‘Thirty-seven years in the force, and if I was allowed to choose just one thing to erase from my mind, what’s inside that room would be it.’
That’s what a LAPD Lieutenant tells Detectives Hunter and Garcia of the Ultra Violent Crimes Unit as they arrive at one of the most shocking crime scenes they have ever attended.
In a completely unexpected turn of events, the detectives find themselves joining forces with the FBI to track down a serial killer whose hunting ground sees no borders; a psychopath who loves what he does because to him murder is much more than just killing – it’s an art form.
Welcome to The Gallery of the Dead.
My thoughts: Another macabre case for Hunter and Garcia sees them this time teaming up with the FBI to find a serial killer working across state lines.
This killer kills without cruelty, his victims don’t suffer, and then he removes their body parts. The LA victim that Hunter and Garcia are dealing with has had almost all her skin, hands and feet removed. On the only patch of skin left on her back is carved a message in Latin.
As they work through the victims, it becomes apparent that their killer is collecting, now they just have to find him and what connects their victims.
It’s dark and sinister, like all of the cases the LAPD’s Ultra Violent Crime Unit specialise in and despite the initial resistance, the FBI agents find Hunter’s insights vitally important to solve the case.
Hunter also finally has a personal life, in the form of a very attractive psychology professor who shares his taste in whisky and wins him over. Shame Garcia is late for dinner with his in-laws again!
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
Welcome to the tour for Court of Light and Dark by Heather D. Grace! If you sign up for the author’s newsletter you will be gifted with a digital edition of the prequel which is a full-length novel called Court of Treason and Fate!
Court of Light and Dark (Hidden Courts of the Fae #1)
Release Date: June 2025
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
– Reluctant Half-Fae Chosen One
– Slow-burn, Grumpy/sunshine Forbidden Romance
– Bonded Animal Companions
– Found Family
– Portal Urban Fantasy Romance
Half-fae, half-human—entirely unprepared to face the war my bloodline dragged me into.
The moment I touch the broken rescue stallion, scars thicken like armor across his back and wings begin to regrow. I’ve barely processed this when a gruff man with glowing eyes and a pulsing energy shows up on my ranch, claiming I’m half fae…and the key to saving three realms.
I refuse to let anyone else decide who I become, but that doesn’t stop my fae “guardian” from black mailing me to follow him to his realm, where small folk are vanishing, only to return stripped of their magic and dying slow, tortured deaths. And while my healing magic is stirring here, it’s barely enough to help with the demons hunting us, let alone save anyone.
As for my guardian? Seems like even being near me is painful, and I can’t tell if it’s from resisting the connection between us, or something darker. Especially when it feels like his blood commands mine… and my own might destroy him.
But distraction could cost us everything; if I fail the prophecy, demons will enslave the fae, destroy the human realm, and take the creature I care about most: my Leath Pegasus.
They say I’m the key to saving the realms, but as time runs out, I can’t help but wonder if anyone can stop what’s coming.
Fans of Anne Bishop’s Pillars of the World and Faith Hunters’ Jane Yellowrock Series will love this fast-pace, hidden magics, and forbidden love between a grumpy fae guardian and a sunshiny but reluctant chosen one.
When a body is found in the woods, more will soon be uncovered, and DS Felix will need to find the killer before another victim is claimed.
Private Investigator, Alison Greene, has been contacted to find a missing person, by the victim’s elderly father, but these two cases may be intertwined and working together will be the only way to solve this case.
Nina Craig isthe author of the crime novel ‘Fight or Flight’. When she isn’t behind the keyboard, writing into the early hours of the morning while her young family is sleeping, she can be found escaping into another book under the guise of it being ‘research’. Nina studied Creative Writing at the University of Kingston in Surrey and was inspired to get straight into writing (After working on her poetry and writing several short stories, she was inspired to write her first novel.) Nina currently lives in Hampshire as a naval wife with two young children. In addition to her passion for literature, she is also a qualified yoga instructor and has been teaching classes for the last five years. If you want to know what she’s reading now and to hear about her upcoming novel, connect with her on Instagram at @NLCraigwrites.
My thoughts: When human remains are found in the woods by the stereotypical dog walker, the police struggle to get a match with any missing persons. Enter private investigator Alison Greene, she’s been hired to look into a missing young woman by her dying father.
She stumbles across missing persons cases online and is able to match the details with those of one of the bodies found in the woods. If the police are willing to work with her, she might be able to match some more remains with names.
Unfortunately DS Felix isn’t doing so well, struggling with alcohol addiction, his boss has just about had enough of his loss of focus, but meeting Alison gets him back on track and questioning why they haven’t even got a single suspect for the multiple murders. Between the two of them, perhaps they can shake something loose.
But solving the case could come at a high personal cost, unless they work together.
An interesting read, showing that a more unorthodox approach sometimes yields results and introducing Alison Greene, an intelligent and dedicated investigator.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own
A mission like no other, will test the team to the limit ⚠️
Dr Max Hunter, Special Agent Amy Fox and the rest of the HARPA Team are on the most important mission of their lives to rescue their teammate Quinn Mosley, HARPA Director Jim Gates and his wife Susanna, Hunter’s UNESCO manager Professor Juliette Bonnaire who have all been kidnapped by a mysterious organisation claiming to be the Illuminati. The group’s leader, Oriax, says he will trade their friends’ lives for the Sword of the Archangel Michael and gives them a 24 hour deadline to meet his demands. 🗡️
In a race against time, from Europe to Moscow and beyond, Hunter leads his small team on a high-speed rollercoaster ride, attempting to track down Oriax before the deadline expires and rescue Quinn and the others as well as keeping the ancient sword out of Oriax’s depraved hands, but will they succeed in this most lethal of challenges?
Rob Jones has published over forty books in the genres of action-adventure, action-thriller and crime. Many of his chart-topping titles have enjoyed number-one rankings and his Joe Hawke and Jed Mason series have been international bestsellers. Originally from England, today he lives in Australia with his wife and children.
My thoughts: Dr Alex Hunter and his team have found a legendary sword, thought to have belonged to St Michael, the Archangel Michael (aka the flaming sword from Genesis) and maybe even King Arthur (Excalibur) in Cornwall. But their friends and colleagues have been abducted by a sinister organisation that wants the sword – believing it will grant whoever wields it incredible powers.
Not exactly wanting to hand it over, but keen to rescue their friends, the team agree to meet the mysterious Oriax aboard his never-stopping train across Russia. They pick up a few new friends along the way, ones who also want to safeguard the sword, and aim to rescue their friends without having to sacrifice their pawn.
It’s a high-speed race across Europe, with only 24 hours to locate Oriax and save their friends, the team must do their utmost to stay alive and carry out this mission or they risk losing those they care about.
Fast-paced, gripping and full of twists and risks, this is another action-packed thriller from Rob Jones, and another chapter in The Hunter Files.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
Hannah Merrill is about to marry the love of her life…
The couple are determined that their low-key celebration will go without a hitch, but there can’t be an ‘I do’ while the vicar is missing. And when he’s found dead – a victim of a poisoning – in the crypt behind the church, Hannah knows only she and Aunt Violet can find out who did it.
Hannah’s beloved thinks she shouldn’t interfere. But if he fails to remember that an independent woman in 1916 doesn’t do what she’s told to by a man, the dead vicar may be the least of his worries…
Then the vicar’s own fiancé appears on the scene, even though nobody knew he was engaged. And suddenly it becomes clear someone has a secret, one shocking enough to kill for.
Will the intrepid pair of amateur sleuths catch the murderer before they kill again? Or will it be til death parts them all?
My thoughts: Hannah is about to get married in her local parish church, the only problem is the vicar is missing. Thankfully they find another who can fill in, but there’s still the question of where the original one went.
When the newlyweds find his body in the crypt, it initially looks like an accident – did he trip and fall down the stairs? The police reveal that the vicar was poisoned. And there’s so many secrets he was keeping – including a fiancé who arrives the following day.
Hannah and Aunt Violet (I love Aunt Violet so much) investigate – they have access that the police don’t, and uncover secrets that someone has killed for in the vicar’s past.
Hannah might now be married, but with her husband involved in war work and crime still happening, she’s going to investigate, with or without his approval.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
We are thrilled to present the final, thrilling instalment in this must-read fantasy series, The Dark Flame of Chaos by T.F. Johnson!
The Dark Flame of Chaos (The Belladonna Trilogy Book 3)
Release Date: October 31, 2025
Genre: Gaslamp/ Dark Fantasy
⚔️ Fierce FMC
⚔️ Slow burn is finally burning
⚔️ Immortals & Demons
⚔️ Magic
⚔️ Industrial Setting
⚔️ Enemies to Friends to Lovers
A brutal war. A shattering secret. A devastating sacrifice.
