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Elven detective Saxon Kirby is under pressure to find out who left a gnawed body at a Las Vegas tourist attraction.

He already knows what is responsible: a werewolf. The Keeper of the Vegas werewolves is supposed to control his charges, just as Keepers have kept vampires, shifters and other paranormal races in check for over a century.

But the local Keeper is weak and there is nothing to stop the murderous wolf--except Saxon. Saxon's investigation leads him to Calleigh McGowan, a half-werewolf, half-Elven dancer who entrances him with her sensual moves and promise of carnal pleasure.

She's a sexy distraction Saxon doesn't need--even if Calleigh has her own reasons for hunting down the rogue werewolf. But in order to catch the killer, they'll have to put their lives--and hearts--on the line.

53 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012

108 people are currently reading
987 people want to read

About the author

Heather Graham

584 books6,931 followers
Also published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.

Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.

She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.

Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Morgan Wyatt.
Author 18 books310 followers
February 11, 2013
The Gatekeeper by Heather Graham written in Phillip Marlow gumshoe style is well worth reading, even though it is a prologue disguised as a novella to the Keeper series. You have the jaded detective who is keeping Las Vegas safe from evil doers. The beautiful dame involved works in a nightclub. There is a bad guy, a very bad guy. Did I mention that Saxon, the detective is Elven, or that the dame is part werewolf?

Nope, Saxon is not dealing with werewolves who find every excuse to run naked through the woods, but rather a blood thirsty type, who is taking a literal bite out of tourism. There is a delicate balance between humans and non-humans living in the city. Any type of imbalance isn’t good for anyone, especially the chewed up tourist. Clues, stoolies abound along with a power hungry villain and his goons. All Saxon has to do is connect the dots while managing to stay alive.

Calleigh is on the trail of her sister, a beautiful songstress who mysteriously vanished. Taking a job as a dancer at an exclusive club she uses both her animal magnetism to lure the suspects in, and her Eleven side to confuse them. Everything is going well, make that relatively well, until Saxon walks into the place. She can tell immediately he sees through her act to the real her, and touches a heart she thought untouchable. Can she trust him? Instead of helping her find her sister, he warns her off because it is too dangerous.

Calleigh and Saxon have definite chemistry from their very first meeting. They are both headstrong and determined, which causes sparks to fly. Even though this is a short novella, these characters are still well formed. Heather Graham has the ability to make Elven detectives perfectly believable.

The Gatekeeper is a fast, fun read. It is currently free on Kindle. It will whet your appetite for The Keepers series.
Profile Image for Cyn Delia.
450 reviews23 followers
November 15, 2012
I'm really excited about this upcoming series of books. The Gatekeeper is a short e-book only novella to give the reader a taste and what a tasty little bite it is.


I have to give Heather Graham credit for writing such a great story in just a handful of pages. Not many authors can do it with such success. It was fast paced and fully developed with great characters.


There's just enough here to whet your appetite for the December release, also by Heather Graham, Keeper of the Night.


Don't miss this little treat.
Profile Image for Irene.
584 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2014
UPD: Loved it the second time as well!

Jan. 13, 2013:
The Gatekeeper by Heather Graham is a prequel (I think so) for the future series by several different authors. It gives readers as glimpse at the universe, or rather a bit futuristic LV, where there are a lot of different creatures. And these aren't just common vampires and werevolves. Here we can also see an elf and I think some other fantasy creatures are mentioned.

To tell the truth I think it's the first book, which is not fantasy, that has elves in it I've ever read :) And it's interesting how they're going to play it.

SO here author tells a story of a weak Keeper, who was supposed to keep all the paranormal creatures in check, but unable to do so. A gruesome murder and kidnapping. And a little bit of love. All in all, very enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews633 followers
March 13, 2013
Heather Graham did a nice job introducing the reader to a new series with this short prequel that focused on a Las Vegas elven detective, Saxon Kirby, searching for a supernatural killer and part werewolf, Calleigh, a woman searching for her missing sister. Their chemistry works well as they join forces in their quests, which appear to be the work of the same group.

Although intentionally short on pages, each page was crammed with story and the foundation for this new series! The characters were well-defined, strong and believable, in typical Heather Graham style!

