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DRC Files #1
Atlanta's Guide to Cryptids
When Kristen accepts a job with the FBI, the last thing she expected was to join a team inside a secret department that investigates magical crimes originating from other Realms.
Kristen always kept her magic a secret, but as the newest member of the Department of Realm Containment, she uses her quick wit and mastery of spells to delve into the true dangers that threaten our existence.
Kristen must rapidly catch up or risk the lives of her team.
She may just have what it takes to save them all. Set in contemporary Atlanta, The DRC Files is a thrilling paranormal procedural series that will immerse you in magic, mystery, and suspense.
Content Elements of horror
Kristen always kept her magic a secret, but as the newest member of the Department of Realm Containment, she uses her quick wit and mastery of spells to delve into the true dangers that threaten our existence.
Kristen must rapidly catch up or risk the lives of her team.
She may just have what it takes to save them all. Set in contemporary Atlanta, The DRC Files is a thrilling paranormal procedural series that will immerse you in magic, mystery, and suspense.
Content Elements of horror
Audible Audio
Published October 24, 2024
244 people are currently reading
1560 people want to read
About the author
Kevin A. Davis
33 books32 followersKevin A Davis has written four contemporary fantasy series: the award-winning DRC Files, the spin-off Phoenix DRC, The Khimmer Chronicles, the AngelSong Series (six books), and his newest episodic series the DRC Files. With April Davis, he has the YA adventure Romance; the Sorrowborn Trilogy.
Author, publisher, and speak, Kevin A Davis travels to cons, festivals, and conferences in the southeastern US. Track Director for the Authors Workshop at JordanCon.
He lives in rural North Florida and is tolerated by his wife and three persians (cats). In his spare time he helps in their downtown bookstore and publishes anthologies under Inkd Pub.
Author, publisher, and speak, Kevin A Davis travels to cons, festivals, and conferences in the southeastern US. Track Director for the Authors Workshop at JordanCon.
He lives in rural North Florida and is tolerated by his wife and three persians (cats). In his spare time he helps in their downtown bookstore and publishes anthologies under Inkd Pub.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 2, 2025
Atlanta’s Guide to Cryptids by Kevin A Davis
DRC Files series #1. Urban fantasy. Paranormal police procedural.
Kristen Winters has a new job at the Department of Realm Comtainment, a secret paranormal division of the FBI. She’s been recruited because of her shown police investigation success as well as her witch status. Her new partners include a vampire and a dragon. Cryptids are crawling out and threatening humanity and it’s up to Kristen and her team to save the world.
Thriller, mystery, horror and humor combo stories that will cause you to look over your shoulder and hope this story is fiction. Is it though? Warning: maybe don’t read this in the dark if you’re home alone. Occasionally too much detail on the ugly or horror. To be fair, monsters are not my go to for comfort reading.
DRC Files series #1. Urban fantasy. Paranormal police procedural.
Kristen Winters has a new job at the Department of Realm Comtainment, a secret paranormal division of the FBI. She’s been recruited because of her shown police investigation success as well as her witch status. Her new partners include a vampire and a dragon. Cryptids are crawling out and threatening humanity and it’s up to Kristen and her team to save the world.
Thriller, mystery, horror and humor combo stories that will cause you to look over your shoulder and hope this story is fiction. Is it though? Warning: maybe don’t read this in the dark if you’re home alone. Occasionally too much detail on the ugly or horror. To be fair, monsters are not my go to for comfort reading.
January 1, 2024
I enjoyed this book and would like more. This book was an interesting concept and I enjoyed the paranormal representation. I am curious about Kristen’s relationship with her daughter, but until that is revealed I enjoyed the mystery!
September 1, 2023
Love a good cryptid story and this one starts off with a bang. I enjoyed the fast pace and Kristen's introduction to her new job and team members. Her family situation is complicated, but she is doing her best. And her quick thinking saved people on many occasions. Great combo of action/adventure, sci-fi/fantasy, and mystery/investigation. I loved it.
I was fine with the more graphic scenes, but those who are more sensitive to those things may want to skim some parts here or there.
I was fine with the more graphic scenes, but those who are more sensitive to those things may want to skim some parts here or there.
September 1, 2025
It took me a few chapters to get into this book. Kristen is the newest member of the team. At times she has doubts about her abilities. I enjoyed the changes in her as the story progressed. I'm interested to see what happens in the next book.
I listened to audiobook. i like the narrator, Christine Mascott, but at times I did speed it up a little bit
I listened to audiobook. i like the narrator, Christine Mascott, but at times I did speed it up a little bit
September 26, 2024
A great supernatural crime mystery
I really enjoyed the pace of this book and that there is action throughout. I do wish the info about the realms was placed before the story started and that we got more info about them in the story, but other than that, great read! I'll be reading the other!
I really enjoyed the pace of this book and that there is action throughout. I do wish the info about the realms was placed before the story started and that we got more info about them in the story, but other than that, great read! I'll be reading the other!
July 31, 2025
Paranormal Mystery/Crime Book
Very fast paced with an interesting concept
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more of the series
Very fast paced with an interesting concept
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more of the series
December 27, 2023
I enjoyed this paranormal mystery/crime book. I love a good ragtag group of operatives and then book had an interesting crew thrown together. The plot was very fast paced. I wish it had slowed down just a bit so we could really get to know Kristen, but I suspect we'll get more backstory as the story continues.
July 15, 2025
"Atlanta's Guide to Cryptids" is book one in the "DRC Files" series by Kevin A. Davis. This book was a great introduction to this series. I had a hard time putting it down when I had other things to do. I couldn't wait to read and see where it led to. I enjoyed getting to know Kristen and the other characters. You can tell she enjoys what she does. I look forward to reading more of this series. Kevin does a wonderful job with writing and capturing your attention.
February 9, 2024
This review is for the audio book - which doesn't currently have it's own category here.
I loved the book's description and bought it - started the book as I left the house but quickly realized I had bought and returned this same audio book before. This time I tried to push through before finally giving up.
The narration is with a whispery husky voice with an odd cadence. It's the strange rhythm of the narration that is so distracting.
DNF at approximately 15 percent of the book. Audible would not accept a return this time.
1 star for narration, 4 or 5 stars for the writing. 3 as an average for the audio book.
I loved the book's description and bought it - started the book as I left the house but quickly realized I had bought and returned this same audio book before. This time I tried to push through before finally giving up.
The narration is with a whispery husky voice with an odd cadence. It's the strange rhythm of the narration that is so distracting.
DNF at approximately 15 percent of the book. Audible would not accept a return this time.
1 star for narration, 4 or 5 stars for the writing. 3 as an average for the audio book.
November 12, 2023
Atlanta's Guide to Cryptids
Book One of the DRC Files
By: Kevin A Davis
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
Fast moving, interesting, entertaining, and fun!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 11-12-2023
When Kristen Winters accepts a position at the Department of Realm Control she’s not even remotely prepared for what she’s in for, or who she’ll be working with! THIS assignment will take every bit of ingenuity she can muster! Filled with creative and imaginative characters, and a dynamically, intelligent and interesting plot, “Atlanta’s Guide to Cryptids” is a stunning hit! This story held my interest with its dynamic action and smooth flow! I love that any necessary background or scene setting information is throughly and interestingly integrated into the story so seamlessly that it becomes PART of the story and allows me to follow with ease and remain immersed in the action! My favorite part though is the characters! These characters are a delightfully diverse paranormal mix. I’m not giving any details for fear of ruining the “wow” feeling I had at their originality for other listeners! Believe me, they are ALL brilliantly designed and beautifully developed! These characters made me care, and their dialogue, THIS witty, at times delicious snarky dialogue had me in stitches! The narration that brought these creative characters, and this immersive story to life was absolutely amazing! It’s magical when each character is as clearly and distinctly voiced as they were here! The voicing choices, intonations and inflections were perfectly suited to their respective character’s personality, AND all emotions were expressed brilliantly! I felt as if I could “see” the character and the story coming beautifully, brilliantly alive as I listened, and I loved every magnificent second! Five fantastic stars across the board!
Book One of the DRC Files
By: Kevin A Davis
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
Fast moving, interesting, entertaining, and fun!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 11-12-2023
When Kristen Winters accepts a position at the Department of Realm Control she’s not even remotely prepared for what she’s in for, or who she’ll be working with! THIS assignment will take every bit of ingenuity she can muster! Filled with creative and imaginative characters, and a dynamically, intelligent and interesting plot, “Atlanta’s Guide to Cryptids” is a stunning hit! This story held my interest with its dynamic action and smooth flow! I love that any necessary background or scene setting information is throughly and interestingly integrated into the story so seamlessly that it becomes PART of the story and allows me to follow with ease and remain immersed in the action! My favorite part though is the characters! These characters are a delightfully diverse paranormal mix. I’m not giving any details for fear of ruining the “wow” feeling I had at their originality for other listeners! Believe me, they are ALL brilliantly designed and beautifully developed! These characters made me care, and their dialogue, THIS witty, at times delicious snarky dialogue had me in stitches! The narration that brought these creative characters, and this immersive story to life was absolutely amazing! It’s magical when each character is as clearly and distinctly voiced as they were here! The voicing choices, intonations and inflections were perfectly suited to their respective character’s personality, AND all emotions were expressed brilliantly! I felt as if I could “see” the character and the story coming beautifully, brilliantly alive as I listened, and I loved every magnificent second! Five fantastic stars across the board!
April 3, 2024
Protecting humanity from the cryptids that lurk all around…
Atlanta's Guide to Cryptids: Book One of the DRC Files by Kevin A Davis is the first book in a series covering the Department of Realm Control.
Kristen is a new FBI agent…or at least she thought she was. It turns out this part time witch has been recruited into the DRC, whose cover is an FBI field officer based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Their mission statement is to investigate and control cryptid related crime and the humans that are involved.
Kristen finds her new job involves other witches, dragons, werewolves, dwarves, and those are just her coworkers. It’s a dirty job, but the group she’s working for is the most qualified to handle the various horrors sneaking to earth through various dimensional cracks.
Despite the title, a majority of the story is set in Tennessee, though the group seems highly mobile and often assigned in the field.
The backmatter contains about 20 pages of in universe material on their own various versions of supernatural creatures as well as notes on the different realms connected to ours.
Atlanta's Guide to Cryptids: Book One of the DRC Files by Kevin A Davis is the first book in a series covering the Department of Realm Control.
Kristen is a new FBI agent…or at least she thought she was. It turns out this part time witch has been recruited into the DRC, whose cover is an FBI field officer based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Their mission statement is to investigate and control cryptid related crime and the humans that are involved.
Kristen finds her new job involves other witches, dragons, werewolves, dwarves, and those are just her coworkers. It’s a dirty job, but the group she’s working for is the most qualified to handle the various horrors sneaking to earth through various dimensional cracks.
Despite the title, a majority of the story is set in Tennessee, though the group seems highly mobile and often assigned in the field.
The backmatter contains about 20 pages of in universe material on their own various versions of supernatural creatures as well as notes on the different realms connected to ours.
January 4, 2025
On to the next one
I actually bought a physical copy of this book at the authors book during a spookala holiday market. Unfortunately, the copy I bought came apart, so I was looking for a way to finish the book. I was happy to find it on Kindle.
The book focuses on Kristen starting a new position that is not what she thought. As the author said, think NCIS procedural meets supernatural. Considering I love both, I was excited to pick it up. I can see the elements of that pro education type feeling. There's office politics and hazing the new agent. The group is small but has a good dynamic. Although Kristen is not as familiar with all the species. I like that this is a new position for the main character. You and the character are learning together. The different realms of magic are something I look forward to reading more about. It also gives a way to educate the reader about species as well. The case was interesting, yet the "bad guy" seemed less nefarious than lucky. Now, on to the next one to learn more about the world.
I actually bought a physical copy of this book at the authors book during a spookala holiday market. Unfortunately, the copy I bought came apart, so I was looking for a way to finish the book. I was happy to find it on Kindle.
The book focuses on Kristen starting a new position that is not what she thought. As the author said, think NCIS procedural meets supernatural. Considering I love both, I was excited to pick it up. I can see the elements of that pro education type feeling. There's office politics and hazing the new agent. The group is small but has a good dynamic. Although Kristen is not as familiar with all the species. I like that this is a new position for the main character. You and the character are learning together. The different realms of magic are something I look forward to reading more about. It also gives a way to educate the reader about species as well. The case was interesting, yet the "bad guy" seemed less nefarious than lucky. Now, on to the next one to learn more about the world.
December 14, 2025
This book was one of those that starts with a full backstory for all the characters, but we only get to learn little tidbits throughout. While it forced me to confirm that I was indeed reading book #1 of this series, I liked the feeling that all the characters had so much more to tell us.
Kristen is a witch who thought she was being recruited to the FBI, but was actually recruited to the Department of Realm Containment. Her team leader is a dragon, and the rest of her crew is made up of another witch and a vampire. They are tasked with containing the x-files-like cases that come across their desk, or copier as the case may be.
I’m not sure how this book ended up on my to-read list because there is exactly zero romance in here, but it is a very interesting police procedural, with a bunch of twists and turns, but a solidly solved case at the end. The characters were interesting enough that I would give book 2 a shot. This one was queued up in my audible because I was limping along with free books until my credits replenished, but it was well worth the time.
Kristen is a witch who thought she was being recruited to the FBI, but was actually recruited to the Department of Realm Containment. Her team leader is a dragon, and the rest of her crew is made up of another witch and a vampire. They are tasked with containing the x-files-like cases that come across their desk, or copier as the case may be.