Silvaein is at war.
As an enemy nation stalks the borders, battle has a deadly toll on both sides. Casualties are high and allies are few.
In the capital, Piper leads a security team of quickly dwindling guards as citizens are called to the front lines. Along with Beka and Alec, she works tirelessly to end the war and bring about victory. But when secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested, Piper must put aside her feelings for the good of her country – even if that means losing everything.
With foes on all sides and trust fading fast, Piper and her friends fight for their very survival in a political landscape full of deceit and betrayal.
Perfect for lovers of Throne of Glass, Lady of Darkness, and the Grishaverse, The Dark Flame of Chaos is the final book in TF Johnson’s debut fantasy trilogy.
🗡️ Industrial Fantasy Setting
🗡️ Mysterious Disappearances
🗡️ She tries to 💀 him
🗡️ He threatens to arrést her
🗡️ Veeeeeery slow burn romance
🗡️ Assassín FMC
🗡️ Bookish MMC
🗡️ Found Family
🗡️ Fight Scene
🗡️ “I don’t like you but I guess I have to trust you” vibes
Mike McCleary is offered a fantastic new job. With his beautiful new girlfriend by his side, he can move back to England and be closer to his loving and supportive parents.
Newly-promoted Detective Inspector Steve Denton is basking in the spotlight after stopping a serial killer’s nationwide campaign, and feels he’s finally getting some deserved recognition.
The Broker continues to evade the long arm of the law and is about to invest in a new criminal venture, with the opportunity to earn billions.
But not all dreams come true, and some can turn into nightmares.
Writing is his hobby, which he fits in-between full-time work, family, and completing unusual fundraising challenges. For more information, visit geoffmajor.info. He lives in Yorkshire, with his wife and their dog.
My thoughts: The sequel to Hell Hath No Fury (ideally read that first to get background on what’s happening), this sees the police and Europol trying to bring down The Broker and BOrg (an online crime syndicate) with the assistance of a few determined individuals, some of whom may end up paying with their lives.
A retired man is pushed to his limits, forced to encourage his son to do certain things to benefit those blackmailing him. A lawyer decides to break privilege after her family comes under attack.
There have been more Lottery murders, which infuriate DI Denton, who thought he’d solved that one, he wants to bring The Broker down, and being told to stand down by Europol makes it worse. They want the whole crime syndicate, not just one London-based thug.
But as the case is being built, and more knowledgeable and intelligent people bring their pieces to the table, building up the best way to bring it all down – Denton is brought back in to share what he has, and the end of The Broker’s reign is nigh.
Clever, fast-paced, wrapping up some ends while leaving others waiting for further investigation, inspired by real-life crimes and criminals. Be careful what you put on the Internet!
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
We’re proud to present the cover for The Blood Assassin by Samantha Shaye! Pre-order your copy today!
The Blood Assassin
Expected Release Date: February 3, 2026
Genre: Upper YA/ Dark Fantasy/ Vampires
Vampires who are assassins
Forbidden love
Found family
Secret society
Strong friendship
Betrayal
Hidden truths
No spice
In the shadows, the truth awaits, ready to shatter reality.
As a member of the prestigious vampire coven, the Assembly of Shadows, Bria Allen has trained her entire life to become an elite assassin, following in the footsteps of her revered parents. But when her best friend Luna and an entire sect mysteriously disappear, Bria’s loyalty is tested like never before.
Amidst the doctrines and surveillance of the coven, Bria must navigate a treacherous path filled with ancient rituals, frenzied vampires, and hidden conspiracies.
Will she keep the secrets to herself and follow safely in her family’s footsteps or dare to unveil the truth and stand alone against the Assembly?
We’re thrilled to announce the release of Venomous, Venom and Ivy’s story in the Visceral Love duet by Kayla Marie!
Venomous: Venom & Ivy (Visceral Love Duet Book 2)
Release Date: October 30, 2025
Genre: Dark Romance
•Hate to Love
•Morally Grey Antihero
•Assassin/hitman
•Captive/Captor
•Touch-Starved
•Revenge/Vengeance
•Sadomasochist
•Pain-play/ BDSM
•Dubcon
•Touch Her and ☠
•Snake Play
•Redemption Arc
•Found Family
He doesn’t just love, he claims and consumes….
They call me The Southern Poisoner—contract killer, legend, monster in a tailored suit.
I was supposed to be on vacation. Two years of blood and bodies had earned me that much.
Then I found her.
Chained. Feral. Spitting fire even as she begged for freedom.
I should’ve walked away. I’m not the hero.
But I set her free.
Now she haunts me. Fights me. Tempts the monster in me to play nice.
I thought I was the one in control.
I am The Southern Poisoner.
But somehow… I think I’m the one being poisoned.
*Although Venomous is focused on Venom & Ivy, it is still recommended to read The Bone Reaper first, where Venom is first introduced and plays an important role in Reaper & Charlotte’s story. In the author’s opinion, this will assist in having full context and a better experience when reading Venomous.*
*Please be aware of content warning before divining in. Some content may be disturbing or triggering to some. Reader discretion advised.*
Graphic murder, violence and gore, physical assault and abuse, SA and noncon; including of a minor (one scene shared in detail from past memory), physical and emotional child abuse by a family member, death, explicit sex scenes, dubcon, human trafficking, BDSM, snakes.
In the spirit of Practical Magic and First Frost, a modern-day magic folk tale weaves a fantasy of love, secrets, spellbooks, and family bonds into evocative prose ….
It’s common knowledge in Duran Hill that some women in the Kinley family have certain gifts … and certain curses … running through their bloodlines. But for three sisters in all but name — Rachel, Juliette, and their cousin Sylvia — the ties that bind them close as ivy throughout their childhood are pulled apart in adolescence when both the gift and curse of that power is revealed between them.
Since that fateful incident, sensible Juliette has tailored a perfect and perfectly ordinary life which unravels after she marries — and loses — the love of her life. Sylvia, drawn to the dark side, sets up a shop that caters to all the mystical powers the latter generations of the Kinley family shunned. And Rachel, the wild child, in whom its magic seems to create a charmed life, is a carefree wanderer who finds herself suddenly drawn home again. Her arrival will stir old rivalries and test forgotten bonds in the brief span of a few weeks.
But when an old friend in desperate trouble seeks her out, she will impulsively unleash the dangerous secret behind their power: one which has lain forgotten in the Kinley house for two generations. From the Siren’s song of a dead man’s violin to a jar full of harmless-looking buttons, nothing under the shadow of the family’s roof is what it seems — nothing in their bloodline is safe from the dangerous past.
For Juliette, it brings a test of whether love that has withered can bloom again. For Sylvia, a question of whether a dangerous mistake can only be endured until it destroys you. And for Rachel, the choice is the price between the future of the souls she loves most in life and a powerful force that both makes her the enigma she is — and makes to destroy her like embers caught in a firewind.
Against the backdrop of Southern charm, Scottish superstitions, and bewitching romance, ABRACADABRA casts a spell which cannot be undone, from the ache of lost love to the familial links between souls which go as deep as blood and bone.
Evanne Hardin Gray has spent most of her adulthood (and part of her childhood) writing novels, short stories, and screenplays. She has family roots in both New England and the South, which is where she currently writes (sometimes as a ‘ghost’), gardens, and collects books and ideas for them.
Twitter: Evanne Hardin Gray (@Abracadabrabook) / X Facebook
My thoughts: As a child I was terrified of Baba Yaga travelling in her pestle and mortar with her house on chicken legs surrounded by a fence of bones. As a teenager I loved Practical Magic (still do) so this book really felt like it was written for me.
Juliette, Rachel, and their cousin Sylvia were close as children but had grown apart as teenagers and adults. When Rachel returns to their hometown, where Juliette now lives in the family’s old house and Sylvia runs a magic shop selling charms and tarot readings, trouble follows.
An old friend, Angela, asks for help, and Rachel and Sylvia oblige, but their help backfires and draws the spirit of an angry, half-forgotten ancestor back into the world. Their great-great-grandmother Ana is not a kindly ghost, she’s a vengeful, rage-filled monster. The three women must find a way to contain and stop her before she wrecks too much havoc and destroys the three of them.
Dark, filled with tragedy but also tinged with the hope of a brighter future, this is a story of sisterhood, the ties of the past, inherited chaos and redemption. I loved it.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
ramblingmads 