paranormal cosy mystery, with a wheelchair wielding detective (Josie Ironside maybe?), cute pets, and her lovely friends. The attacks are refreshingly *not* murders, which makes this extra cosy in my opinion. Add in the mountain of blankets and seats by the fire (it is very cold), and we up the cosy factor even more. It’s the perfect book, therefore, for either cooling off on a hot day, or for cosying up in a warm nook on a cold one.
There is a small amount of progress made on the ongoing background mystery, but the Valentine’s Day attacks take center stage for the story.
All in all, an enjoyable cosy mystery for paranormal fans, and those who enjoyed the first book in the series.
When someone starts attacking the blue-eyed blonds in town, Josie and her cousin Dawk find themselves part of the victim profile. The victims all received hearts (since it is Valentine’s Day) so when Dawk finds a heart, Josie is worried.
Since she doesn’t want her favourite relative hurt, out comes her P.I. hat again, and Josie is once more investigating a case.
Things are complicated by a snowstorm (her wheelchair Zippy does not like them much) and some intense cold (Josie’s joints are not fans), and the business of the season itself, but the intrepid investigator will not let any of that stop her from finding the culprit.
This is a light hearted paranormal cosy mystery, with a wheelchair wielding detective (Josie Ironside maybe?), cute pets, and her lovely friends. The attacks are refreshingly *not* murders, which makes this extra cosy in my opinion. Add in the mountain of blankets and seats by the fire (it is very cold), and we up the cosy factor even more. It’s the perfect book, therefore, for either cooling off on a hot day, or for cosying up in a warm nook on a cold one.
There is a small amount of progress made on the ongoing background mystery, but the Valentine’s Day attacks take center stage for the story.
All in all, an enjoyable cosy mystery for paranormal fans, and those who enjoyed the first book in the series.
February 27, 2023
It's almost Valentines Day and our protagonist, Josie Wixx, a vampire, who suffers from an inherited debilitating disease that has her getting around in a wheel chair, crutches or a cane. But she is one strong, feisty woman who owns the local pet boutique. And of course, she has her loving Scottish Terrier, Matilda. While getting a special promotion together for the upcoming Valentines Day in her pet boutique, she doesn't at first notice the strange hearts that keep showing up in town. The one thing in common of all the heart recipients is their blue eyes. And the recipients of the hearts are attacked. When her cousin and co-worker receives a heart, is she next to be attacked. This sets our heroine to put her investigative skills to work (she has a PI license from when she worked with her grandfather). Can she stop the attacks? The attacker does leave little clues as to who could be next. What is going on? Why is someone doing this? Can Josie catch and stop the attacks from happening and catch the culprit? Or could Josie be next? This is the second book in this series and once you begin, you just can't put it down. I can't wait to see what is up next for Josie! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
February 11, 2023
Arteria Falls is a quiet, secluded town in Colorado. The thing that sets it apart is this town is mostly inhabited by vampires. The main character, Josie Wixx, has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissues; she does not allow this to stop her though. Josie runs a pet boutique and is also a private investigator.
Arteria Falls is preparing to celebrate Valentine's Day while an impending snowstorm threatens the town. While the town residents prepare for the holiday and storm, there is another concern. Someone is stalking vampires! Josie and her friends need to figure out who is doing this before one of them becomes the next victim.
While The Tell-Fang Heart is the second book in the series, it is the first one I have read. The book can certainly be read as a stand-alone however, I find myself wanting to start at the beginning as it will enhance the reading experience more.
If you like cozy towns, vampires, and canines, you'll enjoy this series. I know I did!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Arteria Falls is preparing to celebrate Valentine's Day while an impending snowstorm threatens the town. While the town residents prepare for the holiday and storm, there is another concern. Someone is stalking vampires! Josie and her friends need to figure out who is doing this before one of them becomes the next victim.
While The Tell-Fang Heart is the second book in the series, it is the first one I have read. The book can certainly be read as a stand-alone however, I find myself wanting to start at the beginning as it will enhance the reading experience more.
If you like cozy towns, vampires, and canines, you'll enjoy this series. I know I did!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 10, 2023
Vampires in Arteria Falls are getting paper hearts-and then getting bitten and staked. It's up to Josie, Pet Boutique owner and PI to figure it out...before she's the next victim!
Pretty standard mystery set up, right? And, honestly, this would be a good, fun little cozy mystery with a paranormal twist regardless.
But where Burke shines in this series is that Josie has hEDS. She uses a wheelchair or a cane, physical exertion hurts, and when she saves the day, she'll pay for it the next morning.
In short, Josie is the disabled hero we need. One where the disabulity is neither waved aside and doesn't come with a superpower, but where it doesn't stop her, either.
I loved the first book in this series when I read it as an eARC, and I pre-ordered this one as soon as I saw it was coming. I'm going to make the same recommendation I made with the last one. If you are a mystery fan, or a vampire fan, or just like a good story, read this book. If those aren't your genres, but you have Kindle Unlimited, please download it and flip through it. Because the world needs more books like this, and it won't happen unless publishers see that there is a demand.
Pretty standard mystery set up, right? And, honestly, this would be a good, fun little cozy mystery with a paranormal twist regardless.
But where Burke shines in this series is that Josie has hEDS. She uses a wheelchair or a cane, physical exertion hurts, and when she saves the day, she'll pay for it the next morning.
In short, Josie is the disabled hero we need. One where the disabulity is neither waved aside and doesn't come with a superpower, but where it doesn't stop her, either.
I loved the first book in this series when I read it as an eARC, and I pre-ordered this one as soon as I saw it was coming. I'm going to make the same recommendation I made with the last one. If you are a mystery fan, or a vampire fan, or just like a good story, read this book. If those aren't your genres, but you have Kindle Unlimited, please download it and flip through it. Because the world needs more books like this, and it won't happen unless publishers see that there is a demand.
January 30, 2023
Josie Wixx is a vampire store owner living in Arteria Falls, and she’s also a part time PI. When red paper hearts start appearing around town, that’s cute as it’s coming up to Valentine’s Day. But when people start getting hurt, that’s a different matter, especially as Josie is sent a heart too.
It’s not often you get a strong female character like Josie, who lives mainly in a wheelchair and is in constant pain. Along with her sleuthing abilities it all adds up to a very good leading lady for the series. This is an enjoyable cosy mystery, nicely written, gently paced and with some well rounded characters. I would have liked a bit more about Josie grandfather’s disappearance and I felt a couple of the characters like the lead detective were a bit cliched. Guessing the villain is all part of reading a book of this genre and I look forward to the next in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s not often you get a strong female character like Josie, who lives mainly in a wheelchair and is in constant pain. Along with her sleuthing abilities it all adds up to a very good leading lady for the series. This is an enjoyable cosy mystery, nicely written, gently paced and with some well rounded characters. I would have liked a bit more about Josie grandfather’s disappearance and I felt a couple of the characters like the lead detective were a bit cliched. Guessing the villain is all part of reading a book of this genre and I look forward to the next in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 4, 2023
Josie Wixx has her hands full with the big Valentines cake promotion at her pet boutique and the mysterious notes relating to her missing grandfather. What she didn't need was someone sending paper Valentine hearts and then attacking people. After the second attack it becomes apparent, to Josie and her friends if not the police, is that she and her cousin Dawk fit the attacker's profile. Her investigation leads her to several local businesses and the local university. As the threat hits very close Josie must focus her skills as a PI to make everyone safe again.
A well written mystery with several twists and a very satisfactory outcome. The characters are buit on from the prequel and first story and more is found in the ongoing mystery surrounding Josie's grandfather. I enjoyed this quick interesting read and look forward to finding out more in the ongoing mystery.
I received a prereleasew ARC from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
A well written mystery with several twists and a very satisfactory outcome. The characters are buit on from the prequel and first story and more is found in the ongoing mystery surrounding Josie's grandfather. I enjoyed this quick interesting read and look forward to finding out more in the ongoing mystery.
I received a prereleasew ARC from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews