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Blood and Mistletoe (Ivy Granger #1.5)

by E.J. Stevens (Goodreads Author)

3.88 of 5 stars 3.88 · rating details · 49 ratings · 19 reviews

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 demo...more

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Published November 20th 2012 by Sacred Oaks Press

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Oct 22, 2012 Katy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of urban fantasy, esp w/ realistic fae

Recommended to Katy by: E.J. Stevens

Shelves: ebook, upcoming-pub

Book Info: Genre: Urban Fantasy
Reading Level: Adult
Book Available: November 20, 2012
Recommended for: Fans of Urban Fantasy, those who enjoy tales of the fae that treats them realistically

Disclosure: I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: 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 inves...more

5 likes · like · see review

Nov 24, 2012 Mar rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fey, magic, paranormal-mix, adult, written-reviews

This novella follows Shadow Sight in the Ivy Granger series. Ivy is a psychic private investigator and she's determined to keep her city safe by protecting both humans and the paranormal. With the holidays upon them Ivy is determined to unravel a new mystery. With some of the fey being killed she must hurry and find out what's happening and stop it before more fey are killed.

I found the story to be good with a good amount of action, mystery and suspense. Ivy is a great character that's brave an...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 31, 2013 Andrea at Reading Lark rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, adult, paranormal, kindle, 5-stars

*4.5 Rating
Review Posted on Reading Lark 12/10/12: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2012/...

I love E.J. Stevens' Spirit Guide series, but the Ivy Granger books are quickly becoming my favorites. Stevens writing seems to get better and better with each novel. I was so excited to read this novella after spending time with Ivy in book #1, Shadow Sight, earlier this year. This little gem is enough to tide me over until book #2 arrives. A strong heroine, holiday themed murders, and a hot Kelpie king -...more *4.5 Rating
Review Posted on Reading Lark 12/10/12: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2012/...

I love E.J. Stevens' Spirit Guide series, but the Ivy Granger books are quickly becoming my favorites. Stevens writing seems to get better and better with each novel. I was so excited to read this novella after spending time with Ivy in book #1, Shadow Sight, earlier this year. This little gem is enough to tide me over until book #2 arrives. A strong heroine, holiday themed murders, and a hot Kelpie king - this is exactly what was on my reading wish list for the holiday season. Snag this for your e-reader, curl up with some eggnog or hot chocolate, and lose yourself in the world of Harborsmouth, Maine.

In this edition, my favorite paranormal detective is up to her elbows in cases for the paranormal beings of Harborsmouth. As Christmas approaches, Ivy's mood darkens, and her inner Scrooge comes out in full force. The one bright spot of the season is that she can wear her gloves without drawing stares. The gloves protect her from being pulled into the memory of every object she touches. A demon stops by the office to request Ivy's help with a series of supernatural murders. Fey are turning up dead; the only clues left behind are blood and sprigs of mistletoe. Ivy must find out who is responsible before more Fey die.

I really enjoyed the mystery of this one in spite of the briefness. This novella doesn't take long to read at all, but I loved that I got full resolution. The ending was always one of my favorite aspects; I adore Ceff!

You could certainly read this novella without reading book one, but what would be the fun in that?

One Last Gripe: My only complaint was the segment when Marvin goes missing. That slowed down my momentum - especially because I didn't understand why Ivy immediately assumed he'd been kidnapped.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: I loved the lore surrounding the killer

First Sentence: I woke to the smell of gingerbread and coffee.

Favorite Character: Ivy

Least Favorite Character: This was too brief for me to form a strong dislike for any of the characters.
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1 like · like · see review

Jun 17, 2013 Jason Crawford rated it 5 of 5 stars

Overall Rating - 4.9/5

Here is my breakdown:

Characters: 5/5 I love the characters in the Ivy Granger series: each has an important role to play in each story, from the main players of Ivy, Kaye, and Ceff to the "bit players" of Hob, Jinx, and Marvin the bridge troll. I wanted to know more about them from the first book, and this novella did not disappoint.

Storyline/Plot: 5/5 As a novella, this story was shorter than I am used to reading, but you wouldn't know it by what happened. Filled with exc...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 17, 2013 Gaele rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: jeep-diva, review-reads

This is an incredibly clever series, with Ivy as the lead character: a fae, psychic private investigator with the ability (or curse) to glean information and visions from touch. With an accident-prone, fashionista roommate with a penchant for rockabilly style, Jinx and Ivy have a clever and funny interplay and reliance on one another.

As a Christmas-time short story, someone or something is killing faeries and all indications seem to point to a macabre Christmas tree decorated with dead or captu...more

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 03, 2013 My Urban Fantasies rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ivy-granger

Originally published on my blog, My Urban Fantasies

Our favorite snarky psychic detective is back! Blood and Mistletoe takes place a few months after Shadow Sight. Yes, before you even ask Ivy and Ceff are still dating. Yay! Their relationship does not play a huge role in this novella, but it's something I just cannot get enough of. I like seeing Ivy's squishy side.

The holiday season is not slowing down business at Private Eye detective agency. Ivy is finishing with a client, a bugbear, when For...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 26, 2012 Loves To Dive rated it 4 of 5 stars

For psychic detective Ivy Granger and her partner Jinx, business couldn’t be better since Ivy, with help from the supernatural community, saved the town of Harborsmouth a few months earlier. Her relationship with the kelpie king, Ceffyl, is slowly heating up, although Ivy is still reluctant to do more than kiss, since just by touching she can read everything about an object or person.

Life is pretty good, but now the holidays are approaching and Ivy is not in a festive sort of mind. Ceffyl has c...more

For psychic detective Ivy Granger and her partner Jinx, business couldn’t be better since Ivy, with help from the supernatural community, saved the town of Harborsmouth a few months earlier. Her relationship with the kelpie king, Ceffyl, is slowly heating up, although Ivy is still reluctant to do more than kiss, since just by touching she can read everything about an object or person.

Life is pretty good, but now the holidays are approaching and Ivy is not in a festive sort of mind. Ceffyl has cancelled an important date where a present has been promised, and if that’s not bad enough, who should appear in their offices but Forneus, demon lawyer and bane of Jinx’s existence. Forneus is again asking for Ivy’s help. There is a serial killer on the loose who is targeting the fae. Six have been found brutally murdered with no clues evident except for a spring of mistletoe left in a pool of blood. Ivy takes the case; this won’t be an easy one. When Ivy’s friends are put in harms way Ivy has to put her own skills to the test, possibly even her life is on the line this time.

I’ve been a huge fan of E.J. Stevens since I read the first book in her YA Spirit Guide series, and was glad when she decided to dip her toes into the adult world with this series. She writes her characters with personality galore and her settings are always so well described that it’s not hard to imagine yourself right in the middle of the action. Ivy is so full of sass and spunk, she manages to be tough and vulnerable all at the same time. She is just plain fun to visit with. Ms. Stevens has given her a somewhat acerbic temperament, but still manages to make us like her despite it. Now that’s just good writing if you ask me. You know from the beginning that Ivy has a slightly warped sense of humor and that even though you might see some disturbing things during the story, Ivy is going to pull you through. For example, early in the story when Forneus appears in the office and Jinx is not happy to see him: “My office assistant got bonus points for style and preparedness, but I really didn’t think killing our clients was good for business – especially with a bugbear sitting, oblivious, at my desk.” How can you resist reading on?

Speaking of Jinx, while not having a lot of face time, she plays a role in the story and I’m hoping at some point we get to see a little more of her. Kaye O’Shaye – owner of Madam Kaye’s Magic Emporium, ex-hunter and powerful witch, is a key player in the story as well. There is a mystery to Kaye that I’m just dying to learn about. I know it’s going to be a good one. Minor characters from the first book appear throughout this one as well. Marvin, a teenage bridge troll, is getting on well living with Kaye and her hearth brownie, Hob. We briefly met a hunter named Jenna in the previous book, and she helps Ivy out again. There is a cute little scene with Kaye’s assistant, Arachne, which is good for comic relief, and we just get a quick glimpse of hunky Ceffyl.

I’m not crazy about novellas, they tend to frustrate me since just when you are getting into them, and they end. While listed as a novella, at 54 pages it is shorter than most and I suppose it would be called a novelette; Ms. Stevens titled it as Ivy Granger #1.5. Though short, it did most of what a full length book would have done, there is a mystery to be solved, some personal issues to figure out and great characters so I can’t complain, (I could but I won’t). It would help to read the first book, but there shouldn’t be any problems following the plot without it. Ms. Stevens is really starting to hit her stride with this series, and I am enjoying her foray into the adult world. For readers of her YA series, don’t despair, although listed as adult there are no naughty bits, just some slightly more graphic yucky scenes. I highly recommend anyone who enjoys an irreverent heroine with a spunky sidekick, a hunky fellow and a nice supernatural mystery, to pick up this series, you won’t regret it.

Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team

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2 likes · like · see review

Oct 30, 2012 Freda mans rated it 4 of 5 stars

Blood and Mistletoe is a novella that follows Shadow Sight, in the Ivy Granger series. I read and reviewed Shadow Sight, and even though it wasn't the most perfect book I have ever read, it was exciting and interesting enough that I wanted to carry on the series.

Ivy Granger is not your average private detective, because she has a paranormal ability. With that ability comes relationships with beings that normal people are not meant to have, like vampires and faeries. It's Ivy's job, with the hel...more

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Dec 20, 2012 Sofia Wren rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, urban-fantasy

The challenge of this Blood and Mistletoe is a completely new foe--a special breed of dark fairy.

1. Macabre and cheer

There is an interesting mixture of the normal Christmas fixings---like mistletoe---interspersed with darker elements--like blood.

Part of the motivation of the killer is a dark and twisted love that centers around a dead lover.

The theme is just creepy enough to leave me on edge without being too graphic to turn my interest.

2. A tight story

Having hit her stride, EJ pares this book d...more

1 like · like · see review

May 17, 2013 Maghon Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, paranormal, review-4-author

This is a shorter version of an Ivy mystery. It’s no less relevant, as I about had a heart attack in this one! Dude, the bad guy in here is seriously scary! Like, I am thinking about hiding in my closet for a little while when I think about it. *shivers* I actually think this one is even better than the first one. Only because this one was a little more emotional for me. When Ivy realizes that there’s a crazy out and about killing Fae, she is seriously worried for her friends, as almost everyone...more

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May 21, 2013 Traci (Mad Hatter Reads) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

The Ivy Granger series just keeps getting better! While I enjoyed book 1, Shadow Sight, it had a couple of rough edges that were smoothed out in Blood and Mistletoe. And nice bonus...there was a pronunciation guide/dictionary for all those tricky Gaelic/fae names!

Blood and Mistletoe resumes Ivy's story a few months after book 1 ends and Ivy is already showing personal, professional and romantic growth which bodes w...more

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Dec 25, 2012 Kristen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, fairies, demons, magic, mystery, vampires, urban-fantasy

Blood & Misteltoe is melting pot of paranormal creatures . I haven't read the first book in the series as I just picked this up for some holiday reading. EJ Steven's has created a world that is reminiscent of Dresden Files, Kate Daniels, & Jane True. Ivy herself is somewhat likeable and hopefully will become more independent as the series progresses. Throughout this novella she was picking up the phone looking for someone else to help save the day. The ending fell a little flat and was t...more

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Jan 29, 2013 Jennifer at The Bawdy Book Blog rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

This review was originally published at The Bawdy Book Blog. It was furnished by the author in exchange of an honest review.

E.J. Stevens, author of She Smells the Dead, has got herself another hit with her novella and companion story to her Ivy Granger series, Blood and Mistletoe.

Ivy Granger and Jinx, Ivy’s sidekick and BFF, are gearing up for the holidays when brimstone burns the nose-hairs again, signaling the demon lawyer, Forneus’, return to Private Eye – never a good thing, especially when...more This review was originally published at The Bawdy Book Blog. It was furnished by the author in exchange of an honest review.

E.J. Stevens, author of She Smells the Dead, has got herself another hit with her novella and companion story to her Ivy Granger series, Blood and Mistletoe.

Ivy Granger and Jinx, Ivy’s sidekick and BFF, are gearing up for the holidays when brimstone burns the nose-hairs again, signaling the demon lawyer, Forneus’, return to Private Eye – never a good thing, especially when it involves a crazy fae muse trying to bring back the dead. On top of it, Ivy’s Kelpie King boyfriend, Ceff, has to leave on business to attend to fae matters, and she has to dress up for Kaye’s holiday bash. FHL. (That’s F*** Her Life, y’all.)

This novella was entirely funny and great, and it has the signature “Ivy Granger snark” that I came to love so much in the first novel, Shadow Sight. Ivy has been tasked by Forneus with finding out why Seelie and Unseelie fae are being murdered, if for any other reason but to keep the wolf from the door and good coffee in her cup. You know, the important things. But she’s genuinely interested in finding out why they are being murdered, which speaks to another side of her that’s good and….fae.

The story is pretty creepy… a deranged fae is on a killing spree and is trying to do some sort of necromancer stuff? Weird. Ivy has her work cut out for her determining who and why. Oh yeah, and we get to experience more of her gift firsthand, as she touches things and dives into the memories of objects to catch the bastard.

Her relationship with Ceff at the end of Shadow Sight was delightful, but I do wish there had been more of it, or more of them together, in Blood and Mistletoe. Although….boy did I enjoy that ending! There is serious chemistry between them, and I really hope Stevens brings more of their relationship into focus in the following books.

All in all, paranormal fans rejoice, there’s a new show series in town. And it’s here to stay.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Nov 20, 2012 Shannon (Twilight Sleep) rated it 4 of 5 stars

First I must apologize for doing this author a disfavor and not getting my review out there sooner. Whole point of an ARC, I know - I'm sorry E.J.! That being said....she's done it again. Another book that I LOVED. As a matter of fact, I really give it 4.5 stars. And if you know me, you know that's a big deal. My 5 star reviews are a sacred piece of me that I don't part with easily, but I'm starting to think Stevens is going to squeeze one out of me before it's all said and done.

Even though this...more First I must apologize for doing this author a disfavor and not getting my review out there sooner. Whole point of an ARC, I know - I'm sorry E.J.! That being said....she's done it again. Another book that I LOVED. As a matter of fact, I really give it 4.5 stars. And if you know me, you know that's a big deal. My 5 star reviews are a sacred piece of me that I don't part with easily, but I'm starting to think Stevens is going to squeeze one out of me before it's all said and done.

Even though this was a novella, it still lent itself to a fullness that was satisfying but of course left me wanting more. I want more Ivy, I want more Jenna, I SO want more Marvin (love love love that kid), and I want to see what the hell's going to happen between Ivy and Ceffyl!

This story left off right where Shadow Sight ended - which gives me hope that maybe Ghost Light will pick up right where this left off??? *side glance at author* Anywho, someone (or something) is killing fae and the, well, fae, aren't too happy about it. The only clue: a sprig of mistletoe left behind with each victim. Ivy and Jinx agree to take on the case against their better judgment...which leads to some crazy intenseness that I wasn't expecting. I won't spoil it for you, but let's just say that Ivy takes off the gloves - literally. If you've read Shadow Sight then you know that's code for LET THE INTENSENESS BEGIN, INTENSE ALL THE THINGS!!!!!kfahkesak;gtjiah94w357hsptgu113!!!!!

Yes. Well anyway, Ivy being Ivy of course eventually finds the culprit, along with a merry band of creepy, eat your face off, give me nightmares redcaps who are almost too much to handle, save her interesting partnership with the Hunter, Jenna. By the time everything was over and I peeked out from the covers, I was staring at the end of the book wondering why'd I'd let any pesky wedding planning and honeymooning ever keep me from it.

I'm ready for the next episode. You need to read this so you can be ready too. But make sure to read Shadow Sight first, or you'll just be lost and wondering why you don't get it. And I will laugh at you.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 02, 2013 Alyssa Ricks rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: did-not-finish

Meh. This wasn't bad, the story itself might be interesting, but I really didn't care for the writing style. And maybe if this was a full length novel I'd have gotten past that, but this is a short story intended to tempt me into buying the series - it should be the best story and incredibly engaging from the start, but I was kind of bored with it and it felt stilted, the words didn't just flow. DNF.

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Dec 19, 2012 Stacy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: from-publisher-author

The Demon attorney is back and with him he brings Ivy a new lead that puts her on the path of a very old and dangerous being who is killing faeries. BLOOD AND MISTLETOE gave us a nice peek at how things are going in Harborsmouth since SHADOW SIGHT ended. There was a good amount of action with a fast paced but detailed plot. Unfortunately we don't get much of Ivy with her new beau so I think we need an extra dose in book 2 when it releases, but there is a neat little scene at the end of the book...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 09, 2012 Kirsten Lenius rated it 4 of 5 stars

Fae folk are being killed and when a demon brings the case to her it becomes private investigator Ivy Grainger's job to find out how, why and by whom.

This is one of the few novella length pieces that I have read recently where the story does not suffer for the length.

Worth reading.

1 like · like · see review

Apr 13, 2013 Maryellen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-read

I really enjoy the Ivy Granger series, new take on the fae universe and it's a fun one. More unicorn, please!

1 like · like · see review

Jan 13, 2013 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this prequel. It was a very nice addition to the Ivy Granger series. I loved how cohesive all of the characters personalities stayed and absolutely loved Ivy as always. I really do hope that something ends up forming between Jinx and Forneus, but who knows if Ivy will even let that happen. I think the story was extremely fitting especially for the season and I absolutely loved how grotesque it was. I cannot wait to see what book two has in store for us.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 02, 2013 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Short story, but very good read. My only complaint was the final confrontation seemed too easy... But I love the characters and world Mrs Stevens has built and will continue reading her stories!

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Shelves: urban-fantasy

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Jun 01, 2013 Kirsty rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 28, 2013 Merideth Syn rated it 5 of 5 stars

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About E.J. Stevens

E.J. Stevens writes poetry, urban fantasy, and young adult paranormal novels. E.J. is the author of the haunting collection of dark poetry FROM THE SHADOWS, the chilling collection of paranormal poetry SHADOWS OF MYTH AND LEGEND, the young adult paranormal SPIRIT GUIDE series (SHE SMELLS THE DEAD, SPIRIT STORM, LEGEND OF WITCHTROT ROAD, BRUSH WITH DEATH) and the IVY GRANGER urban fantasy series (S...more

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Quotes from Blood and Mistletoe

“If a faerie, a vampire, and a demon walk into a bar, you wait for the punch line. At Private Eye, when a faerie, a vampire, and a demon walk through the door, it’s just another day at the office.” — 1 person liked it

“...the very, very old fae tended to go through an unhealthy stage of boredom that was often followed by a period of ‘goin’ doololly.” — 1 person liked it

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Blood and Mistletoe (Ivy Granger #1.5)

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