Blood and Mistletoe by E. J. Stevens
Series: Ivy Granger #1.5
Published by Sacred Oaks Press
Published on: November 5, 2012
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 87
Format: eBook
Source: Author
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Holidays are worse than a full moon for making people crazy. In Harborsmouth, where many of the residents are undead vampires or monstrous fae, the combination may prove deadly.
Ivy Granger, psychic private investigator, returns to the streets of Harborsmouth in this addition to the bestselling urban fantasy series.
Holidays are Hell, a point driven home when a certain demon attorney returns with information regarding a series of bloody murders. Five Harborsmouth residents have been killed and every victim has one thing in common--they are fae. Whoever is killing faeries must be stopped, but they only leave one clue behind--a piece of mistletoe floating in a pool of the victim's blood.
The holidays just got interesting. Too bad this case may drive Ivy mad before the New Year. Heck, she'll be lucky to survive Christmas.
Blood and Mistletoe is an Ivy Granger urban fantasy series novella.
BONUS: Blood and Mistletoe contains an Ivy Granger series Pronunciation Guide.
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No, this is not a Christmas story-well not exactly. It takes place during the holidays, but the blood and mistletoe are things that are found at murder scenes in this story and actually don’t pretain to Christmas-other then the obvious. Because the victims are Fae, Ivy Granger, private detective (and newly realized Fae princess) is called in on the case.
The first book in this series, Shadow Sight, was an excellent introduction into the supernatural scene in the city of Harborsmouth, and also into Ivy Granger’s strange life. As in the first read, Ivy is brought into this case by the demon, Forneus. Forneus is still crushing on Ivy’s roommate Jinx, and Jinx is still having none of it. The smell of brimstone can be pretty off putting on a date after all. Although Ivy isn’t hurting for cases since she pretty much saved the town in the first book, she takes this one on due to the possibility of the mass murder of a lot of Fae.
All my favorite characters from the first book are back, in addition to Ivy, there’s Jinx, a human who also works at Private Eye, Kaye, the old and very powerful witch friend of Ivy’s, Marvin the sweet teenage troll, and last but not least, Hob, Kaye’s feisty kitchen brownie. Ivy is able to find things by touching an object, and also sees visions at times-making her a good detective. She is still dating the Kelpie King, Ceff, although in this story he is away for most of the novella.
Since this is a novella, I am not going to go into the story points that much. It’s a mystery, but it also expands on the story of this hub of supernatural activity, Harborsmouth, and more about the fascinating character of Ivy and her world. So far for me, the characters are my favorite part of the these reads, along with all the different paranormal characters the author introduces.
I know a lot of readers are not fans of novellas for a series. I, on the other hand, enjoy a short read occasionally, especially when the characters are so fun, as in this series. And sometimes, there is important information needed for future books, as in this one. At least I thought it was important. Ceff does know what to buy a girl like Ivy for Christmas-and that was important to the rest of the series.
I had a fun time reading this, and would recommend it to older young adults to adult. That’s due to some violence and gore, mainly. Fantastic read!
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I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
*squeee!* This was such a nice post to wake up to.
The BLOOD AND MISTLETOE audiobook releases later this month, and I can’t wait to share your review with the production team. A review like this gives us such a boost, and makes all of the hard work worthwhile.
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Ivy Granger Buttons Giveaway Winner
I bet it is a lot of hard work, I can’t imagine. I totally enjoyed this story-love Ivy!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Blood and Mistletoe by E.J. Stevens
I love that cover. That was the first thing I noticed. Sometimes a short story or novella is just the thing I am looking for.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Recipe: Dipping Sauce
The cover is very different isn’t it? And very appropriate for the story actually 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Blood and Mistletoe by E.J. Stevens
Gore can be fun sometimes! 🙂 I haven’t read the first book, but I like the sound of Ivy Granger’s world. Besides, blood and mistletoe is such an unusual combination – I’m quite curious now. Excellent review, Lorna.
Ramona recently posted…Amazing Books Giveaway Hop 2015
I am really liking Ivy’s world as well. The author has a wonderful imagination! And thank you!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Blood and Mistletoe by E.J. Stevens
Even a kitchen brownie..oooh I want this Lorna!
Hob is pretty great actually-the author introduced him in the first book, and he was a fun character. The troll, Marvin, was even more of a favorite for me 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Blood and Mistletoe by E.J. Stevens
Not a creepy cover at all
blodeuedd recently posted…The Look of Love and #FitReaders Check-In: May 1, 2015
Actually the cover is pretty descriptive of a aspect of the book-it’s definitely a different sort of cover though 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Blood and Mistletoe by E.J. Stevens
I really really need to pick up this series because I just love Erica’s writing! I’m so glad this was so good, although not surprised in the least. 😉
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: The Whisperer By Fiona McIntosh
Yes, I really like her imagination and descriptive writing in particular 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Blood and Mistletoe by E.J. Stevens
Sounds great! I just think the cover arts need work, it doesn’t look cohesive. The plot sounds fun though and I sure would like to meet Ivy
The cover is really different-But it actually is a scene from the book. Not a cover you would forget 🙂 I am really liking Ivy!
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: Grave Phantoms by Jenn Bennett
Oh I so want to meet Ivy, Lorna. I like that there is so much fae. 🙂 I’m glad you had a good time with this novella. I, too, like short little reads sometimes in a series. It’s a nice way to break up things (especially if you’re binging) and it’s also a good way to get reacquainted with the world when it’s been awhile since you visited. Hopefully I can introduce myself to Ivy’s world soon.
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Release Blitz ~ Getting Lucky Number Seven ~ Cindi Madsen
If you like different sorts of Fae, you definitely wont be disappointed! I really like Ivy, a lot. Hopefully someday you can read one of these:)
Lorna recently posted…Review: Blood and Mistletoe by E.J. Stevens
All of the characters in this sound great, especially Ivy. I don’t tend to read novellas but you have me curious about this series.
I’m loving the cover!
A great review Lorna – Sharon – Obsession with Books
Yes the cover is really different isn’t it? and is actually really part of the book as well 🙂