For MORE Reviews and Other Book Related Stuff, Please Stop By At:
Profile Image for Rachel-RN.
2,424 reviews29 followers
March 31, 2013
Well, this was a good start. It could have been better if longer. Everything was so rushed. Blink and the crime is solved and the main characters are in love. I went in knowing this was a prequel novella; but it was too rushed.
Profile Image for Janet Juengling-Snell.
327 reviews32 followers
November 22, 2012
I download this book because it was free, and to my surprise, to find out that it is a branch off of Heather Graham's The Keepers Trilogy.

I totally fell in love this that trilogy and am now looking forward to this new series.
Profile Image for Sadie Forsythe.
Author 1 book287 followers
July 23, 2024
Mildly entertaining but unexceptional in every way, as it's all been seen and done better before.
4,855 reviews10 followers
November 18, 2018
Nice paranormal romance

Short but full intriguing story about shenanigans in Las Vegas with a paranormal twist. Recommend if you like paranormal mysteries
856 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2021
Not really into werewolves, etc. But it did keep me reading. :)
Profile Image for Kathy Davie.
4,876 reviews736 followers
April 26, 2015
The prequel to The Keepers L.A. paranormal romance series. The couple focus is on Kirby Saxon and Calleigh McGowan with the story taking place in Las Vegas.

This copy was provided by the publisher, Harlequin.

My Take
Oh brother, this was a touch dorky and much too dramatic, always on highly revved. I don't know if Graham did this on purpose to keep readers reading, or if it's just how it turned out. She keeps the action flying so fast that I barely caught who was what. I'd like to see what Graham could do if she slowed down a mite and filled in with a softer pace. I swear I think Saxon solved the case in just hours as he rushed here, there, and everywhere.

I want to like the characters, but, again, Graham rushed us through the story so fast, I didn't have a chance to get past the soap opera-ish dialog.

Saxon has just come to Dirk's to meet Calleigh only to learn she's disappeared and he automatically thinks it's payback for his hassling Jimmy? He just had him arrested. WTF.

We never do learn anything more about Joe Moore. Who is Marston Greenwood? Well, other than dead. He is supposedly the reason why the mayor is so upset and his name only appears twice.

The Story
A partially eaten corpse is found and sets off a frenzy of killing, resulting in the mayor demanding resolution. The pressure is on Saxon to solve this crime, but he's more concerned with a series of mysterious disappearances and deaths. And he knows who did it. We don't actually get handed any clues, so we can think alongside him. I reckon we'd be too slow for the pace Graham sets.

The Characters
Calleigh McGowan, a.k.a., Candy Laughton, half-elf and half-werewolf, is also hunting for vengeance for Angie Sanderson, her half-sister, a full elf, who disappeared after singing one night. They're both from San Francisco where the Keeper is Larry Miller. Their father is Theo McGowan, a former congressman, lawyer, and werewolf. Dirk is the man who loves Angie.

Detective Saxon Kirby is an elf and Bailey hates him. Captain Clark Bower has three months before retirement; he's betrayed everyone for more money from Bailey. Lieutenant Keeghan McMurtree is a tall leprechaun and a cop, who takes Bower's place. Art Krill is the Las Vegas medical examiner.

Monty Reilly is the owner and CEO of the Wolf and Crown casino as well as the Keeper of the Vegas werewolves, responsible for keeping order. Brad Thierson is Keeper of the NYC wolves. Eamon MacDonald is a leprechaun Keeper in Dublin.

Carl Bailey, billionaire and werewolf, is trying to own all of Vegas.

Jimmy Taylor, a tough werewolf, is new in town from Toronto.

Reginald Holland, a New York City vampire, is a big investor in the Rock Candy Club.

Joe Moore is the lynching victim while Marston Greenwood has been cannibalized.

The Cover
The cover is confusing. Sure he's a goodlooking guy, but what's with the hood? It feels more like a science-fiction tale than a cop drama in Vegas.

The title, which doesn't appear on the cover, is The Gatekeeper. I'm gonna guess that its referring to the supernatural community's plans for Saxon Kirby at the very end of this novella.
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,958 reviews128 followers
January 23, 2016
Book Synopsis


Elven detective Saxon Kirby is under pressure to find out who left a gnawed body at a Las Vegas tourist attraction. He already knows what is responsible: a werewolf. The Keeper of the Vegas werewolves is supposed to control his charges, just as Keepers have kept vampires, shifters and other paranormal races in check for over a century. But the local Keeper is weak and there is nothing to stop the murderous wolf--except Saxon.

Saxon's investigation leads him to Calleigh McGowan, a half-werewolf, half-Elven dancer who entrances him with her sensual moves and promise of carnal pleasure. She's a sexy distraction Saxon doesn't need--even if Calleigh has her own reasons for hunting down the rogue werewolf. But in order to catch the killer, they'll have to put their lives--and hearts--on the line.

Look for more stories in The Keepers: L.A. series coming soon from Harlequin Nocturne, starting with Keeper of the Night by New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham.

My Thoughts

Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, especially in Sin City. Wealth equals power and Las Vegas is the playground for not only humans who abuse their positions but Werewolves and Vampires too.

Following up on a murder investigation, Detective Saxon Kirby becomes quickly involved in something that even he may not have the strength and skill to survive. Depending on his Elven heritage to make a difference, his fellow officers to back him up and a beautiful half werewolf/half Elven woman as an ally Saxon gambles in a town where a roll of the wrong dice can easily find one a shallow grave in the desert. In this story it might even mean one could end up as the next meal for a murderous werewolf.

Short intro into the newest installment in "The Keeper" series that gives a bit of insight into how an overseer to enforce rules and regulations came about for the keepers of the supernatural communities this story basically introduces Saxon Kirby and his future role.

[EARC via NetGalley in exchange for honest review, also own a copy free for Kindle from Amazon.]
Profile Image for cookiemonger.
232 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2017
Reading this was like watching a first season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It filled about 45-60 minutes, contained some mawkish speeches that are a little out of context and far too over the top, and it left me feeling as if I should have done something else with my time.

There's a lot of action, and as a detective story, it's okay, but it's not a romance at all. There is a love interest and they do get an HEA, but it happens in a flash. They literally spend less than an hour together before the HEA. The writing is good, and while I didn't like all the world building, it was all done well.

Is Elven instead of "an elf" a thing in paranormal romance that I just wasn't aware of? It looks really stupid. I kept reading Eleven and wondering what we were counting.

Profile Image for Shirley .
1,944 reviews58 followers
December 27, 2012
Don’t let my rating sway you. I really did like this novella. It was packed with action, good writing and just enough romance to keep it interesting. I think my only issue was that there was SO much packed into this short read. There were also a lot of characters and paranormals introduced. The power and mythology of each was unique and The Gatekeeper did lay enough foundation to make me want to grab the first book in the series to see exactly where The Keepers: LA takes readers. Since that’s pretty much the purpose of a prequel novella, which is currently FREE no less, I can’t complain too much. I just wanted a little bit more to the story in some parts and a little less series set-up in others. I know, picky, picky, picky… *sigh*

The first book in the series is Keeper of the Night and it is due to be released on December 18, 2012.
Profile Image for Sara.
1,044 reviews18 followers
June 26, 2017
My first book by Heather Graham, and I don't think I will be reading another one anytime soon. I didn't really care for this story, or the writing.

This was about Saxon. He works for the police, and is investigating a couple murders and disappearances. They live in a world full of supernatural characters. Too many different types is not always a good thing. He is an Elven and he is mostly investigating the werewolves. I can't say too much because it is a short book, but there is a little instant romance with Calleigh. And there is some action and a big fight in the end. Not one I would recommend unless you are this author's fan.
Profile Image for Angel **Book Junkie** .
1,932 reviews9 followers
July 21, 2013
****************** Stats **********************
Hero : 4 Heroine : 3 Peak Factor:4 Plot:5 Writing:5
**********************************************
Overall Star rating: 4.2


I have not found an author even close to Sherrilyn Kenyon or J.R. Ward when it comes to paranormal books. I loved this prequel and will be reading the rest of The Keepers series very soon. I loved the action, suspense, and I also love the ending with Saxon and Calleigh. This book is intense and keeps you on your toes from the beginning to the end. It was hard to realize this was just a short book because it was slammed packed with character development, intensity, and even a little romance.
Profile Image for Nicki Markus.
Author 55 books298 followers
December 4, 2012
This book just didn't quite add up for me. It is a prequel to the first book in the Keepers:LA series, so I read this hoping for some insight into the series before reading book one.

The story was okay, but it never fully gripped me and I was particularly underwhelmed by the romance aspect which suddenly jumped out of thin air towards the end in a forced and unbelievable way when the characters had shown no previous emotion in that area.