I’m not sure how this book ended up on my to-read list because there is exactly zero romance in here, but it is a very interesting police procedural, with a bunch of twists and turns, but a solidly solved case at the end. The characters were interesting enough that I would give book 2 a shot. This one was queued up in my audible because I was limping along with free books until my credits replenished, but it was well worth the time.
September 7, 2024
This book is a great start to a new to me series. Witch Kristen has just joined the Department of Realm Containment or DRC for short, an FBI-like organization that investigates supernatural crimes. The book reminds me a bit of a supernatural Criminal Minds (which is a compliment). Kristen has doubts about her abilities but by the end of the book she is a bit more confident about her contribution to the team. I can’t wait to learn more about Kristen and her teammates and see what creatures they face next. I recommend this book to anyone who like urban fantasy.
I listened to the audiobook. I had a tough time with the narration. The volume was low during the narration but much louder when characters were speaking. The narrator’s voice was gentle and mellow for urban fantasy. This made the action seem less urgent and exciting. I will continue the series but perhaps not the audio version.
I listened to the audiobook. I had a tough time with the narration. The volume was low during the narration but much louder when characters were speaking. The narrator’s voice was gentle and mellow for urban fantasy. This made the action seem less urgent and exciting. I will continue the series but perhaps not the audio version.
January 22, 2025
Believing she was joining the FBI in Atlanta, Kristen is quite shocked to find out that she had actually been assigned to the DRC, the Department of Realm Containment. Being a witch, she was used to the supernatural world, but nothing could have prepared her for the horrors she and her team would be hunting in her new job!
I enjoyed this fast-paced, action-packed urban fantasy! The different characters on the DRC team blended well, and I felt like it realistically captured Kristen’s feelings and experiences of being “the new member on a team”. I thought the way Kristen and other witches in this world use magic was unique. Also, if you are an audiobook fan, the narrator did an amazing job with this story!
I enjoyed this fast-paced, action-packed urban fantasy! The different characters on the DRC team blended well, and I felt like it realistically captured Kristen’s feelings and experiences of being “the new member on a team”. I thought the way Kristen and other witches in this world use magic was unique. Also, if you are an audiobook fan, the narrator did an amazing job with this story!
April 11, 2024
fun quick read
This was a great read with a lot of SVU action. Having a murder in the first chapter is always thrilling and chasing down the perpetrator(s) was really enjoyable.
Having a mixed talent team where everyone brings something unique and different was a treat to read. Learning more about different skills each team member had was a wonderful.
The magic aspect wasn’t cheesy or overdone. It was well used, peppered with realistic details. I loved the precise details provided about location of the groups, the positions where they stood and their mannerisms. It really made the characters, lack of a better work, human.
This was a great read with a lot of SVU action. Having a murder in the first chapter is always thrilling and chasing down the perpetrator(s) was really enjoyable.
Having a mixed talent team where everyone brings something unique and different was a treat to read. Learning more about different skills each team member had was a wonderful.
The magic aspect wasn’t cheesy or overdone. It was well used, peppered with realistic details. I loved the precise details provided about location of the groups, the positions where they stood and their mannerisms. It really made the characters, lack of a better work, human.
November 14, 2023
If you love a paranormal Crime mystery, this is for you!
Kristen works at the Department of Realm Control. They are on a case chasing a murderer, but other crimes come up along the way! Are they all connected? Twists and Turns abound in the story.
This story has many interesting paranormal characters, some on the department and some they're investigating.
This story is interesting, entertaining, witty and full of action.
Brilliantly narrated by Meghan Kelly. she captured the voices and personalities of each character. very well done.
Kristen works at the Department of Realm Control. They are on a case chasing a murderer, but other crimes come up along the way! Are they all connected? Twists and Turns abound in the story.
This story has many interesting paranormal characters, some on the department and some they're investigating.
This story is interesting, entertaining, witty and full of action.
Brilliantly narrated by Meghan Kelly. she captured the voices and personalities of each character. very well done.
May 8, 2024
I like this new series
I enjoy books that include paranormal creatures that are either secluded in a town unknown to most, or Men in Black agencies that deal with the paranormal.
Atlanta's Guide to Cryptids centers around a small group thought to be FBI. They are an agency that protects the mundane. Included are witches, vampires, dragon shifters, mer, and werewolves. The story involves creatures escaping to earth's realm when someone uses forbidden magic. Some scenes are gruesome, but the details are not overly graphic.
I enjoy books that include paranormal creatures that are either secluded in a town unknown to most, or Men in Black agencies that deal with the paranormal.
