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Fantasy & Forensics #3
Grand Theft Griffin: Book Three of 'Fantasy & Forensics'
C.S. Lewis continues to meet CSI…when Amazon Bestselling author Michael Angel presents the third installment in his fantasy series, ‘Fantasy & Forensics’. She solves crimes in both magical and mundane worlds. Dayna Chrissie, Crime Scene Analyst for the LAPD, halted a war between humans and centaurs. As a follow-up, she stopped a stone dragon from wiping out the magical deer of the Andeluvian forests. Now a daring thief has stolen a set of ‘Phantom’ crystals from a Los Angeles museum. There’s a witness to the crime, but no one believes him. Except Dayna. Because the thief in question looks a lot like a friend of hers – one with an eagle’s head and a lion’s body! Dayna’s got a griffin to track and bring in. She’ll call on the help of a police detective and a centaur wizard to start. But she’ll need Grimshaw, her griffin friend from the Air Cavalry, to get her where she needs to inside the Griffin Kingdom to live cheek-by-jowl with an entire aerie of deadly avian warriors. Can Dayna find a criminal among the teeming cliffs of a griffin city? Even with Shaw’s offspring on her side – three very grown, very lethal offspring, at that – can Dayna’s forensics skills crack the mystery? If she fails, the griffins face a disaster beyond their wildest imaginings!
- GenresFantasy
348 pages, Paperback
Published December 15, 2015
About the author
Michael Angel
148 books53 followersMichael Angel's fictional worlds range from the former Soviet province of Ozrabek to the magic-filled realm of Andeluvia.
His eBooks, audio books, and paperbacks populate shelves in 12 different languages. However, despite keeping a keen eye out for globe-trotting epidemiologists, unicorns, or galactic marshals, none have yet put in an appearance on Hollywood Boulevard.
THE PLAGUE WALKER PANDEMIC MEDICAL THRILLERS~
The Devil's Noose
The Reaper's Scythe
The Blood Zone
The Wildfire Pathogen
The Plague Walker (A Leigh Austen Short Thriller)
FANTASY & FORENSICS ~
Centaur of the Crime
The Deer Prince's Murder
Grand Theft Griffin
A Perjury of Owls
Forgery of the Phoenix
Assault in the Wizard Degree
Trafficking in Demons
A Warrant of Wyverns
The Conspiracy of Unicorns
Dragon with a Deadly Weapon
Forensics and Dragon Fire (Fantasy & Forensics Novella)
APOCALYPSE WITH A SIDE OF GRILLED SPAM ~
Episode One
Episode Two
Episode Three
Episode Four
Season One Compilation
STANDALONE SF/F NOVELS~
The Detective & The Unicorn
The Wizard, The Warlord, and The Hidden Woman
I Married the Third Horseman
THE AMANDA LOVE UNIVERSE ~
A Shovelful of Stars
Pay To Pray
Dogfight
A Planet Torn
Fringe Space Tales (Amanda Love Compilation)
COLLECTIONS & SHORTS~
Never Mind the Princess, Save the *Dragon*
Treasure of the Silver Star
Sylph
Gatekeeper and Goddess
So a Dragon, a Muse, and an Alien Walk Into a Bar...
Predators and Prey
Deepest Fears
Three Acts of Courage
Strange Powers, Stranger Places
Crisis Points
Love's Origins
Cyber Son
Cantaloupes and Wild Shoshone
Vala Staffwielder
Little Girl Lost
Love's Labors and Lies
The Haute Couture Time Traveler
Blood, Sweat, and Fears (an 18-story compendium)
Michael Angel's welcome mat is out at MichaelAngelWriter.weebly.com. Or, feel free to stop by and say 'hello' to the kind folks who publish his material at BantyHenPublishing.com.
His eBooks, audio books, and paperbacks populate shelves in 12 different languages. However, despite keeping a keen eye out for globe-trotting epidemiologists, unicorns, or galactic marshals, none have yet put in an appearance on Hollywood Boulevard.
THE PLAGUE WALKER PANDEMIC MEDICAL THRILLERS~
The Devil's Noose
The Reaper's Scythe
The Blood Zone
The Wildfire Pathogen
The Plague Walker (A Leigh Austen Short Thriller)
FANTASY & FORENSICS ~
Centaur of the Crime
The Deer Prince's Murder
Grand Theft Griffin
A Perjury of Owls
Forgery of the Phoenix
Assault in the Wizard Degree
Trafficking in Demons
A Warrant of Wyverns
The Conspiracy of Unicorns
Dragon with a Deadly Weapon
Forensics and Dragon Fire (Fantasy & Forensics Novella)
APOCALYPSE WITH A SIDE OF GRILLED SPAM ~
Episode One
Episode Two
Episode Three
Episode Four
Season One Compilation
STANDALONE SF/F NOVELS~
The Detective & The Unicorn
The Wizard, The Warlord, and The Hidden Woman
I Married the Third Horseman
THE AMANDA LOVE UNIVERSE ~
A Shovelful of Stars
Pay To Pray
Dogfight
A Planet Torn
Fringe Space Tales (Amanda Love Compilation)
COLLECTIONS & SHORTS~
Never Mind the Princess, Save the *Dragon*
Treasure of the Silver Star
Sylph
Gatekeeper and Goddess
So a Dragon, a Muse, and an Alien Walk Into a Bar...
Predators and Prey
Deepest Fears
Three Acts of Courage
Strange Powers, Stranger Places
Crisis Points
Love's Origins
Cyber Son
Cantaloupes and Wild Shoshone
Vala Staffwielder
Little Girl Lost
Love's Labors and Lies
The Haute Couture Time Traveler
Blood, Sweat, and Fears (an 18-story compendium)
Michael Angel's welcome mat is out at MichaelAngelWriter.weebly.com. Or, feel free to stop by and say 'hello' to the kind folks who publish his material at BantyHenPublishing.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 11, 2018
Dayna usually works murders, not theft. But this case has too many touches of oddity about, which has led to her department recommending her for the case. And it doesn't take long for her to figure out they're right---THIS theft was perpetrated by a griffin. Which means she needs to head back to Andeluvia to work the case. But Dayna knows less about griffins than she thinks, and she may not like the answers her investigation uncovers . . .
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I think this is my favorite of the series so far. Not only for the griffins (because I love griffins and there aren't enough of them in fantasy), but also for the way this is set up. We get a much deeper dive into the nuances of griffin society, and we also get to meet a few of Shaw's offspring along the way.
Holly is fascinating. As one of Shaw's True Born, she's much like her sire in the some respects---fast, strong, brave, smart. And willing to go against the grain, as she and her brothers have created a new martial art for themselves that makes them far more effective fighting creatures like wyverns. Even if that does pit them against the griffin Elders, who dislike change intensely. It's also interesting to note that this dislike of change extends to their speech patterns---Shaw is apparently NOT a template for his kind, and many of the younger griffins speak in much more familiar words.
I liked that the case shows Dayna messing up. And boy, does that have consequences. I would argue even her final reveal was a mistake, because the way it happened left itself open to much more than she intended. Dayna's learning the hard way that mouthing off in the moment, giving in to her frustrations, is burning a lot of bridges. And her blunders have great impact on the beings around her. Lying and bluffing have their own costs, and although honor as strict as Shaw's would have put a few more wrinkles in things, I think she probably could've pulled off the case while telling the truth.
I also love that Alanzo tells her off for trying to pull the stupid little "don't be friends with someone who's friends with someone I don't like" game. He's smart enough to see what she's doing, call her out on it, and try to give her the context to see the people she's demonizing as people. I'm still not sure if I'm sold on them as a couple, but he really impressed me there. And Dayna needs people who can tell her to her face she's wrong. Galen, Shaw, and Liam respect her too much to voice that level of disagreement.
Overall this is a bittersweet book. Dayna solves the case, but it's hard to say if justice was served. And it looks like she's not going to be interacting nearly as closely with the griffins in the future than she might with the fayleene, thanks to how she ended her visit. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I think this is my favorite of the series so far. Not only for the griffins (because I love griffins and there aren't enough of them in fantasy), but also for the way this is set up. We get a much deeper dive into the nuances of griffin society, and we also get to meet a few of Shaw's offspring along the way.
Holly is fascinating. As one of Shaw's True Born, she's much like her sire in the some respects---fast, strong, brave, smart. And willing to go against the grain, as she and her brothers have created a new martial art for themselves that makes them far more effective fighting creatures like wyverns. Even if that does pit them against the griffin Elders, who dislike change intensely. It's also interesting to note that this dislike of change extends to their speech patterns---Shaw is apparently NOT a template for his kind, and many of the younger griffins speak in much more familiar words.
I liked that the case shows Dayna messing up. And boy, does that have consequences. I would argue even her final reveal was a mistake, because the way it happened left itself open to much more than she intended. Dayna's learning the hard way that mouthing off in the moment, giving in to her frustrations, is burning a lot of bridges. And her blunders have great impact on the beings around her. Lying and bluffing have their own costs, and although honor as strict as Shaw's would have put a few more wrinkles in things, I think she probably could've pulled off the case while telling the truth.
I also love that Alanzo tells her off for trying to pull the stupid little "don't be friends with someone who's friends with someone I don't like" game. He's smart enough to see what she's doing, call her out on it, and try to give her the context to see the people she's demonizing as people. I'm still not sure if I'm sold on them as a couple, but he really impressed me there. And Dayna needs people who can tell her to her face she's wrong. Galen, Shaw, and Liam respect her too much to voice that level of disagreement.
Overall this is a bittersweet book. Dayna solves the case, but it's hard to say if justice was served. And it looks like she's not going to be interacting nearly as closely with the griffins in the future than she might with the fayleene, thanks to how she ended her visit. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
November 30, 2017
3 books in 3 days
I was looking for something to read and I came across the first book in this series (Centaur of the Crime) and I devoured it in one day. Then I started on book 2 (The Deer Prince's Murder) and I inhaled that one as well. The 3rd book (Grand Theft Griffin) took me a little longer. As you might surmise, I cannot seem to get enough of this series. I love the characters, the premise, all of it! I've already downloaded the next book (A Perjury of Owls) and can hardly wait to get into it. The author has done very well in giving the characters their just due. They are most believable and you can visualize them as you read. I'm going to end up with a lost paycheck because of this author! LOL. Keep it up, Michael!
I was looking for something to read and I came across the first book in this series (Centaur of the Crime) and I devoured it in one day. Then I started on book 2 (The Deer Prince's Murder) and I inhaled that one as well. The 3rd book (Grand Theft Griffin) took me a little longer. As you might surmise, I cannot seem to get enough of this series. I love the characters, the premise, all of it! I've already downloaded the next book (A Perjury of Owls) and can hardly wait to get into it. The author has done very well in giving the characters their just due. They are most believable and you can visualize them as you read. I'm going to end up with a lost paycheck because of this author! LOL. Keep it up, Michael!
January 26, 2017
Still a brilliant storyline
This book was a bit darker than the others, but that might be because of all that's happening with the Stone Demon and the dragon. Michael continues to pull readers in with his attention to detail and his subtle flaunting of facts, waiting for our brains to "click" like Dayna's.
Grand Theft Griffin brings much of what makes Shaw who he is into the light, and builds the framework for what's to come. I have to say, though, that as much as I love Shaw and want to be his friend, I don't care for his people all that much.
This book was a bit darker than the others, but that might be because of all that's happening with the Stone Demon and the dragon. Michael continues to pull readers in with his attention to detail and his subtle flaunting of facts, waiting for our brains to "click" like Dayna's.
Grand Theft Griffin brings much of what makes Shaw who he is into the light, and builds the framework for what's to come. I have to say, though, that as much as I love Shaw and want to be his friend, I don't care for his people all that much.
February 15, 2021
Am really enjoying this series, but found the ending of this particular story left me sad which I did not like. However just like the characters, I just have to pick myself up and mossy on to the next book to find out what MA’s going to come up with next.
January 24, 2018
Dayna is called to the scene of a robbery of quartz crystals where a griffin feather is found. She goes back to see Galen & Shaw about this thief. She talks to king about going to the griffin home and Shaw takes her. She plans to do DNA swabs of all griffins to find the thief. One the way there they see other griffins chasing then fight wyverns. One of the griffins gets catch in a net on a destroyed ship a fall into a ravine. It is one of Shaw’s True Born children. Dayna learns about the griffin’s life and ways they live. Griffins are ruled by a Council of Elders. Because of the refusal of the Council of Elders change with the times and listen to changes a lot of griffins die.