Overall, I just didn't see the point to this novella as, having now read book one, I really don't think it brought anything important to the series.
1,254 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2016
I usually like grahams work a lot but I was somewhat disappointed by this one. it was decent enough the eriting and characters were all solid. but for me it lacked that essential spark and so I was kinda bored with it. and the relationship between hero and heroine was too fast and too hokey. it made me want to gag. if I got the first full book in the series I might read it to give her the benefit of the doubt but I wouldn't goout and buy it based on this. definitely won't read again
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,716 reviews228 followers
December 12, 2012
Enjoyable, although I was expecting more romance. The world is intriguing. Honestly, though, there was almost too much going on for the length of the story. Sill, it was a nice little diversion.

This book was a free Kindle download I picked up 12/11/12 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Kathie (katmom).
689 reviews49 followers
January 1, 2013
This one was free. I have just read THE KEEPERS #1, so decided to check this one out.

It is really short, and could have answered a few more questions than it did, but it was fun.

Since I had read #1 first, I did get what they were talking about a bit more than someone who may have found this one first.

Those Elven, I like them. And I definitely need more of them!
Profile Image for Caro.
1,776 reviews42 followers
January 7, 2013
Pretty good although it was short (a novella). I liked the characters, suspense, mystery, a little window fogging and all of it written well. This got me interested in the series and I'll be looking out for these books now. The fight at the end was pretty good too. The end was a great lead-in for what's to come and whets the appetite. Ready for more... Enjoy
Profile Image for Amy Softa.
682 reviews48 followers
August 15, 2013
Complex new world to explore. I think I have more of the books from this world/series in print. Will have to continue this series for sure. It reminds me of Kim Harrison's Series as well as The Dark Hunter Series. This one is good for people who want more story and less sex than many of the paranormal series seem to revolve around. Well written, full of action and good pace.
Profile Image for Gerd.
557 reviews39 followers
January 19, 2013
Enjoyed this one a lot.
It's a fast paced, noirish action romp that reminded often of The Other People, by Pat A. Brisco.

A free fifty page eBook novella that effectively wets the appetite for the upcoming novels.
Profile Image for Trudy Powders.
119 reviews23 followers
February 11, 2013
This is a short prequel to an exciting new four book series started by Heather Graham.We are introduced to "The Keepers" Men and women in charge of supernatural beings in their citys.In this story we are introduced to Saxon and Calleigh who are both looking for Calleighs sister.Saxon is made a keeper and is put in charge of all the keepers.And so it begins...
Profile Image for Cathleen.
738 reviews19 followers
February 16, 2013
It is never disappointing to pick up a book written by Heather Graham.

The Gatekeeper is another good read in this series. Saxon is elven and a cop. The story opens with a bloodbath. Nineteen dead and forty-nine hospitalized. This story is a paranormal/mystery read that is fast paced and well written.

Profile Image for Deyanira Villalta.
Author 1 book5 followers
September 16, 2013
The creatures that make up the old world underground that has survived for so many generations and centuries need to be kept in line otherwise mankind can be in grave danger. The Keepers of there own kind are essential in maintaining the balance between, Leprechauns, Werewolves, Vampires, and who knows what else is out there that we don't see...
Profile Image for Ciara1973.
100 reviews9 followers
October 12, 2013
I didn't know that this is a short story. The characters were flat and had no depth. I didn't feel any connection between the H and h. The mystery was also boring, lacking any kind of suspense. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. This was more of a quick read and time filler.
Profile Image for Jenny T..
1,476 reviews15 followers
April 24, 2014
This was a short story which is part of The Keepers series which melds mystery romance with the paranormal world of elves, leprechauns, vampires, etc. Elf Saxon Kirby is a Las Vegas policeman who is tasked with solving the disappearances & murders which may lead to the werewolves. The writing was good, but I'm not sure if I was comfortable in this "land."
3,423 reviews24 followers
September 19, 2015
Elven detective Saxon Kirby, which werewolf(s) are getting out of line... - Calleigh McGowan, a half-werewolf, half-Elven - in town to find her sister...rule the world."

they work together, end up in some underground habitat... and bring down the werewolf 'We're going to rule the world' group...

and they are now partners...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shannon.
772 reviews116 followers
February 9, 2015
Note: shelved as paranormal-romance and romance-Harlequin just to keep it in logical place for series/publisher but this novella follows a crime/mystery at it's core and doesn't have a lot of romantic elements to it. It does introduces the reader to the world which includes Elven, werewolves, vampires and their keepers and this book is set in Las Vegas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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