Gray Court

Black Hat Bureau #7

by Hailey Edwards

After wiping out an entire black witch coven on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Rue can no longer afford to have a laissez-faire attitude toward the Maudit Grimoire. Its black magic is infecting her, and it’s leaking into her familiar bond with Colby, poisoning the loinnir with its thirst for violence.

A trip to the fae realm ought to be just the ticket, but any hope for a quick fix dies when a message arrives from High Priestess Naeema. Her daughter has gone missing, and she expects Rue to find her. As much as Rue wants to help Naeema, can she afford to put off disposing of the cunning book yet again?

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Witches, Demons, Fae

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2023

About the author

Hailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.

Hailey isn't on Goodreads.

Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/

Reviews

[Francesca ❆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The lack of mystery made this book feel like it was dragging for the majority of time, only to rush near the ending.
Some major moves took place in this one and it feel like Edwards is positioning all her major characters on the chessboard and we can see what the battle plan is...not sure if it's gonna work out like Rue has planned... we'll see.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0
This installment encapsulates everything I love about both the Black Hat Bureau series and Hailey Edwards! Lots of action and intrigue wrapped up in some of the very best relationships - both family and romantic - one could ever hope for. My only complaint is it was just too short. I could have read for hours and hours more!

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up shortly after the explosive conclusion of the previous book, Gray Court finds Rue, Asa, Clay, and Colby enjoying a little downtime before Rue has to report back to the Black Hat Agency. Rue is fearful she’s turning dark and that it could taint Colby’s pure white magic since she’s been tapping into the grimoire’s magic. Unfortunately, her fears come true when Colby inadvertently gets a boost of power from the grimoire (newly named the Hunk) and hurts a demon child. In addition, Asa’s mom is missing, presumed kidnapped by Staveros, again.

There is a lot that happens over the course of Gray Court. I love how much changes and how the overall storylines progress by leaps and bounds. Asa’s father, Staveros, has been trying to claim Rue and steal her from Asa. Rue must make some tough decisions that come a great cost. The author ties this plot into Rue’s desire to end the Director’s reign at Black Hat in a surprising and exciting way. The story is nearly non-stop from the opening until the final scene, keeping me engrossed the entire time. The stakes are so high for Rue and Asa, and I seriously cannot wait to find out what will happen next.

Rue continues to evolve both emotionally and in her powers. She’s struggling with the loss of her human found family, as she needs to stay away to keep them safe. She worries for Aiden, who was in fascination with one of Rue’s human friends. She works to balance her mission to end the Director with the dark power she may need to accomplish her goals. The fact that she worries so much about her soul and the impact to Colby shows us how much she’s changed.

Narration: The story is shared via first person POV of Rue. Ms. Richardson uses a strong, confident feminine voice for Rue/the narrator, which suits the character and storytelling. The narrator alters dialogue, giving characters a unique voice, suited to the age, gender, species, etc. Some voices are immediately identifiable, like that for Clay, whose voice is deeper, slower, and large, just like him. I also enjoy Colby, whose young voice sounds a bit cartoonish, which is perfect for the mythological friend. The narrator successfully portrays emotions and has created unique identities for the main characters.

In the end, I really enjoyed Gray Court, and I look forward to seeing the outcome of Rue’s machinations in future titles.

My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B+

Review copy provided by publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been having so much fun with these characters and series. Like most urban fantasy, it is important to listen to the Black Hat Bureau novels, in the order of their release.

Rue is desperate to resolve the issues surrounding the Maudit Grimoire, especially when the evil affects Colby. She thinks a trip to the fae realm will help, but when the High Priestess Naeema’s daughter goes missing, Rue and the gang will need to find her.

A lot happens in Gray Court to advance the plot. It didn’t have a big mystery to solve like the previous books, but we spent plenty of time with Rue, Asa, Colby and Clay. And trust me, a lot happens. From a challenge, Asa can’t refuse to a demon. Rue;s parents arrive for a visit and we have some threads tied-up. We still need to solve the grimoire issue and I really want Rue’s grandfather to get his just desserts.

Edwards mixes humor, romance and family into the mix, making the story fly by. I think I listened to this in two sittings and wished it was longer. Stephanie Richardson narrates the series and does such a good job giving voice to these characters. Clay cracks me up.

This series is perfect for fans of light, cozy urban fantasy with rich characters, humor and romance. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge developments all over the place. Finally more time with parents at end. Argh, when is next book coming?

[CJ - It's only a Paper Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6

It felt a little too short as if it was the first half of a story.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back with Rue and Asa and crew and ahhhhhhhhhh. NO. WHAT? NO! No lie, that reaction can apply to more than one thing that happens this time around. Rue does not have the most uncomplicated life and THINGS HAPPEN. Often. NO. WHAT? NO!

Okay. Let's put that aside for a moment. Rue has the double (triple? quadruple? MORE?) issues of a book chock full of dark magic that happens to have a mind of its own (of sorts), her parents' whole dead/undead/tangled web thing, a grandfather to overthrow (and figure out how to make him NOT able to rise up and start a counter-coup which would be very complicated and deadly for everyone), Asa's father's obsession with her, his mother's disappearance, and...I don't even know. She has a lot going on.

Throw in a challenge Asa can't refuse and a desperate bargain with a very cunning demon and you get the whole NO. WHAT? NO! emotional fallout from pretty much every angle.

Things are coming to a head (in the most dangerous way imaginable) and Rue is trying to protect those who are most important to her while also making sure no one ends up as collateral damage. TO be fair, sometimes that collateral damage happens to people who very much deserve it and I'm okay with that.

MAN, I like this wild, dangerous world.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason it feels like not much happened in this one, yet there were big moves made in the overall story arc. Rue and Asa are safe now, will be safer soon, the same for their people. Yet some of the moves that Rue made were ones she had trouble with, including those with her parents. I guess we'll have to see if she made the right moves as things evolve.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always so eager to dive into a book by this author, but especially this series. Rue is such a strong yet fragile character, and I love how she faces everything head on in protecting her family even if it might mean her slide into becoming a black witch. In this one, she’s really tested on that front as so many thing come to a head with the appearance of a child leading to all kinds of Hael. This is a wonderful addition to the series, and I can’t wait to see what The Director is going to do next. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Anne Gregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gray Court is Hailey Edwards' seventh Black Hat Bureau release, and shocker, it's Amazing! If you think to settle in for a round of Q & A and Happily Ever Afters ... hmmm. Every single Stavros storyline that I've been mauling over for the past year and a half - out the window. Tidied up loose ends - ashes like Calixta's overzealous arachnids. Comeuppance for the director - the little $#!t has to step a toe out of his office first. Good news - Gray Court is unputdownable. Hailey Edwards may be on a plot-twist-bender, but holy culinary golems, does she know how to write❣️

Kris
Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews

[Lana *Best left alone with books and snacks* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dysfunctional doesn't even begin to describe this family. I can't even choose who to root for. Between evil grandpa and psychotic grandma my imaginary pom-poms just wouldn't go up. At least mother-in-law is coming around. And what was Aedan thinking, that wonderful dummy? Agh, what a mess.

Over and out

[Chetana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

It is all coming together now. There were tiny gains and big losses in this book. But that just puts a fire under Rue's behind to get back what she has lost. I am looking forward to how she plans on undermining her grandfather.

[Roseann Bowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Rue is at it again.

Well, I can't say Rue knows anything about caution but she is trying. Feelings are still plaguing her, and she's getting better with practice, but when Colby finds a new playmate who could bring Hael to her doorstep, she starts questioning whether her urge to throw the kid out is emotions or logic. Followed with Asa's mom disappearing, and no ransom, Rue gets nervous and decides a trip to Hael is just the ticket. Chaos ensues, Rue goes nuclear, and contracts follow. But hey! Her parents are visiting now, and the other shoe is starting to drop.

[Orla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow really enjoyed this book. Cant wait for more in this series.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars:)

[Stephaniec · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG RUE!!!!! The end of this was heartbreaking and I'm more than ready for the next book

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding outing in this series

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great read & talk about cliffhanger!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

Gray Court, by author Hailey Edwards, is the Seventh installment in the authors Black Hat Bureau series. As the story opens, Rue Hollis is still dealing with the fall out of the previous installment and hiding from her grandfather, the director of the Black Hat Bureau. Then Colby finds a new friend who may or may not be a spy for Stavros who is still stalking Rue. When Asa's Grandmother, High Priestess Naeema arrives with a message that Asa's mother has gone missing, Rue knows things are about to change.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gray Court is exactly what you expect from the Black Hat Bureau. Rue, Asa, Clay, and Colby are fighting danger and political machinations at home and in other realms. Rue is still reeling from the events of the last book, especially the loss of her friends Arden and Camber and her life in Sanford. The power of the grimoire weighs heavily on her, especially when it acts again. To make it through her current tribulations she must turn to an old enemy for help. Luckily, she gets help from a surprising source. I highly recommend this series for anyone who likes urban fantasy. It is a complex, well-developed world and a kicka$$ heroine with a wonderful found family.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gray Court is the 7th book in Edward’s Black Hat Bureau series which at its essence is the story of Rue Hollis (former Black Witch) voyage of self-discovery and personal growth. This is a series that presents the question of nature versus nurture and offers the answer through the Indian Proverb of how within each person lives two wolves, a good wolf and a bad wolf. Which we ultimately become depends upon which one we feed. Raised by her evil, manipulative grandfather to be his perfect instrument of death, Rue spent the first part of her life feeding the bad wolf. Under her grandfather’s brutal tutelage she learned to be a cold, emotionless, highly efficient killer. After disposing of both of her parents whom she’s told are dead, her grandfather, founder and director of the Black Hats Bureau, (that bears a resemblance to the Will Smith Men in Black movie franchise) a quasi-official paranormal law enforcement agency that tracks down and kills rogue paranormals who pose a threat to other paranormals and humans risking exposing the existence of paranormals to the human world, and wipes the memories of humans who come in contract with the paranormal world. Black Hat agents serve as judge, jury and executioner for those they are assigned to hunt. Rue Hollis under her given name Elsabeth became legendary among her fellow Black Hat agents and the paranormal world, unmatched for her ruthless ability to hunt down rogue paranormals, dispatch them and eat their hearts to ingest their magical essence, increasing her own dark magical powers. Her life is all about killing and gaining more black magic power. But her grandfather, The Director made a crucial mistake when he paired his ancient golem Clay with Rue to watch and guide her. In Clay, Rue not only found a mentor, a resource with a wealth of knowledge of the paranormal world, but a friend. That friendship slowly put cracks in her heart of ice. When hunting the Silver Stag serial killer Rue comes across the soul, the essence of Colby a young fae girl whom the Silver Stag has murdered and incapsulated her essence into the body of a moth which he is preparing to ingest. After killing the Silver Stag, Rue is faced with a moral dilemma. What to do with what remains of the innocent little fae girl? Does she ingest her essence to enhance her own magical powers? Rue’s slowly awakening sense of morality kicks in. Rue becomes the custodian of Colby who draws out her maternal instincts and makes her want to leave her black witch personae behind. But like the Mafia the only way to leave the Black Hat Bureau is to die. Especially for the granddaughter of its Director. So Rue takes Colby and goes into hiding. As the series opens it’s been ten years since Rue took responsibility for Colby. They have settled into the sleepy little town of Stamford Alabama where she’s purchased a home for herself and Colby, opened up an apocathary selling homeopathic remedies imbued with a little of her magic to make them more effective. She employs two young women Camber and Arden, who have become like little sisters to her and most of the town considers her one of them. Still Rue considers herself as a black soul. But she’s trying to do better and fake it until she makes it to be more like her white witch mother. Then one day her old partner Clay shows up on her doorstep accompanied by a new partner Asa a handsome (at least the women in this story think so) daemon. Her grandfather has discovered her and wants her back to serve as a consultant on a case similar to the Silver Stag case, the last one she solved before disappearing. Gradually she and Clay renew their friendship and she and Asa fall into fascination a precursor to mating. Rue former heartless black witch now has a family, a friend and impossibly finds herself in love. With each preceding book Rue’s grandfather forces her back into the Black Hat Bureau by threatening those she loves. In Gray Witch book #5 he has forced her to accept the position as Assistant Director of the Black Hat Bureau to keep her close to him where he can keep an eye on her.
After unintentionally accessing the power of the Maudit Grimiore to defend herself and wiping out two covens of black witches in the process Rue realizes the grimoire is slowly seeping into her life drawing her towards the black magic she has tried to distance herself form since taking in Colby as her ward. Worse because Colby is her familiar it is also seeping into her life causing unexpected consequences when Colby feels her life is threatened by the son of Moran the head of the Centuria whose job it is to protect Asa. But removing the locket the grimoire has been encased in from her person is no simple task. To do so she tries to enlist the aid of Asa’s grandmother who gave her the necklace the locket hangs from around her neck. But Asa’s grandmother is distracted by the disappearance of her daughter, Asa’s mother. It is feared that Asa’s father Stavros, High King of Hael has again abducted her in order to force Asa to give up his fascination with Rue so he can claim her for himself. When questions arise as to whether Moran’s son was intentionally trying to hurt Colby or it was just accidental child’s play, added to the already existing questions of how her son found his way from the dimension he was living in with Dovarak his father (Stavros’s favorite general) tensions between Rue and Moran (whom Clay is falling for) simmer. Rue and Asa along with help attempt a secret mission to Hael to discover if Stavros is holding his mother prisoner. Things go terribly wrong when they are discovered. Asa is forced to challenge his father in a fight to the death for the crown he doesn’t want in order to save Rue. When Stavros using unfair methods nearly beats Asa to death, a frantic Rue calls upon the power of the grimoire to save them which results in a spectacular explosion being beamed to the entire paranormal world. Because no one could see how Stavros was cheating and everyone saw Rue’s interference in the contest, Asa is declared no longer an heir to the throne and Stavros puts a bounty on both their heads. So while Rue and Asa and company are traveling from Maine to Boston trying to locate the mysterious Luca who with her black witch allies inside and outside the Bureau is intent on destroying the Black Hat Bureau and killing its Director, Rue’s grandfather, they must dodge several assassination attempts and try to find out who is behind them. Rue is also playing a game of cat and mouse with her grandfather who is becoming increasingly paranoid and dangerous. In an attempt to remove the danger from Stavros, Rue seeks out a surprising ally with unforeseen consequences. Rue employs her warg friend Marita to help protect Asa not aware that there is also a bounty on her own head. Along with adding some levity to the story as Marita and her mate Derry always do, Marita helps Rue realize she is worthy of having friends beyond Clay. But Clay is jealous of Rue’s new found friendship with Marita fearing he is being replaced as her BFF. Another page turner in this series as things ramp up to a dramatic confrontation where Rue and Asa must make life altering decisions about their futures.

[PaolaDenis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Loving someone should never make them a liability.”
"Amar a alguien nunca debería convertirlos en un riesgo"

AAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!

Hailey Edwards, you almost destroyed me!
Hailey Edwards, ¡casi me destruyes!

Gray Court takes off almost directly after the end of Gray Tidings and basically revolves around the fallout of the events in the previous book, it's not just an adventure alongside the team on a new case, as the other titles have been. I don't want to go into detail to avoid spoiling anything about the plot, just know that there was a point where I was almost hyperventilanting and fighting back tears; my heart desperately trying to jump off my chest. It was amazing.
Gray Court inicia casi directamente después del final de Gray Tidings y básicamente gira alrededor de la caída tras los eventos del libro anterior, no es solamente una aventura con el equipo en un nuevo caso, como los otros títulos. No quiero entrar mucho en detalle para no arruinar nada sobre la trama, sólo sepan que hubo un punto donde estaba casi hiperventilando y luchando para contener las lágrimas; mi corazón desesperadamente tratando de salir de mi pecho. Fue increíble.

A lifetime of feeling nothing hadn’t prepared me for feeling everything.
Una vida de no sentir nada no me había preparado para sentirlo todo.

I haven't had a lifetime of feeling nothing, but this was definetly me.
No he tenido una vida de no sentir nada, pero esta definitivamente era yo.

A lot of things that our characters (and me, as a reader) have been dreading, finally happen, as consequences catch up to Rue and co. and there's no avoiding them anymore.
Finalmente pasan muchas cosas que nuestros personajes (y yo, como lectora) habían estado temiendo, cuando consecuencias alcanzan a Rue y compañía y ya no pueden evitarlas más.

This is a fast-paced read that kept me on the edge of my seat for the entirety of it. However, I appreciated that it also gave space to show the character growth that each of them have been developing along six books and to savor each moment of sweet sweet agony.
Esta es una lectura de ritmo rápido que me mantuvo al borde de mi asiento durante su totalidad. Sin embargo, aprecié mucho que hubo espacio para mostrar el crecimiento que cada uno de los personajes ha estado desarrollando a lo largo de seis libros y para saborear cada momento de dulce dulce agonía.

“Your mother made a hard choice when she kept you, but she chose you. She wanted some good to come from what happened to her. The others should have lifted her up, not torn you down.”
"Tu madre tomó una decisión difícil cuando te mantuvo, pero te eligió a ti. Quería que algo bueno saliera de lo que le pasó. Los demás debieron ayudarla a levantarse, no derribarte."

I can only say this was definetly a ride and, just like when I finished Gray Tidings, I can't wait for the next installment. This book made me feel SO MUCH. I don't know what else to close this review with, other than: please read this series.
Sólo puedo decir que este fue definitivamente un viaje y, así como cuando terminé Gray Tidings, no puedo esperar para la siguiente entrega. Este libro me hizo sentir TANTO. No sé con qué más terminar esta reseña más que: por favor lee esta serie.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in one sitting, dying for next book!

Loved this latest addition to this series. I stayed up all night reading it in one sitting as I did not want to put it down. It took me a little bit to get back into the swing of things as it’s been a while since book six and I had to think back to where we left off but once I was fully back on board I could not read fast enough! Thoroughly engrossed!

Rue just cannot catch a break. They are barely back from the crisis of the last book when things begin to spiral again. All of the action in this book takes place in a very short span of time and soooo many things are set in motion. Rue is trying to fight the dark power of the grimoire, to protect Colby in more than one way, to avoid the Director discovering what they are doing, to deal with the new found knowledge about her parents, and of course to deal with all sorts of family issues. How she doesn’t drink constantly is beyond me!

There are so many plot lines in this book that there’s a lot to keep track of. The author does a very good job of interweaving them and keeping the reader on track with all the knowledge we’ve amassed about this universe since the beginning. I found myself frequently wishing that Rue had the power to just freeze time so she and Asa could catch a breath. I’m not quite sure when they have time to eat!

We see a lot of developments in interpersonal relationships in this book and get even more of an idea of how interdependent these characters are. I’m not sure I’ve read a better example of found family, especially in direct comparison to the actual blood relations in this series.

There are some heart wrenching developments in this book that had me gasping and shaking my head. The book ends with a lot of things hanging in the air and several things put in motion that will have dire consequences. I am going to be on pins and needles until book 8! I’m

[Ramplo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full series review (talk to text so there may be errors because I don’t have an editor or time to meticulously edit.)

The first book particularly hit the sweet spot for me in a lot of ways. Like a lot of books she seemed to get very focused on action, action, action, and forgot about the characters and relationships, and all those story threads she had started on in the beginning. I guess by the end of the series I like the idea of the series and I like the first book there’s nothing particularly wrong with the rest, but it just didn’t hit the same tone.

It’s the general type of story I like etc. I listened to the audiobook version, her voice was fine, but there was a lot of wrong words and it was very noticeable after a while. I’m not sure that it was the narrators fault but I’m pretty sure it was the narrator. I did not keep a list but a lot of words were read as similar sounding words with different meanings. I don’t know if this is true in the print copies also but my feeling/hope is no. At least one error I think may have been printed, in the last book (in a non-pivotal scene) Clay and Colby got mixed up so basically Clay was hugging his own face…

Basically ten books all about the same thing that ultimately is resolved in about 30 minutes at the very end which means not a lot of time to resolve things in a satisfying way.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
OVERALL: After the first book, it lost some of its magic and that is very common because not every book can strike the exact same tone because then you might as well be reading the same book over and over. Worth going through once I don’t see it being a series of return to when I’m looking for a little nostalgia/comfort.

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

French & English reviews

Un tome que j'ai dévoré trop vite !

Ca devient de plus en plus difficile de chroniquer cette série sans spoilers >< On a le droit à tellement de révélations ...

Enfin bref, l'intrigue ici tourne autour de l'impact qu'a le Grimoire Maudit sur Rue et Colby mais aussi sur la disparition de la mère de Asa ... Et si j'ai été moins passionné par l'intrigue (notamment parce que j'ai vu venir certains trucs), j'ai adoré toutes les avancées au niveau de l'intrigue principale notamment liée au père de Asa (MAIS NAN SERIEUX !!??) mais aussi CETTE FIN (mon coeur s'est brisé en dix millions de morceaux ><)

Un seul bémol, j'aurais aimé un tome deux fois plus gros ><

Bref, un tome qui marque un tournant pour la série Je fonce lire la suite !


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


A book that I devoured too quickly !

It's becoming more and more difficult to review this series without spoilers >< We have so many revelations ...

Anyway, the plot here revolves around the impact that the Maudit Grimoire has on Rue and Colby but also on the disappearance of Asa's mother ... And if I was less passionate about the plot (especially because I saw certain things coming), I loved all the advances in the main plot especially related to Asa's father (SERIOUSLY !!??) but also THIS END (my heart broke into ten million pieces ><)

Only one downside, I would have liked a book twice as big ><

In short, a book that marks a turning point for the series =) I'm off to read the rest !

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Rue - she’s had a rough go of it lately. Not only did she sort of break up with her “normal” friends in the previous book, but she’s dealing with the ramifications of going boom in a dark magic way and it is trickling into Colby, too. This forces their hand, and they reach out for help from the fae.

Should be easy, right? Well, turns out that saying “no” to a demon ruler only goes so far, then he decides to kidnap an ex-lover to take a bit of revenge. So, aside from living on a farm away from her home, managing a forever young “kid” with dark magic powers manifesting, being in charge of a band of demon warriors, dealing with her unresolved family issues, and managing a lovesick cousin for who is moping for the same friends she is moping for, Rue now also has to help save her mate’s mother. From his father. In another dimension.

Super easy day in the life of Rue - oh and she’s also got to keep this hush hush from her grandfather. Things, of course, do not go according to plan, but do end up in a very similar place as the previous book. Rue still doesn’t have a handle on her book-augmented powers, she still doesn’t have resolution with her daddy issues, and is being thrown into the deep end of the political pond. Decision are made, they are probably bad or maybe not but end up changing A LOT of lives in the book. I’m sure we will deal with the fallout as their would-be-coup plays out in the coming book or books.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Gray Court is the seventh book in the Black Hat Bureau series by Hailey Edwards.
The Black Hat Bureau series is a fun, fast-paced mix of cozy urban fantasy, supernatural mystery, and plenty of snark. It follows Rue Hollis - a sharp, somewhat reluctant heroine with a complicated past - working with a mismatched crew of supernatural agents to keep magical chaos in check.
Each book blends quirky humor with just enough suspense to keep me turning the pages. The mysteries are creative (and often a little weird - in the best way), but what really makes the series shine is the chemistry between the characters. Rue’s banter with her teammates feels natural and often laugh-out-loud funny, while the quieter moments give you a real sense of found family and loyalty.
There are witches, shifters, and monsters, but the paranormal/supernatural elements are all grounded in small-town charm where the everyday details make the magic feel believable. You can jump into any book for a self-contained case, but reading the series in order really lets you enjoy the slow-burn relationships and overarching story threads.
If you like your urban fantasy light on the grimdark and heavy on the charm, with a side of sass and supernatural hijinks, then this is the series for you.
Happy Reading…

[Thefirelily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 7 didn’t just ride the high of Book 6—it deepened it.
Rue is still grieving, still processing, and still navigating a magical landscape that just keeps unfolding in weirder, wilder directions—and I’m loving every second of it.

The centaurs?
YES. That introduction was everything. Their presence adds a new layer of magical politics and potential conflict, and Rue’s interactions with them show just how far she’s come as a leader—not just a survivor.

The emotional throughline stays strong here. The aftermath of everything with her mother still lingers, and you can feel Rue trying to carry the weight of that while also protecting her people—old and new. There’s something tender and raw beneath her snark now, and it works.

Colby continues to be my favorite magical tax deduction.
Clay is still the muscle with a moral compass.
The demon-fae? Somehow still emotionally unbalanced and weirdly perfect for Rue.

The pacing, the reveals, the expanding world—it all just clicks. This book doesn’t need big battles to hit hard; it thrives on character evolution and the deepening emotional bonds between this little found family of magical chaos.

I’m sold. Officially a 4-star series now. Bring on the next one.

[Avon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unnecessary contradictory drama

Hailey Edwards is a good writer. That’s what makes this wishy-washy main character so very unpalatable. This series has the hallmarks of bad daytime soap operas that my grandmother watches. This series has turned into a waiting room time occupier at best.
Rue Hollis flips from one silly, emotional misjudgment to another within 2 sentences all while purportedly being a black hearted with attempting to be good. I have given this series so many high ratings thus far based on the plot complexities. But this boom focuses on Rue and getting rid of characters that are supposed to have been so important to her growth up until now. Considering this is book 6, you would easily have to be willing to commit to 6 more books in the hope of understanding where this weak character growth will now lead.
I cannot comprehend how this series has gone for me deciding that reading it through my Kindle Unlimited was not enough. I wanted to show my support by purchasing the ebooks as well. Any spoilers would not involve what happens in the book, so much as my disappointment with the series quality.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

On a technical level, this was probably the best in the series thus far. The plot actually advanced the main series plot on several fronts, which I appreciated immensely. Stavros, Asa's inheritance, Rue's imprisoned grandmother, the Maudit grimoire, and Rue's parents' quests all converge well. The missing piece is the director/Black Hat, which makes almost no progress here.

Despite the necessity of the above plot momentum, there was simply too much crammed into one volume, and the ending felt very abrupt/unfinished as a result. Either the book needed to be longer, or the plotlines should have been advanced incrementally in previous volumes.

I also wish the text wasn't so obvious with its themes. Trauma, recovery, fear, anger, grief--it's all expressed and expounded upon at length in dialogue and exposition, almost ad nauseum. I wish the characters were more realistic, I guess more human, in their emotional responses to things. They all seem to respond in a similar, millennial-therapist-esque fashion. It's one note and unsatisfying imo.