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Mysteries from the Sixth Borough #1
The Hex Files: Wicked Never Sleeps
Welcome to Wicked.
Wicked—the paranormal sixth borough of New York—is home to witches and goblins, werewolves and necromancers, elves and vampires…and former Detective Dani DeMarco. Dani’s busy with the grand opening of her family’s pizza parlor, when a knock on the door leaves her face to face with the stunning, yet lethal vampire in charge of the NYPD's supernatural branch—Captain Matthew King.
There’s been a high profile double homicide in the Sixth Borough, and Dani’s peculiar talent is the only hope to untangle the web of lies and magic connecting the dead victims. As the case spirals into a pulse-pounding chase, Dani’s not sure what’s worse: the fact that a ruthless killer has his sights set on her, or that her feelings for New York’s most infamous vampire have returned…
All is fair in love and war, but passion is downright Wicked…
Wicked—the paranormal sixth borough of New York—is home to witches and goblins, werewolves and necromancers, elves and vampires…and former Detective Dani DeMarco. Dani’s busy with the grand opening of her family’s pizza parlor, when a knock on the door leaves her face to face with the stunning, yet lethal vampire in charge of the NYPD's supernatural branch—Captain Matthew King.
There’s been a high profile double homicide in the Sixth Borough, and Dani’s peculiar talent is the only hope to untangle the web of lies and magic connecting the dead victims. As the case spirals into a pulse-pounding chase, Dani’s not sure what’s worse: the fact that a ruthless killer has his sights set on her, or that her feelings for New York’s most infamous vampire have returned…
All is fair in love and war, but passion is downright Wicked…
292 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2018
1659 people are currently reading
1183 people want to read
About the author
Gina LaManna
74 books1,431 followersOriginally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Gina LaManna has also called Italy and Los Angeles home. After studying numbers and equations in college, she realized multiple choice tests were “just not for her” and began writing books instead. She loves cappuccino foam and whipped cream and would subsist solely on sprinkles if possible. She currently lives in St. Paul with her wonderful husband and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
December 4, 2019
The Hex Files: Wicked Never Sleeps
By: Gina LaManna
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Murder, action, romance, and friendships in this world where supernatural creatures are the norm. Magic, wizards, shifters and more. Our detective witch has two make admirers, a vamp and a shifter. Oh, the choices!
The narration is excellent!
By: Gina LaManna
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Murder, action, romance, and friendships in this world where supernatural creatures are the norm. Magic, wizards, shifters and more. Our detective witch has two make admirers, a vamp and a shifter. Oh, the choices!
The narration is excellent!
February 5, 2019
This was...well, sorry, but this was just not very good. It read problematically like the second book in a series and the lack of a first book was VERY felt. The plot was all over the place. There were inconsistencies. The dialogue was too formal and often awkward. It swerved into the ridiculous on occasion. There is no romance (when you sense there's meant to be). Danni was supposed to be all tough and capable, but instead she seemed like a kid playing detective and you definitely felt that she was being coddled by the men. And in the end she didn't even solve the case. The villain just randomly showed up and spewed the plan all over her. The "Hex Files," important enough to name the series after, play no role and the reader finishes the book not knowing what they are. And there are hints of a possible future love triangle. All in all, I didn't much enjoy this. I also didn't care for the narration. But I don't know if this is a failure on Ryan's part or if she did the best with the material provided her.
January 26, 2019
This just wasn't my cup of tea. The world she created was interesting but there weren't enough fresh ideas for me. There were a lot of references that were of things that happened in the past in the main character's life. So much in fact that I felt that I should have read another book before this one. And that one seemed more interesting.
February 11, 2019
Solid fun fantasy. The furniture sold it for me not going to lie. Was a good listen.
November 28, 2018
Don’t peg yourself as the next sookie stackhouse if all you have in common is similar mythical creature species. The whole thing moves really slow yet covers very little time.
July 1, 2018
Another successful winning series by one of the most prolific authors that you just won't be able to put down!
Gina LaManna has never written a series you don't get so involved in you crave more! This new series, The Hex files is another winner for this author. Wicked is the 6th borough of NY housing all the supernaturals including one very good looking Vampire Captain of police, Matthew King. He is the only Vampire in Wicked, but is extremely well liked and good at his job. He also once had a relationship with Dani DeMarco a "retired" detective with the unusual ability to see residuals. The magic left behind by people which had helped to solve crimes, along with her great intuitive ability. She left detective work when something in her past threw her in a very big funk which made her question her ability to the point where she quit the force and opened a pizza parlor. There are so many twists, turns and red-herrings you get drawn into Wicked and can't leave until you finish the book. When a very important person is found murdered, Matthew and her brother Nash (also on the force), beg her to come back and use her ability to help them. She at first reluctantly agrees and so goes the adventure. Will Dani survive this case? Will they figure out what happened and who the real killer is and why? Will the strange werewolf Grey have anything to do with the events in Wicked? Will Dani and Matthew get back together? So many questions that will make you crave Book 2 right away! I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Gina LaManna has never written a series you don't get so involved in you crave more! This new series, The Hex files is another winner for this author. Wicked is the 6th borough of NY housing all the supernaturals including one very good looking Vampire Captain of police, Matthew King. He is the only Vampire in Wicked, but is extremely well liked and good at his job. He also once had a relationship with Dani DeMarco a "retired" detective with the unusual ability to see residuals. The magic left behind by people which had helped to solve crimes, along with her great intuitive ability. She left detective work when something in her past threw her in a very big funk which made her question her ability to the point where she quit the force and opened a pizza parlor. There are so many twists, turns and red-herrings you get drawn into Wicked and can't leave until you finish the book. When a very important person is found murdered, Matthew and her brother Nash (also on the force), beg her to come back and use her ability to help them. She at first reluctantly agrees and so goes the adventure. Will Dani survive this case? Will they figure out what happened and who the real killer is and why? Will the strange werewolf Grey have anything to do with the events in Wicked? Will Dani and Matthew get back together? So many questions that will make you crave Book 2 right away! I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
July 6, 2018
Moving into a new enchanted realm from her Magic and Mixology series, Gina Lamanna introduced us all to a glimpse of the Sixth Borough in Amuletto Kiss book 4 in the magic and mixology series and now she has released the first of the Hex Files books 'Wicked Never Sleeps' I loved meeting Dani Demarco and I'm still fanning myself cool after meeting Captain Mathew King the sexiest Vampire around even though I think he is also the biggest idiot around for dumping Dani I'm hoping he comes to his senses soon but aside from the interesting main characters who have interesting pasts with each other and hopefully a wonderful future I also loved meeting some of the smaller characters Willa, Jack, Nash, Grey they were all fantastic and I just know they will all make the Sith Borough a very exciting place to visit, this first mystery was a really doozie with shifters, fangs, enchanted furniture, spells galore and of course murder.
This was a wonderful Magical read I just couldn't put down.
This was a wonderful Magical read I just couldn't put down.
January 17, 2020
My biggest issue was the abrupt POV changes from first to third person and between two main characters and an omnipresent POV. They were jarring and it switched away from the main character's POV at seemingly random times without any transitions. The structuring was terrible and while the magical world was interesting there was a lot left out in the world-building that leaves you confused as if this is the second book and you should already know a lot about this world instead of it being the first and just getting into the world. The two main characters were very annoying and there wasn't really any depth to them and they didn't evolve at all. The villain was very James Bond-esk and took a lot of time explaining himself to the main character about what he'd done and was going to do instead of just doing it which of course was his downfall. There were also continuity issues and lots of repeated sentences and information that could have been edited out. Last we never really find out what the hex files of the series title really are when that is what the main character was after from the beginning. Last here is a storyline at the beginning of the book that gets dropped until literally the last two pages which while ignored here (which is odd based on the introduction) is the set up for book two it seems. I don't think I'll be reading the next book in the series.
April 23, 2023
Loved this.
I read Secrets and Stilettos series by this author and loved it. I followed that with the Shoot the Breeze and I really struggled, but given how I felt about the S&S series, I gave The Hex Files a try. I really enjoyed this. It was a great balance of magic in the human world. It didn’t feel corny or overdone as some magic based books can be. I will finish all 8 (I think) books in this series.
I read Secrets and Stilettos series by this author and loved it. I followed that with the Shoot the Breeze and I really struggled, but given how I felt about the S&S series, I gave The Hex Files a try. I really enjoyed this. It was a great balance of magic in the human world. It didn’t feel corny or overdone as some magic based books can be. I will finish all 8 (I think) books in this series.
July 14, 2024
I like Gina’s books since they are easy reads … so decided to pick this one up on audio and didn’t disappoint…. It is an interesting concept being the magical world and of course a vampire love interest …. This def felt like a 1st book in a longer series because I feel like I still don’t know anything about these Hex Files that is the title … and twords the end totally giving twilight vibes with the werewolf and vampire but I’m not mad about it yet 🤣
June 30, 2018
The Hex Files is the promising start of a new series by Gina LaManna. An entertaining read full of mystery, snark, and romance. The story will get you started in this new world and leave you wanting more! Looking forward to the next adventure.
August 11, 2019
DNF @23%
I couldn't get into this book. It must be me, because it has such a high rating.
I couldn't get into this book. It must be me, because it has such a high rating.
September 22, 2019
4.5 stars rounded up. A worthy heir to Kim Harrison.
January 15, 2020
A fun new series. But I will quibble about a vampire being active in the daytime.
May 19, 2020
Exciting book and a great start for a new series. Love the characters.