Atlanta's Guide to Cryptids centers around a small group thought to be FBI. They are an agency that protects the mundane. Included are witches, vampires, dragon shifters, mer, and werewolves. The story involves creatures escaping to earth's realm when someone uses forbidden magic. Some scenes are gruesome, but the details are not overly graphic.
June 21, 2024
Started out with a BANG!
The first scene was dramatic and intense, promising an adventure. The paced slowed quite a bit after that, and there were a couple instances where the 'facts' of the case appeared contradictory.
The magic system is comprised of realms and the mention of each realm used at every magical use was distracting and felt unnecessary. The last 20-25% of the story heated up nicely, with final scenes exciting, matching the promise of the opening scene.
No cliffhanger, which is always a plus in my mind.
The first scene was dramatic and intense, promising an adventure. The paced slowed quite a bit after that, and there were a couple instances where the 'facts' of the case appeared contradictory.
The magic system is comprised of realms and the mention of each realm used at every magical use was distracting and felt unnecessary. The last 20-25% of the story heated up nicely, with final scenes exciting, matching the promise of the opening scene.
No cliffhanger, which is always a plus in my mind.
June 29, 2024
Good but a bit confusing
It's a good story but there wasn't enough backstory. So every time when the Kirstin and Finn used their magic I got pulled out the story. I couldn't work out the pulling of magic from the realms, it simply didn't make sense.
But the book was entertaining enough. For me personally not enough to read book 2.
It's a good story but there wasn't enough backstory. So every time when the Kirstin and Finn used their magic I got pulled out the story. I couldn't work out the pulling of magic from the realms, it simply didn't make sense.
But the book was entertaining enough. For me personally not enough to read book 2.
October 2, 2025
Kristen is starting a new job with the FBI or is she. She finds herself in a totally different squad. I will be honest when I saw cryptids in the title I was thinking moth man or a skunk ape but these cryptids are from a different dimension. We see Kristen working to get herself caught up to speed with her unit. They have a lot of challenges but Kristen is pulling her own weight. #CMCon26
April 16, 2024
If you enjoy crescent city I highly recommend this book. It’s a modern paranormal crime book very contemporary. A nice quick interesting read I’m surprised they were able to fit so much in so little pages oh and just an fyi there is a glossary on the species in the back make sure to read that first
April 18, 2024
I will start by saying this isn't a genre I normally read, but it did not disappoint! I love the whole cast, but especially Kristen with her stupid little jokes every one in a while. loved this book and can't wait to get my hands on the next one!
September 2, 2024
Picked up at the local library. This is a quick read that has an interesting premise. It's a procedural with the main character moving across the country and joining a new team. During the crime solving you get hints into each of the characters past.
I enjoyed the book.
I enjoyed the book.
December 11, 2024
It's an excellent book. It's probably one of the first "fantasy" books I've ever read; things got a little complicated, but it made sense to me eventually.
I enjoyed this book and will be back to read the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this book and will be back to read the rest of the series.
December 16, 2024
Paranormal FBI
Paranormal FBI investigation of crimes committed by paranormal. The crime could be done my a nonparanormal using magic to pull in other creatures. Was a very good book.
Paranormal FBI investigation of crimes committed by paranormal. The crime could be done my a nonparanormal using magic to pull in other creatures. Was a very good book.
January 26, 2025
Slow start - paranormal cozy mystery
It took me way too long to get into this one. Once it got going, it was interesting. Sorta felt like "I'm gonna write a start to a series and want to make sure I introduce all the major players."
It took me way too long to get into this one. Once it got going, it was interesting. Sorta felt like "I'm gonna write a start to a series and want to make sure I introduce all the major players."
May 29, 2025
Wonderful!
My first time reading this particular author's work. I loved it! Fun, engaging, humorous,. I had a hard time closing the book and, I was sad that it ended. I am very much looking forward to the next one! Read on y'all!
My first time reading this particular author's work. I loved it! Fun, engaging, humorous,. I had a hard time closing the book and, I was sad that it ended. I am very much looking forward to the next one! Read on y'all!
August 30, 2025
poor research on locations threw me from the story
If you are going to pluck a location from a map, take 10 minutes to do a google search on those locations before talking about them. Extensively. And comparing them to a location you are more familiar with.
If you are going to pluck a location from a map, take 10 minutes to do a google search on those locations before talking about them. Extensively. And comparing them to a location you are more familiar with.
September 23, 2025
Good Read
This was a fantastic read, fast paced full of the arcane that is usually never talked about. Very much looking forward to the next read from the author of this particular subject.
This was a fantastic read, fast paced full of the arcane that is usually never talked about. Very much looking forward to the next read from the author of this particular subject.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews