A Grave Mistake

The Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven #2

by Steffanie Holmes

A cosy paranormal romance featuring enemy vampires who were once lovers, a meddling book club, a compelling murder mystery and endless cups of tea, from the bestselling author of Fangs for Nothing .

Arabella Lestrange is the most notorious dancer in Paris’ underground vampire cabaret – until she falls for human Gideon Blake and he ruins her afterlife. Fleeing Paris, she relishes the certainty that Gideon’s cheeky, devil-may-care personality will eventually land him six feet under.

But 150 years later, Arabella bumps into Gideon and discovers he’s now a vampire too. This time, she’s determined to make him pay. And she likes her revenge as she likes her long, dark and dripping with blood.
 

If only her meddling book-club friends would stop scheming to get them together. Arabella is happy being alone, and she doesn’t need anyone. Especially not the annoyingly charming billionaire who broke her heart …

When you can hold a grudge for eternity, is giving love a second chance a grave mistake?

Genres: Vampires, Romance, Paranormal

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 28, 2026

About the author

Steffanie Holmes is the author of steamy historical and paranormal romance. Her books feature clever, witty heroines, wild shifters, cunning witches and alpha males who get what they want.

Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.

Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.

Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live? Sign up for the mailing list! http://eepurl.com/ZrowD

Reviews

[Sian White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Grave Mistake is a fun, paranormal romance filled with haughtiness, humour and vampire lore. Arabella and Gideon’s second-chance, enemies-to-lovers dynamic is entertaining, and the much loved, meddling book club adds a quirky charm.
Steffanie's writing is so easy to follow and I read this quickly. Can't wait to keep getting to know more of the book club...and find the killer!

[Tabetha (tabsbooknook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review: A Grave Mistake by @steffanieholmeswrites published by @atriabooksaus @simonschusterau and supplied by @netgalley
Release date: 28 January 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2 in The Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven series focuses on two characters we met in Fangs For Nothing, Arabella and Gideon, two former lovers who reunite 150 years later only to realise that they are both now vampires but also hold a centuries old grudge.
I loved the dual timelines in this novel, seeing 1870s Paris through their eyes and all the references to artists that are considered masters of their works in this day. In the present, Arabella and Gideon are butting heads with a load of tension while also trying to solve the murder that occurred in book 1.
Gideon Blake is now going onto my list of top book boyfriends because that man can yearn.

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to reading A Grave Mistake from the moment I saw that the FMC is Arabella Lestrange, and it didn’t disappoint!
After reading Fangs for Nothing, it was exciting stepping back into this world, and enjoying another fun and spicy vampire romance, by Steffanie Holmes.

Arabella is one of my favourite characters from this series. She’s tough, untrusting and makes a habit of keeping her past hidden. However, that all has to change when Gideon turns back up in her life, a man she’d thought to be dead more than 100 years ago.

I loved seeing Arabella remain stubborn throughout the story, even as she came to realise that revealing parts of herself was actually okay.

As far as Gideon goes, he made my heart melt, and was such a perfect MMC for Arabella.

By the end of A Grave Mistake, we still don’t know who the husker (killer) is, but it still tied up nicely. Arabella had a satisfying character arc without sacrificing any of the parts of her that I came to love, and of course, there was a happy spicy ending to this quirky second chance romance.

Thank you so much Net Galley and Simon and Schuster Australia for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[savage_book_review · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Please note, I was provided with an ARC version of this book by the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review*

Straight away, I'm calling it. This is my favourite Steffanie Holmes book to date. The story she's woven between these two characters is beautiful, heart-rending, hilarious and deeply, deeply satisfying. Add in the mystery element, and you've got a book that devours you as you devour it.

My main source of joy from this book was the extensive exploration of the characters' histories, and how they came to be in their current predicaments. The experience of their backstory added so much depth to them and to the story as a whole, and pulled my heart into the pages without remorse. The dual timeline was brilliantly handled, with both periods running seamlessly alongside one another; there was not a single instance where the jump back or forward was uncomfortable or confusing, and indeed it made various moments of tension between Gideon and Arabella hit that much harder. I honestly feel that I connected more with these two while reading than I have with any other characters for a long while, precisely because we get to know not just them, but what drives them and why their relationship is as it is.

In terms of the characters themselves, Gideon really puts me in mind of Reginald from 'My Vampire Plus One' and Zav from 'Loving a Vampire is Total Chaos', which of course means I adore him! Sunshine-y vampires FTW! The billionaire playboy love interest trope really works for him, but equally it's so understated - if it weren't for the mentions of his vault of vampire treasure, his Lamborghini and his business, he could be any 'normal' person. Arabella is harder to get a handle on, but that so absolutely fits her character that it only serves to pull you in further. Their banter is brilliant, their chemistry explosive, and the glimpses of their yearning for eachother is just incredible.

The plot is multi-layered, with the romance interspersed with (as you'd expect in Argleton) a murd3r or two to solve, issues with the vampire courts, and yet more secrets being uncovered. And, as is the norm for a Nevermore book, the main characters from both the previous book in this series and Mina and her fictional husbands from the Nevermore Bookshop, plus the rest of the Book Club, play pivotal roles. In fact, I'd say this book is a proper crossover edition, and if Argleton wasn’t already ingrained in my mind as a 'real' place before, it certainly is now! The inclusion of all these familiar faces allows you to feel comfortable in the story from page one, and I love the continuing expansion of the world!

I'm not just saying this because it is directly referenced in the book, but the historical elemt has a real 'Moulin Rouge' feel to it, and so it was very hard not to initally picture Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor as the MCs. Of course, that couldn't be more wrong, especially in Arabella's case; I adored her representation of both a strong, independent Black FMC in both historic and modern settings, and a s3x worker. And when I read the description of her buzzed hairstyle, the image in my mind shifted to that of Danai Gurira in 'Black Panther' - strong, sexy, graceful and gorgeous. Once I had the right visual, it made everything else about her and the worls she inhabits so much more vivid. It also helped me with Gideon; his devil-may-care attitude seemed to work so much better as a foil to Arabella's temperament and a bit of comedic relief when I was picturing her as a warrior queen.

There is so much to love in this book, and I'll definitely be buying a physical copy for my trophy shelf when it comes out!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Fangs For Nothing and the characters of this cozy town, so I was very excited for Grave Mistake to come out and let me tell you it was amazing! The characters are still their loveable, meddlesome selves and the relationship between not only the main couple (so good) but the coven was beautiful to read.

The plot goes from past to present which I am usually not always a fan of but this was done really well. There is a lot of angst, tension, and of course simmering chemistry between them. Their story was so heartbreaking and tragic yet held an abundance of love and connection.

There is a mysterious killer on the loose from book one that interweaves itself into the plot, creating a sense of urgency and mistrust among the citizens of the village. I loved seeing this plot further developed in this book and the coven coming together to solve the crime and read smutty books of course.

Once again the vampire lore was really well written, I am always a sucker for vampire romances (pun intended). One part I really loved reading was the character's appreciation for art and the endurance of art over time. This was showcased in many different forms of art throughout the book and I felt the passion that each character has for different forms of art.

I am so excited to continue this series, particularly to see the coven in action again. A big thank you to Steffanie Holmes, Netgalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for the ARC, I cannot wait to obsess over this book with other people when it comes out!

[Kelly Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Fangs for Nothing, so I went into A Grave Mistake ridiculously excited—and when I realised this was Arabella and Gideon’s story, I was even more thrilled. I’m happy to report this book did not disappoint.

The Nevermore Murder Club and the Smutty Book Coven return in full force, bringing their trademark meddling, sharp banter, and cosy chaos (fuelled by endless cups of tea). Stefanie’s writing is effortless to sink into, weaving together rich historical detail, a compelling murder mystery, and genuinely laugh-out-loud moments that never feel forced.

This book leans heavily into flashbacks, which can sometimes feel confusing if not done well—but that’s absolutely not the case here. They’re completely fangtastic (yes, I went there). The glimpses into Arabella and Gideon’s past beautifully set up their enemies-to-lovers dynamic, adding layers to their relationship without ever pulling you out of the story. At times, I genuinely felt transported straight to 1870s Paris, which is the magic of truly immersive writing.

A Grave Mistake is a cosy paranormal romance with bite. It’s the perfect read if you love second-chance love stories, meddling side characters, characters who refuse to let go of a grudge (even after 150 years) and a vampire tale that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

I can't wait to see what is next in the series and find out who our killer is?!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

She can hold a grudge for a very long time.

A trip to the local market turns into the shock of her very long life when Arabella Lestrange, a vampire and at one time a famous dancer in the underground cabaret she owned, bumps into Gideon Blake. One hundred and fifty years ago Gideon was a human when they met in her club, and he was determined to get close to her. After one night of passion, Arabella awakens the next evening to find Gideon gone, and with him her most prized possession. After hearing about her meeting with Gideon, and seeing the sparks fly between them, Arabella's friends in the Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven begin their not-so-subtle campaign to get them together. Unfortunately, there is still a killer loose and Argleton and it looks like Arabella may be the next victim unless the ladies catch the killer first.
The characters are all wonderfully written with Quirky, and sometimes homicidal personalities that kept me entertained and made me laugh from the first page to the last of this fantastic book. Hysterically funny read with a murder mystery and plenty of twist and turns in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I love everything Ms. Holmes writes and highly recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.

[icantcomeimbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤 My Thoughts

This story was such a fun, sharp take on a second-chance paranormal romance. Arabella Lestrange is exactly the kind of heroine I love — fierce, dramatic, immortal, and absolutely committed to holding a grudge for eternity. Her history with Gideon is messy, emotional, and deliciously complicated, and I loved how the book plays with the idea that heartbreak doesn’t fade just because a century passes.

The dynamic between Arabella and Gideon is full of bite — literally and emotionally. There’s humour, bitterness, lingering attraction, and that constant push-and-pull of I hate you / why do I still want you. Gideon’s cheeky, devil-may-care personality clashes perfectly with Arabella’s darker, more guarded nature, and their interactions were one of my favourite parts of the story.

I also really enjoyed the cozy elements layered into the paranormal setting. The meddling book-club friends added warmth, humour, and a found-family feel that balanced out the angst and revenge vibes beautifully. It gave the story heart without taking away Arabella’s independence or strength.

Overall, this was a cozy paranormal romance with teeth — funny, emotional, and full of second-chance tension. If you love immortal grudges, vampire drama, reluctant reunions, and the question of whether love is worth risking your heart again, this one is such a good time.

[Lemurkat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually a vampire fan, but I make an exception for stories who approach it in a tongue-in-cheek manner. This book certainly ticks those boxes. Vampires are ancient, immortal, and come with baggage - sometimes physical (as in this book's predecessor), othertimes emotional - this, the second book in Holmes's series, features more on the emotional. The pain of betrayal, of believing someone you cared for deeply has died. Both our main characters hail from a darker, less open-minded time: Arabella, an ex-courtesan who paved her own path in a time when women were considered possessions and women of color, especially, disrespected and mistreated. Gideon, trying to save what remained of his family, forced into a servitude and tasked to steal from her. I enjoyed Arabella's dedication, and her demeanor of not caring, of distance, a mask.

It took me a while to get into the story, but once it sunk its teeth into me, I was hooked. It haven't read the first in the series - but will definitely be looking into it, and definitely looking out for the third. Because whilst the ending was quite satisfactory, there is definitely more story to come. Also, I love the characters, and look forward to hanging out with the coven some more.

[Emma Birtles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is full of top their millennial humour and banter and I absolutely loved it.

I fell in love with Steffanie’s writing after reading fangs for nothing and having multiple laugh out loud moments and a grave mistake provides exactly that, add in a horror aspects, mystery and second chance romance, cozy friendships and secrets kept for decades. How could you not love this.

Elegant, composed, self assured Arabella offers herself up to basically be the mole within Sanctus estate with the goal to figure out who the murderer is in their town along with the bookclub girlies.

But whats a bit of murder without your hot past coming back to haunt you.
Arabella unexpectedly runs into Gideon, Santuses developer and owner and someone she believed to have died decades ago- taking her trust and heart with him.
Gideon may hold the key to unlocking the mystery of the husker but he also holds onto the knowledge of their past together and Arabella holds nothing but a grudge.

It’s full of tension, words that were left unsaid for decades, misunderstanding, longing, heartbreak, sexy vampire pole dancing and hot as hell 🌶️

[Tammy O'Keefe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Grave Mistake is the second book in the Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven series and continues the story of the characters first introduced in Fangs for Nothing. While it can be read as a standalone, the ongoing character development is far more rewarding if you’ve read the first book.

This instalment delves deeper into the supernatural world, introducing two new vampires, Gideon Blake and Arabella Lestrange. Once deeply in love, their relationship was shattered by a bitter betrayal involving a powerful magical necklace — an object whose influence extends far beyond their personal fallout. The consequences of that night force them apart, leaving unanswered questions, lingering resentment, and a wound that festers for more than a century.

When fate brings Gideon and Arabella back together 150 years later, old emotions resurface alongside unresolved grudges. Arabella, hardened by time and driven by a desire for revenge, is determined to make Gideon pay for the past. As their story unfolds, secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and the Nevermore Murder Club finds itself tangled in a mystery where love, betrayal, and magic collide — with deadly consequences.

[Karen Bowness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of A Grave Mistake from NetGalley for an honest review, and as a huge fan of the first book in this series, I was so excited to dive into Arabella and Gideon’s world. This instalment gives us a deliciously dramatic origin story, flashing back to Arabella’s days running the Paris club Le Petite Morte and her unforgettable first meeting with Gideon, before catapulting us back to the present with a whole lot of unresolved history and a lot of feelings (good and bad!).

Gideon’s Sanctus project hits money trouble, the Conclave is out to wreck him, and of course the ever-delightful ladies of the Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven are right there stirring the pot. Their antics are just as charming and goofy as ever.

More murders, threatening messages, and the past quite literally coming back to haunt Arabella keep the pages turning, and the whole thing feels like cosy, kooky fun from start to finish.

If you loved book one, this sequel delivers more mystery, more magic, and even deeper feelings. A Grave Mistake is exactly the kind of paranormal romance that leaves you grinning and already eager for the next adventure.

[Hana De Meo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven follows Gideon Blake and Arabella Lestrange who were two very mysterious characters from book 1.

Overall I really enjoyed this book! I loved the golden retriever energy Gideon had and black cat energy that Arabella had and their constant banter was everything I didn’t know I needed in my life it was so witty that you just couldn’t help laughing out loud. I loved seeing their past and how they meant and what caused Arabella to be so hostile with him when she found out he was in the same town as her after so long believing he was no longer.

I’m really enjoying the murder mystery plot line that is running between the books and can’t wait for the next one to be released so we can hopefully find out who the culprit is!

- paranormal romance
- golden retriever / black cat vibes
- lovers to enemies to lovers
- second chance
- meddling book club
- murder mystery

Thank you so much NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for this ARC!

[Tanya Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Grave Mistake is the second book in the Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven series, and I really have never wanted to join a book club more! It is just as fun as the first book - this one tells the story of Arabella Lestrange and Gideon Blake. It's a bit of a lovers to enemies to lovers story and was really well told.

The things that made this book even better: the mention of Grand Designs; and a comment that went something along the lines of 'somewhere in a forest there is a tree that you need to apologize for for wasting oxygen on the stupid comment you just made' (I can't find the direct quote - that's on me for not making notes - but I laughed so much at it).

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks to netgalley for an opportunity to read an arc of this book,

[Cerberus Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so in love with Steffaine's worlds and the fact that the 3 series slide into one another.

I absolutely adored Arabella's story with becoming a vampire and the intertwined relationship with Gildeon.

Arabella isn't afraid to be known and give power back to the women with inventing pole dancing in this world. I love that Steffaine tied her own knowledge of pole dancing and Egyptian artifacts into this story with a necklace that is said to give the wearer incredible luck. However once it is removed then it is to curse the previous wearer tenfold.

I really enjoy the side story with Celeste and enjoyed the shenanigans that the book club get up to. Especially with playing cupid.

The only downside for me was that I predicted who the villain was really early on. But there was plenty of other twists I wasn't expecting.

Thank you Atria Aus for the E-ARC

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wildly entertaining, kooky and fun paranormal romance!

'When you can hold a grudge for eternity, is giving love a second chance a grave mistake?'

I really enjoyed the dual timeline of this story, and how it is cleverly told through multiple perspectives and group chats. This fun story is full of magic, mystery and mayhem!

What to expect:
🩸 Enemy vampires, who were former lovers
🩸 An eternal grudge
🩸 Fabulous female friendships
🩸 A supportive yet meddlesome book club
🩸 Witty banter
🩸 A murder mystery
🩸 Fun bookish references
🩸 Vampire lore
🩸 A pole dancing heroine
🩸 Famous artists woven into the historical storyline
🩸 Vampire cabaret in Paris
🩸 A wonderfully quirky community

The ending to this story has me keen to read book 3!

I enjoy these fun stories from New Zealand author Steffanie Holmes. I am keen to read more from her backlist.

[Emma Hatton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steffanie Holmes is the cure for all things! Grief, she makes you laugh, stressed, she makes you laugh, exhausted, she makes you laugh! She can do no wrong in my opinion.

What an amazing next installment. I didn’t know how this book could be anything like Fangs for nothing (which was a top read for me last year). Now I’ve read this one at the beginning of 2026 and I’m nervous she has wrecked me for all other books this year.

I desperately hoped that this book would follow Giddeon and show us more about a certain secret vampire 🧛‍♀️ and I was definitely so surprised to see their stories so intertwined. Utter perfection.

Thank you so much to the publisher for allowing me to read this book early and to start my year off smiling.

[Kassia Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Grave Mistake by Steffanie Holmes picks up the Nevermore Coven’s story after Fangs For Nothing, this time shining the spotlight on Arabella and Gideon. I’ll be honest, I initially struggled to connect with Arabella. But as her past is revealed through flashbacks, her sharp edges begin to make sense. She’s harsh, caustic, and fiercely protective of the life she’s clawed her way into after so much loss and hardship.

And then there’s Gideon. Endearing, earnest, a little clueless, and absolutely committed to yearning (full points awarded). Their dynamic delivers a fun, emotionally layered second chance paranormal romance that adds depth to the coven’s ongoing adventure. I’m officially invested and very keen to keep reading this series.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 A Grave Mistake
✒️ Steffanie Holmes
💫💫💫💫

Thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

It was so good to return to the Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven, if they ever have an opening I will be there!

A Grave Mistake is the story of Arabella Lestrange and Gideon Blake, their quest for revenge and a murder mystery to solve along the way.

The plot switches back and forth without losing any flow. The mysterious killer from book one features in this book and gives this underlying sense of urgency throughout.

I can't wait for more of this series.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is rather a long book, so be prepared. This is Arabella's story and includes some of her history, mostly having to do with Gideon. Since she is a vampire, when I say 'history' I mean history. Of course, we also get Gideon's history along with it. I'm not going to try to tell you what happens, way too much to condense. Arabella moves into her new home in Gideon's exclusive vampire enclave. The 'husker' is still on the loose. Arabella has a stalker leaving her disgusting 'gifts'. Mostly though, she wants revenge on Gideon for something he did way back in the late 1870's. Or does she?

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I completely devoured this book! If you love a cozy murder mystery with some mayhem throw on the side you definitely need to read this book! The characters were wonderful and the storyline was perfect! The characters are all wonderfully quirky. It was entertaining when it comes to the characters with homicidal personalities. I laugh from the first page to the last of this fantastic book. I love the murder mystery aspects of this book the most. This book also had its twist and turns and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!

[Emily Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel! I loved the dual timeline and being with Arabella and Gideon in Paris was so much fun. The tension and the build up to what destroyed their relationship had me sat. I love the mystery element and almost screamed at the ending to discover the killer is STILL at large. Way to keep me hanging on! I gave this one 4.5/5 stars, the lack of communication between our two MCs frustrated me towards the end, which is why I dropped half star, but overall I LOVE this series and can't wait to have a physical copy for my collection, and to see where the story goes.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read an ARC copy! This book includes the same wonderful characters from Fangs for Nothing. The timeline spans from current time England to Paris 150 years ago. The storyline is great and the text chains are hilarious! It ends of a slight cliffhanger, and I'm already waiting for the next book to come out!

[Chanel Mullen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Nevermore murder club and smutty book coven. A cosy paranormal romance which follows two vampires with a past. Lovers to enemies to lovers. The FMC is a strong independent woman who needs no one… however her Meddling book club has other plans.

These books are such a fun read. Paranormal whimsy with some spice.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arabella and Gideon's second chance is a good read. There's a love story told with flashbacks, a mystery to solve and fun friendships. I liked the way the story unfolded. Arabella is a tough one. I liked how she slowly opens up to the club. The storyline drew me in and kept me reading. I'm enjoying this series and can't wait for more books.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5!!🌟 A hella amazing, hilarious and hooking continuation that still held the essence of the first book even with the change of main characters. I loved seeing Arabella shine in this sequel, getting to know her and her past was surelyyy a journey! And any time with the Nevermore book club girlies is always a good time💅📚🧛‍♂️🩸🐍⚔️

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book has it all. Vampires, thralls, a werewolf. Vampires back from the dead. A vampire in love. One hundred and fifty years. Revenge. What a fantastic read this was.

[This Gal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Grave Mistake was a fun and intriguing story. I haven't read a Steffanie Holmes book before, so I'm not sure if it's her usual writing style to go back and forth throughout? I struggled a little to get my head around that style but that is absolutely a me-thing!
The storyline and general idea of A Grave Mistake is cute, cozy and mysterious - perfect for those who like their books a little bit different! I'm interested to read another of Steffanie's books so definitely give it a go, it has me intrigued for sure! The characters were super fun and I loved their dynamics!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC in exchange for my honest review.