November 1, 2022
Light cozy supernatural mystery.
June 22, 2021
I listened to this one and the reader does a really great job with inflection and characters. The story is fascinating and the love triangle never happens. (Just in case you care). The mysteries throughout the series are interesting and I highly recommend the audio.
April 26, 2020
If anyone wants the take away from this novel:
For a book I read in two sittings, I didn't walk away feeling like I enjoyed it all that much. With a better editor I think this could've been a tighter, more cohesive story with dynamic characters (neither Dani or Matthew, our protags, did much for me). As it stands, I found it often repetitive with one-dimensional characters and many things that left me scratching my head or annoyed.
Things I liked:
It's a cool premise and I enjoyed the idea of 6th District. If I'm reading fantasy, I almost always like my fantastical world to be separated from the human world and that's exactly what I got here. Also supernatural cops is, on its own, an excellent springboard. I enjoyed the mystery part of the story with all the supernatural additives.
I enjoyed some of the characters. Honestly I'd like a story entirely about Nash because I am intrigued about his "past with narcotics" (definitely got the vibe he was an addict at one point, and as an officer with the Narcotics division, yeah, I'm curious). Also I just like the dude. Jack, Dani's youngest brother also stole my heart a couple times (but also fell prey to the BLDTG [Brain Loss Due to Girl, I made it up, more on that later]).
It was fast reading.
Also they talked about pizza a lot and I deeply, deeply appreciate that.
Things I had issues with:
Someone please order some couples therapy. The aforementioned jealousy between Dani and Matthew (exes who still love each other, obviously) was obnoxious and not at all sexy. Here's how it went (picture a flow chart for me): Dani and Matthew interview a suspect-> If suspect male, looks at Dani the wrong way, Matthew lashes out from jealousy. If suspect female, looks at Matthew the wrong way, Dani lashes out from jealousy. Rinse/repeat the whole goddamned novel. It didn't take much of a look for an overblown reaction either, which leads me to...
Sex. Also sex. Also I think 85% of the characters were horny. Like, for sex. It got tiring (note: not the sex, just the way no conversation could happen without someone stopping mid-sentence to stare at lip gloss being applied. And yes, that happened.) That said, we got maybe three actual kisses throughout, so it's not like I could've gotten tired from reading sex scenes anyway. If you're going to talk the talk, at least follow up on it. The gender roles in general were painful though. Nearly every guy was drooling and obviously staring at boobs during conversations and it was usually glazed over because "guys are just pigs", which, yeah, sometimes that's fair. But the frequency was a bit much. Take a look at College Humor's Every 7 Second series, that was about it.
On a serious note, there is zero, zero, zero excuse for using the term "Eskimo" to describe someone who isn't even Indigenous (fuck it, just at all) in a book published in 2018 if it isn't Own Voices. Stop.
The setting wasn't executed well. I never got a distinct feel for 6th District; those atmospheric descriptions that make you feel like you're truly there just never happened. This was a huge miss for me.
Our main characters didn't do much for me. Matthew is obnoxiously controlling (and not in a hot way, just in a back tf off buddy way). Dani was often a TSTL heroine (especially in the scene in the Depth, come on now), and annoyed me a lot. I think the goal was a headstrong, kickass hero, but it landed more as a gifted Reserve with a lack of self-awareness and a temper who really needs some goddamned therapy.
All the names were painfully white and bland. This is a weird thing to quibble on, but in a world that's supposed to be diverse and filled with trolls and shit we got an elf named Marv and an Orc named Newton. Give me a unpronounceable names with apostrophes here!! Also there was no gender/sexuality diversity, which is disappointing considering the plethora of different cultures/species supposedly floating around this universe. Diversity was referred to more than it was present in practice.
Willa's character was weird. Matthew mentioned he thought she was barely 21 and I blanched because I was reading her as a 12 year old. Also Dani imprinting on her like a baby and Mama duck was weird and extreme. Like insta-love but platonic. Saying she's had no close friends in ages because she's so guarded and then having her make "special life exceptions" for a girl she's known at best for 2 hours makes no sense.
Bad editing in general, a love triangle emerged in the last 40 pages, and for the love of all that is holy: light years measure distance not time!
Still, even with all that, I'm not pissed I got through it. More amused and content to never crack it open ever again. Would not recommend though.
For a book I read in two sittings, I didn't walk away feeling like I enjoyed it all that much. With a better editor I think this could've been a tighter, more cohesive story with dynamic characters (neither Dani or Matthew, our protags, did much for me). As it stands, I found it often repetitive with one-dimensional characters and many things that left me scratching my head or annoyed.
Things I liked:
It's a cool premise and I enjoyed the idea of 6th District. If I'm reading fantasy, I almost always like my fantastical world to be separated from the human world and that's exactly what I got here. Also supernatural cops is, on its own, an excellent springboard. I enjoyed the mystery part of the story with all the supernatural additives.
I enjoyed some of the characters. Honestly I'd like a story entirely about Nash because I am intrigued about his "past with narcotics" (definitely got the vibe he was an addict at one point, and as an officer with the Narcotics division, yeah, I'm curious). Also I just like the dude. Jack, Dani's youngest brother also stole my heart a couple times (but also fell prey to the BLDTG [Brain Loss Due to Girl, I made it up, more on that later]).
It was fast reading.
Also they talked about pizza a lot and I deeply, deeply appreciate that.
Things I had issues with:
Someone please order some couples therapy. The aforementioned jealousy between Dani and Matthew (exes who still love each other, obviously) was obnoxious and not at all sexy. Here's how it went (picture a flow chart for me): Dani and Matthew interview a suspect-> If suspect male, looks at Dani the wrong way, Matthew lashes out from jealousy. If suspect female, looks at Matthew the wrong way, Dani lashes out from jealousy. Rinse/repeat the whole goddamned novel. It didn't take much of a look for an overblown reaction either, which leads me to...
Sex. Also sex. Also I think 85% of the characters were horny. Like, for sex. It got tiring (note: not the sex, just the way no conversation could happen without someone stopping mid-sentence to stare at lip gloss being applied. And yes, that happened.) That said, we got maybe three actual kisses throughout, so it's not like I could've gotten tired from reading sex scenes anyway. If you're going to talk the talk, at least follow up on it. The gender roles in general were painful though. Nearly every guy was drooling and obviously staring at boobs during conversations and it was usually glazed over because "guys are just pigs", which, yeah, sometimes that's fair. But the frequency was a bit much. Take a look at College Humor's Every 7 Second series, that was about it.
On a serious note, there is zero, zero, zero excuse for using the term "Eskimo" to describe someone who isn't even Indigenous (fuck it, just at all) in a book published in 2018 if it isn't Own Voices. Stop.
The setting wasn't executed well. I never got a distinct feel for 6th District; those atmospheric descriptions that make you feel like you're truly there just never happened. This was a huge miss for me.
Our main characters didn't do much for me. Matthew is obnoxiously controlling (and not in a hot way, just in a back tf off buddy way). Dani was often a TSTL heroine (especially in the scene in the Depth, come on now), and annoyed me a lot. I think the goal was a headstrong, kickass hero, but it landed more as a gifted Reserve with a lack of self-awareness and a temper who really needs some goddamned therapy.
All the names were painfully white and bland. This is a weird thing to quibble on, but in a world that's supposed to be diverse and filled with trolls and shit we got an elf named Marv and an Orc named Newton. Give me a unpronounceable names with apostrophes here!! Also there was no gender/sexuality diversity, which is disappointing considering the plethora of different cultures/species supposedly floating around this universe. Diversity was referred to more than it was present in practice.
Willa's character was weird. Matthew mentioned he thought she was barely 21 and I blanched because I was reading her as a 12 year old. Also Dani imprinting on her like a baby and Mama duck was weird and extreme. Like insta-love but platonic. Saying she's had no close friends in ages because she's so guarded and then having her make "special life exceptions" for a girl she's known at best for 2 hours makes no sense.
Bad editing in general, a love triangle emerged in the last 40 pages, and for the love of all that is holy: light years measure distance not time!
Still, even with all that, I'm not pissed I got through it. More amused and content to never crack it open ever again. Would not recommend though.
April 2, 2019
I think the story struggles from too little information, pretty much the opposite of info-dumping. Very little is revealed about the main character's backstory, very little progress is made on solving the mystery until the murderer reveals themselves, and very little is described about the world the characters live in. As a result, I found the book to be dissatisfying to read.
Another issue for me was the abrupt POV changes from first to third person. They were jarring and it switched away from the main character's FPP at seemingly random times.
Another issue for me was the abrupt POV changes from first to third person. They were jarring and it switched away from the main character's FPP at seemingly random times.
August 27, 2018
My favorite by this author remains MAGIC, Inc. Mysteries - so, if you haven't read that, by all means hit that one first.
August 23, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
DNF at the point we find out why the ex, who is obviously going to return to being the love interest, became an ex. IMHO the reason for the break up was very sensible,
So MC taking him back, would IMHO make her an idiot so I decided to not bother reading the rest of the book.
FYI the book alternates between the MC and the Love interest's POV (and some third person and it all seemed random when it switched). ---- I prefer POV to stick to one person.
I liked the idea of the hidden 6th borough of New York City, where the supernaturals reside.
I liked the idea of the MC. ---- Although I think adding a few more years to her age would have made more sense and if her position was more like a crime scene tech, rather than a detective...
Also why would the MC
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
DNF at the point we find out why the ex, who is obviously going to return to being the love interest, became an ex. IMHO the reason for the break up was very sensible,
So MC taking him back, would IMHO make her an idiot so I decided to not bother reading the rest of the book.
FYI the book alternates between the MC and the Love interest's POV (and some third person and it all seemed random when it switched). ---- I prefer POV to stick to one person.
I liked the idea of the hidden 6th borough of New York City, where the supernaturals reside.
I liked the idea of the MC. ---- Although I think adding a few more years to her age would have made more sense and if her position was more like a crime scene tech, rather than a detective...
Also why would the MC
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
June 29, 2018
What starts out as the Grand Opening of DeMarco's Pizza quickly turns into a temporary (?) return to the police force for former Detective Dani DeMarco. Her unusual ability to see residuals of magic make her invaluable to trying to quickly solve the murder of the current Mayor of Wicked and a young Goblin girl murdered in his company as well.
Wicked, the sixth borough of New York, is a paranormal borough housing every sort of know paranormal creature. The Captain of the Police force is Matthew King, the only vampire in Wicked. As a former love interest of Dani, their familiarity makes them work well together and able to anticipate each other's actions and thoughts even. So when Matthew asks Dani to help solve the Mayor's murder, they are the most likely of the force to have success.
Welcome to the wonderful wicked world of Gina LaManna's fertile imagination. It is a treasure of unusual beings, bizarre and fantastic spells, enchantments rarely heard of before (check out Fred and Carl to name just two), and emotions that run high. In this book we have a unique opportunity to see our seasoned detective meet and make friends with a woman, Willa, that she caused to be fired from her job. It was delightful in wake of the murder and the seedy side of Wicked, to see a fast and deep friendship develop. It is one of the things that I liked best about this book, and I can hardly wait to see more of how this friendship develops.
For those of you who have read other books by Gina, you will be thrilled to have this new addition to the considerable library of books she has written. If this is a new author for you, you are so lucky! You have all of her wonderful books to discover and read. Either way, don't miss this first book about Wicked, Dani, Matthew, Willa, and the rest. You will be glad to know that the second book will be out soon as well. So read on and enjoy the LaManna magic!
Wicked, the sixth borough of New York, is a paranormal borough housing every sort of know paranormal creature. The Captain of the Police force is Matthew King, the only vampire in Wicked. As a former love interest of Dani, their familiarity makes them work well together and able to anticipate each other's actions and thoughts even. So when Matthew asks Dani to help solve the Mayor's murder, they are the most likely of the force to have success.
Welcome to the wonderful wicked world of Gina LaManna's fertile imagination. It is a treasure of unusual beings, bizarre and fantastic spells, enchantments rarely heard of before (check out Fred and Carl to name just two), and emotions that run high. In this book we have a unique opportunity to see our seasoned detective meet and make friends with a woman, Willa, that she caused to be fired from her job. It was delightful in wake of the murder and the seedy side of Wicked, to see a fast and deep friendship develop. It is one of the things that I liked best about this book, and I can hardly wait to see more of how this friendship develops.
For those of you who have read other books by Gina, you will be thrilled to have this new addition to the considerable library of books she has written. If this is a new author for you, you are so lucky! You have all of her wonderful books to discover and read. Either way, don't miss this first book about Wicked, Dani, Matthew, Willa, and the rest. You will be glad to know that the second book will be out soon as well. So read on and enjoy the LaManna magic!
July 1, 2018
Fabulous start to a new series. If you are familiar with this author, you know she has another series that is a supernatural/paranormal. This is a spin off of that series, yet all new characters. We are slightly introduced to the setting in Amuletto Kiss (book 5 in the Magic & Mixology series.) The heroine in this book is an ex-detective witch with the powers to see Residual surrounding crime scenes that helps track the criminals. After some personal issues, she retired to open a pizzeria, that is until her old colleagues ask her to help with a big case. There are many magical creatures involved. Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, Sorcerers, Ogres, ect ect ect. There is some romantic aspects, but no sexual content. This series takes place in New York, but in an enchanted area that is not visible to normal humans, and has a more nitty gritty vibe. There is some mild language, so not really a cozy mystery, but it's not hard core either. There are some elements to the book that will carry over into future books, in addition to the main mystery. For instance, her and her ex's past is briefly talked about, but not with too much detail, but there is some mystery surrounding that. As well as the elusive Hex Files. I love the snark and attitude Dani, the Protagonist, has and her banter between all the other characters. She tells it like it is. The side characters are just as engaging. Even though it is a supernatural book, it has a real world feel. Sure there are spells and potions and all that jazz, but there are also laws and police who enforce the laws, and have ways to work around all that to get to the truth. No bad guy is too big or too strong to get away with anything. :) While Dani is the Heroine and Protagonist, Matthew is the Hero and the POV alternates between the two. Due to the language, I would suggest this for 16+ readers.
*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
July 3, 2019
***A Mixed Magical Bag of Murder and Romance***
I read the mixed reviews before trying this. I've also read other works by this author with mixed feelings myself. I wasn't sure what to expect, but did enjoy the read.
The good: I love stories with whole paranormal worlds and this one has it! There's magic, shifters, politics, murder, detectives, witches, and romance. It feels like a fully developed world with so much potential. It also matches the feel of the other series from this author and is more lighthearted than dark. This book reads like a second chance romance as there's history between the main characters. It does take time for those details to be revealed and that worked for me. I liked the characters including many of the side characters. There's still so much to be explored with this series.
The bad: I too felt the point of view (POV) issues. I prefer a single style, but the Dani's POV is first person and Matthew's is third person. The switch is jarring at times, confusing at others. There's also a bit of head hopping in the middle of the book though thankfully that was limited. This is the main reason for my lower star rating. The other issue I had was with the names and titles - I couldn't find/ understand the character's motivations for using full names, nicknames, or titles. Instead of creating intimacy or showing emotion, it felt like the author would switch to vary the words only.
However, I read the entire book because I did want to know who the murdered was and what would happen with Dani and Matthew! The murder was solved...the romance must continue in book 2! I will add book 2 to my TBR, but I still have mixed feelings about this author's writing style and this series.
I read the mixed reviews before trying this. I've also read other works by this author with mixed feelings myself. I wasn't sure what to expect, but did enjoy the read.
The good: I love stories with whole paranormal worlds and this one has it! There's magic, shifters, politics, murder, detectives, witches, and romance. It feels like a fully developed world with so much potential. It also matches the feel of the other series from this author and is more lighthearted than dark. This book reads like a second chance romance as there's history between the main characters. It does take time for those details to be revealed and that worked for me. I liked the characters including many of the side characters. There's still so much to be explored with this series.
The bad: I too felt the point of view (POV) issues. I prefer a single style, but the Dani's POV is first person and Matthew's is third person. The switch is jarring at times, confusing at others. There's also a bit of head hopping in the middle of the book though thankfully that was limited. This is the main reason for my lower star rating. The other issue I had was with the names and titles - I couldn't find/ understand the character's motivations for using full names, nicknames, or titles. Instead of creating intimacy or showing emotion, it felt like the author would switch to vary the words only.
However, I read the entire book because I did want to know who the murdered was and what would happen with Dani and Matthew! The murder was solved...the romance must continue in book 2! I will add book 2 to my TBR, but I still have mixed feelings about this author's writing style and this series.
February 2, 2019
After Detective Dani DeMarco trusted the wrong person, she left the police and now she is opening her own pizza place. On the night of her grand opening, her former boyfriend and former superior officer, Captain Matthew King comes to her door to ask for her help on a high profile case.
The thing is, the borough of Wicked isn't like the rest of New York. Wicked is the home of magical creatures and those who use magic. Dani is a witch who has a special talent for seeing the residue left behind by spells - sort of like forensic vision and she is the only one. Matthew is the only vampire in the borough so they both stand out.
To get her help, Matthew offers Dani access to the mysterious Hex Files, something she has wanted forever. She immediately jumps into a case involving the murder of the boroughs mayor, who was found in a cheap motel with a prostitute.
The premise is interesting. The reader was excellent. However, the mythology is underdeveloped and has too many holes in it. There is no reason for this book to be "set" in New York City. There is absolutely nothing that links Wicked to New York, other than the author saying it is located there, but invisible to mundane citizens. This irritated me, probably more than it needed to.
The book also randomly changed POV's. Most of the book is in Dani's voice, but random chapters are third person. To make it worse, more than once the reader slipped and said me instead of her, or something similar during those chapters.
I don't know that I would seek out another book in the series, but I wouldn't mind listening to one either.
The thing is, the borough of Wicked isn't like the rest of New York. Wicked is the home of magical creatures and those who use magic. Dani is a witch who has a special talent for seeing the residue left behind by spells - sort of like forensic vision and she is the only one. Matthew is the only vampire in the borough so they both stand out.
To get her help, Matthew offers Dani access to the mysterious Hex Files, something she has wanted forever. She immediately jumps into a case involving the murder of the boroughs mayor, who was found in a cheap motel with a prostitute.
The premise is interesting. The reader was excellent. However, the mythology is underdeveloped and has too many holes in it. There is no reason for this book to be "set" in New York City. There is absolutely nothing that links Wicked to New York, other than the author saying it is located there, but invisible to mundane citizens. This irritated me, probably more than it needed to.
The book also randomly changed POV's. Most of the book is in Dani's voice, but random chapters are third person. To make it worse, more than once the reader slipped and said me instead of her, or something similar during those chapters.
I don't know that I would seek out another book in the series, but I wouldn't mind listening to one either.
June 29, 2018
Another new series by Gina LaManna. How I enjoy and love her books and wish I had just a little bit of her enormous imagination.
We visited 'Wicked' in the last novel of The Isle-series. Wicked is one of the boroughs of New York, but an invisible one like the Isle and inhabited by all sort of magic creatures.
Danielle (Dani) is a Reserve, which means she can see the residue of magic, and she has been a Detective on the police force until something made her retire. We find out what later in the story. She has just opened a pizza restaurant when her (police officer)-brother Nash arrives with Captain Matthew King. He is her ex-boyfriend, a vampire and in need of her help with a murder scene.
The story is told in changing POV's, which I liked as we get to know the thoughts of Matthew as well. Not in the first POV like Dani's, however. But it is clear the vampire is deeply in love with Dani and had his reasons to break off their relationship. As Dani is also still in love with him, I hope we will see those two get together (soon I hope.... my romantic heart needs it).
A small but important role for the 'Hex Files' of the title. Dani requests to see those files in exchange for her help. I am very curious about those files!!
The writing is very pleasant and original, as always. I can't recommend this author enough. I always know I will have a good read when I open one of her books. I love this new series and can't wait for the next, fortunately in just a couple of weeks!
We visited 'Wicked' in the last novel of The Isle-series. Wicked is one of the boroughs of New York, but an invisible one like the Isle and inhabited by all sort of magic creatures.
Danielle (Dani) is a Reserve, which means she can see the residue of magic, and she has been a Detective on the police force until something made her retire. We find out what later in the story. She has just opened a pizza restaurant when her (police officer)-brother Nash arrives with Captain Matthew King. He is her ex-boyfriend, a vampire and in need of her help with a murder scene.
The story is told in changing POV's, which I liked as we get to know the thoughts of Matthew as well. Not in the first POV like Dani's, however. But it is clear the vampire is deeply in love with Dani and had his reasons to break off their relationship. As Dani is also still in love with him, I hope we will see those two get together (soon I hope.... my romantic heart needs it).
A small but important role for the 'Hex Files' of the title. Dani requests to see those files in exchange for her help. I am very curious about those files!!
The writing is very pleasant and original, as always. I can't recommend this author enough. I always know I will have a good read when I open one of her books. I love this new series and can't wait for the next, fortunately in just a couple of weeks!
July 7, 2018
The HEX Files: Wicked Never Sleeps is the exciting beginning of a new series from one of my favorite authors. The world the author has created is magical. This author has a way with creating such a vivid picture in the readers’ head of these amazing places.
Dani DeMarco is a retired Detective for the Sixth Precinct, the paranormal division of the NYPD that polices Wicked. Wicked is the 6th borough of New York City, one that is home to all kinds of paranormal inhabitants. Dani is now the proud owner of DeMarco’s Pizzeria. She is trying to move on from being a cop but when one of her brothers and Captain Matthew King show up needing her help, she can’t say no. Dani has had a lot of things happen in her past that have caused her life to go the way it has. I can understand why she left her job and tried to move on but at the same time, she has a unique gift that is being wasted running her business. Dani and Matthew have amazingly hot chemistry and I loved their banter back and forth. Besides Dani and Matthew, Willa stole my heart. Absolutely love her character.
Captain King may be giving X (from the author’s Mixology Series) a run for his money on my favorite male character she has written. He is a complex character that made my heart hurt for him and also want to slap him upside his head. He is the only vampire on the force and everyone knows who he is. It must be something big if they call him to question you.
I can’t wait to see how these characters develop and what other trouble they find.
Dani DeMarco is a retired Detective for the Sixth Precinct, the paranormal division of the NYPD that polices Wicked. Wicked is the 6th borough of New York City, one that is home to all kinds of paranormal inhabitants. Dani is now the proud owner of DeMarco’s Pizzeria. She is trying to move on from being a cop but when one of her brothers and Captain Matthew King show up needing her help, she can’t say no. Dani has had a lot of things happen in her past that have caused her life to go the way it has. I can understand why she left her job and tried to move on but at the same time, she has a unique gift that is being wasted running her business. Dani and Matthew have amazingly hot chemistry and I loved their banter back and forth. Besides Dani and Matthew, Willa stole my heart. Absolutely love her character.
Captain King may be giving X (from the author’s Mixology Series) a run for his money on my favorite male character she has written. He is a complex character that made my heart hurt for him and also want to slap him upside his head. He is the only vampire on the force and everyone knows who he is. It must be something big if they call him to question you.
I can’t wait to see how these characters develop and what other trouble they find.
November 11, 2018
+++Big spoilers+++
+++spoilers alert+++
The author is a good writer, it flows well. There's no sex but there are a few kisses and some possibilities. Definitely a murder mystery that just happens to have sorcerers, witches, vamps, werewolves, necromancers, and goblins (though other than explanations about our MC powers and our vamp mc), it doesn't put a ton of emphasis on these supernatural beings imo).
The story revolves around our mc who is a young retired detective (who has consequently opened a pizza shop) that can read magic residuals. Because of her abilities she is roped into helping her ex boyfriend, the one and only vampire around (& a captain), find who may have killed the mayor and a goblin girl as well as why.
Issues I had were mainly of inconsistencies. Namely: the vamp is supposedly ancient but he mentions that the mc is the only person he has ever drunk from (I want to assume there is more explanation that wasn't given like an addition of 'that he loved'). At one point they have a missing person but they're already talking about her in the past tense- so it was immediately clear to me she would be found dead later. These two and one or two other things had me kind of upset a The author\editor didn't catch them because, well, they give things away or just don't make sense in the grand scheme of things.
I found that I was more interested in the secondary characters and I think they'd be a great focus for any upcoming books.
+++spoilers alert+++
The author is a good writer, it flows well. There's no sex but there are a few kisses and some possibilities. Definitely a murder mystery that just happens to have sorcerers, witches, vamps, werewolves, necromancers, and goblins (though other than explanations about our MC powers and our vamp mc), it doesn't put a ton of emphasis on these supernatural beings imo).
The story revolves around our mc who is a young retired detective (who has consequently opened a pizza shop) that can read magic residuals. Because of her abilities she is roped into helping her ex boyfriend, the one and only vampire around (& a captain), find who may have killed the mayor and a goblin girl as well as why.
Issues I had were mainly of inconsistencies. Namely: the vamp is supposedly ancient but he mentions that the mc is the only person he has ever drunk from (I want to assume there is more explanation that wasn't given like an addition of 'that he loved'). At one point they have a missing person but they're already talking about her in the past tense- so it was immediately clear to me she would be found dead later. These two and one or two other things had me kind of upset a The author\editor didn't catch them because, well, they give things away or just don't make sense in the grand scheme of things.
I found that I was more interested in the secondary characters and I think they'd be a great focus for any upcoming books.
July 12, 2018
I am an avid fan of Gina LaManna and I love that she transitioned from "cozy mystery" to something more suspenseful. The fact that I could appreciate the transition and enjoyed the story lends credence to her abilities as a writer. One aspect I particularly liked about this book/series is the style of writing changes up to where readers hear the story from different characters' perspectives. I think this is a brilliant choice on LaManna's part as it adds to the charm of the book. NOW I do have an issue (hence the 4 star rating). I seriously felt that this book was lacking in character and plot development. For example, we know (briefly) Dani's reason for opening up a pizza shop. But why pizza? This may be a minor detail but for me I think if I knew her motivations more, it would add to me understanding her quirks and personality as a whole. So far I know she is determined, resilient and fiercely independent. Which also makes me wonder why she is with someone, as portrayed by Matthew's chapters, who is so clingy? It seems so off that LaManna would put someone so fiercely independent with someone who can't seem to survive without her. It is mind boggling to say the least. I will definitely follow the series because I want to know who Dani ends up with and what is in those dang files!
July 1, 2018
4.75 stars
It’s been a long time since a book has grabbed my attention as much as this one did. I’ve read just about every series from Gina LaManna and this is some of her best work yet. She weaves together words and punctuation so beautifully that I can see everything in my head like I’m watching a movie or tv show - even though this is the first book in this series, I can tell it would be a marvelous adaptation on the small screen. It would be amazing to see the talking furniture brought to life on screen.
The story is brilliant and I’m glad that it wasn’t one that I could figure out easily. There were only two things I wasn’t completely over the moon about:
1. Switching narratives. Dani is always in first person, while when it’s obviously supposed to be Matthew’s narrative, it’s in third person. Choose one or the other. The constant switching is annoying.
2. (This is semi-spoilerish) The whole Twilight angle is so far past old. Even though it really doesn’t come into play until the end, why does there always have to be a love triangle and why does it always have to be between a vampire and a werewolf? Just, why?
Other than those two grievances, I honestly cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
It’s been a long time since a book has grabbed my attention as much as this one did. I’ve read just about every series from Gina LaManna and this is some of her best work yet. She weaves together words and punctuation so beautifully that I can see everything in my head like I’m watching a movie or tv show - even though this is the first book in this series, I can tell it would be a marvelous adaptation on the small screen. It would be amazing to see the talking furniture brought to life on screen.
The story is brilliant and I’m glad that it wasn’t one that I could figure out easily. There were only two things I wasn’t completely over the moon about:
1. Switching narratives. Dani is always in first person, while when it’s obviously supposed to be Matthew’s narrative, it’s in third person. Choose one or the other. The constant switching is annoying.
2. (This is semi-spoilerish) The whole Twilight angle is so far past old. Even though it really doesn’t come into play until the end, why does there always have to be a love triangle and why does it always have to be between a vampire and a werewolf? Just, why?
Other than those two grievances, I honestly cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
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