February 27, 2019
Surprise ending
This series will go better if it is read in order as each book refers to things that happened in previous books without explaining those events even superficially thus leaving a reader in the dark. But when read in order this is a very interesting series and this book adds some interesting details to a well planned out world.
I am a bit annoyed at how the main character is treating her LA friends though and I hope further books will bring an improvement in her interactions with her friends.
This was a very interesting story though I was very surprised by the ending and disappointed with the resolution of the crime.
This series will go better if it is read in order as each book refers to things that happened in previous books without explaining those events even superficially thus leaving a reader in the dark. But when read in order this is a very interesting series and this book adds some interesting details to a well planned out world.
I am a bit annoyed at how the main character is treating her LA friends though and I hope further books will bring an improvement in her interactions with her friends.
This was a very interesting story though I was very surprised by the ending and disappointed with the resolution of the crime.
August 1, 2026
Dayna, our part time forensics expert is told to investigate a weird break-in and theft at the Natural Science Museum. The nightwatchman tells a skeptical tale of growls, caws and claws. A found feather tells her the break-in and theft is not of her world but her secret world of Andeluvia. And what she thinks is not at all good. When she arrives in Andeluvia things are even worse. The noble do not like her despite her successful crime solving.
She is allowed to visit the Griffin realm. Here she learns the deeply complicated culture the creatures have. That Honor is absolute. But stealing is not honorable, Why would a Griffin steal?
This book as the others have excellent world building. The 2nd we learn about the magical Faulines and the 3rd the complicated Griffin sociality.
T
She is allowed to visit the Griffin realm. Here she learns the deeply complicated culture the creatures have. That Honor is absolute. But stealing is not honorable, Why would a Griffin steal?
This book as the others have excellent world building. The 2nd we learn about the magical Faulines and the 3rd the complicated Griffin sociality.
T
April 26, 2021
Another fun book in the Fantasy and Forensics series. It's just a fun (and pretty quick) read.
It was my get away from serious stuff read book. I needed it!
For full disclosure -- this book does NOT end with a "Happy Ending' at all. it's a realistic one that fits in with the whole flow of the series (yes, I'm planning to read through it all -- it just gets better each book) and the development of the main characters.
It was my get away from serious stuff read book. I needed it!
For full disclosure -- this book does NOT end with a "Happy Ending' at all. it's a realistic one that fits in with the whole flow of the series (yes, I'm planning to read through it all -- it just gets better each book) and the development of the main characters.
September 29, 2018
Great adventure
This is the 3rd book in the series and the adventure just gets better. I have devoured the 3 books in 3 days. I can’t put these books down. I absolutely love the interaction between the main characters and the hints of future challenges only gets more interesting. This series will get you hooked before you know it. Enjoy!
This is the 3rd book in the series and the adventure just gets better. I have devoured the 3 books in 3 days. I can’t put these books down. I absolutely love the interaction between the main characters and the hints of future challenges only gets more interesting. This series will get you hooked before you know it. Enjoy!
July 10, 2020
Good, but...
I had a hard time with this book. I don’t know what it was, but I just couldn’t get into it. The book picked up at about the 60% marker, thankfully. At the very end of the book, one line that made me laugh was “Don’t eat me, I’m poisonous!”
Hopefully the next book won’t be as hard to get through as this one.
I had a hard time with this book. I don’t know what it was, but I just couldn’t get into it. The book picked up at about the 60% marker, thankfully. At the very end of the book, one line that made me laugh was “Don’t eat me, I’m poisonous!”
Hopefully the next book won’t be as hard to get through as this one.
July 15, 2022
GTG is well written with interesting characters. It is book 3 in this series and is a bit darker than the first two. Author Michael Angel has created a storyline that keeps me reading and I’m looking forward to book 4!
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Read via Kindle Unlimited
April 27, 2023
FANTASTIC
June 21, 2016
Michel Angel continues to deliver a wonderful series. This story with the Griffin was great with lots of action and adventure and of course always the mystery. How Dayna can survive her LA job and help her friends in the fantasy world is always amazing and surprisingly fun. Can't wait for more fun.
November 12, 2016
Awesome story line!
Loving this to no end! Great fantasy that feels as if it could happen! Already have the next book and looking forward to the continuing story of these awesome characters!
Loving this to no end! Great fantasy that feels as if it could happen! Already have the next book and looking forward to the continuing story of these awesome characters!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews