Five Dead Herrings: M/M Paranormal Mystery (Quest Investigations Book 1)

There were quite a few things that made this book a chore to read. My main issue is this doesn’t work well as a standalone. There are too many references to events that have previously occurred, and a cast of characters that were previously introduced, in one of the author’s other eight books set in this world. Matt also got pretty repetitive about his love for Ted, a character from a previous book, and all things supernatural. His aspirations to become an investigator seem ill advised because he frequently makes assumptions and draws incorrect conclusions. I’m not sure what Lachlan sees in him, but then again Lachlan does has a martyr complex…. I also have to wonder why the author thought it was necessary to include a reference to white male privilege, “[it’s] a thing”, and make a political jab. It doesn’t really mesh well with a world where magic and supernatural creatures exist.

I love immersing myself in this supernatural world which this author has created. This book fully engrossed me from page one. I highly recommend reading the other books in this universe before reading this one though in order to fully understand everything going on and be introduced to all of the characters. I love that this series is about Matt the human that the reader was introduced to earlier in these books. He’s a really relatable and compelling character. But I must confess that Jordan stole the spotlight for me once again. I seriously hope that he will get his own book soon as I’d love to read him getting his HEA. It must be noted that this book was both very well written and well edited and the storyline moved along at a great pace. All in all, this is a book that I can highly recommend.

This was an amusing cozy mystery with just a touch of romance to it. While considered a new spin off series (most recently after the Mythmatched books), it doesn’t stand well on its own as I think the assorted characters and history won’t make much sense without background. I enjoyed getting into Matt’s head with this story and learning more of what made him tick. His self confidence and worth both need a lot of work (along with his judgement at times) and it will be fun to follow along. Lachlan was tough to warm up to and his judgement seemed even more suspect than Matt’s. The whole thing makes for an interesting starting place for the new series and I’m intrigued to see where it goes from here.

After reading all the Fae Out of Water, Supernatural Selection, and Mythmatched series, this new series is a real treat, getting to read about Matt finally finding someone, as well as old and new characters interacting with each other. As some other reviewers mention, this probably leads to some confusion for people who haven’t read the other books. Also, I would think it’s not quite as enjoyable without knowing the characters and their back stories already. I recommend reading the other series. The stories are interesting, and the characters are cute. Reading them in order would give the most enjoyment. And don’t forget to subscribe to the author’s newsletter on her site to get the first story in the Mythmatched series for free, as it’s not available for purchase. I can’t wait until the rest of this series comes out!

I feel like I've missed a previous series. There are a lot of characters in this book with complicated back stories that makes me think this series follows another series I've missed. I enjoyed it anyway.This is more paranormal mystery than romance. Matt is attracted to Lachlan, but they don't even flirt until Lachlan asks him out at the end. Lachlan is, in fact, married. He's seeking a divorce, but for supes, it isn't as easy as filing a few papers with a judge.In the beginning, Lachlan is complaining about vandalism, and he thinks he knows who did it. That little case opens a bigger twisty plot to rearrange the supernatural world. And Hugh Mann just might be the guy to unravel it.The next book will probably have more romance.

This is a sort of spinoff of the Mythmatched and Fae Out of Water series. It could work as a standalone, but you get more out of it if you're already familiar with the characters from the 2 series.Anyway, the story itself is good fun. The series centres around Quest Investigations and the case that is a bit fishy (sorry, couldn't resist).Matt, (aka Hugh Mann) is given a case to investigate - involving Lachlan and his missing and estranged husband. Only, there's more to the case than meets the eye.Both Lachlan and Matt develop something, but until Lachlan can sort somethings out, they cannot act on their budding affection.Overall, it's a really fun, cozy mystery. Looking forward to the next book.

A paranormal mystery, witty shenanigans, unexpected surprises, the hint of romance and lovable characters…I don’t know about you but EJ Russell had me at selkie. “Selkies and humans. It’s a thing.” I adore Lachlan and Matt. I’m helpless to fight the pull for the grumpy and the curious and can’t wait to see how it will all unfold. Plus I really love the tie-ins and connections to the Mythmatched world. Maybe it’s the unvarnished truth about glasses or maybe it’s that these two don’t make me feel like a fish out of water but I’m in love and super excited that there’s more to come in this fun and clever cozy mystery series.

This was a lively romp that really was sweet and funny. Keep in mind that this was a spin off so go read the first books so that you know who all the people were. I did not read those books and still enjoyed it, but it would have helped to know the info.Hugh man was funny but I would have loved to know more of the backstory of the selfie king.Also, I did not realize that this was not a romance and that it was a sweet story. That was my fault, I did not read the entire blurb but I still liked it.

MM, Paranormal Mystery, Romantic Subplot. Easy to read story with an intriguing plot with lots of twists and great Characters. I found it to be an enjoyable read with some humour and wit. Spin off series.

Loved this first book in a new series!This series is set within the multi universe of many of Russell's books, though it can be read in its own. However, having read other books it has many characters from across the different series' and it stars Matt (Hugh) from Single White Incubus. Being the only human to have a pivotal role in any of the books it is great to.see how he is now doing in the paranormal world and watch him find a place that truly suits him!This book is sort of a cosy mystery in the best of ways. It truly is all about the investigation that Matt is doing and all that it leads him through. There are a few investigations and lots of odd clues, unusual suspects, paranormal hijinks, and eager werewolf kids. Things interconnect in the craziest of ways that also make perfect sense and what starts off as a small case ends up way bigger than expected. It was a story that was amusing, intriguing, and even a little bit heart wrenching as Matt continues to try to get over his misunderstood crush from that first book. The ending wraps up this case but leaves it open for the journey that the characters involved will take, which is more than just Matt but also the people he relied on in the way. This promises to continue to be a fun series that takes a paranormal twist on the old gumshoe type of story.

I loved how the world that started in Fae Out of Water has growing so much that we now can enjoyed another wonderful spin-off. Matt's adventures in his job as PI for Quest Investigations are entertaining and hilarious. I loved so much the glimpses in the day-to-day lives of many of the beloved characters we met in any of the series that are part of this amazing whole Universe and how they interact with Matt. Many of the situations have also a point of contact with another series and that made what is happening so real inside the fiction that I started re reading everything again. You can read the book as standalone, but I strongly recommend to also read the rest of the series to enjoy in full the genius EJ Russell truly is. I hope for more of Matt's adventures as the only normal human in this "supes" world. Of course I won't complain if also we can read more about Jordan in the next books. One of my favorite series ever!

Hugh/Matt, the only human at Quest Investigations is back actually investigating something rather than taking pictures although it’s more like he stumbles around from situation to situation. Many other characters from the Mythmatched series make appearances in this delightful book although the focus is on Quest Investigations. Like many of us Matt always wanted to know if the supernatural world was real. Well now he submerged in it and it’s a hoot to read. I really hope that this series goes on for a long time. Very enjoyable.