What do you think?
Rate this book
Dylan Hart #1
The Scene
Havoc ensues when journalist Dylan Hart takes on the story of a lifetime. Exsanguinated hookers? Vampires in real life? What more could the public want? As the death toll rises, Dylan discovers she's put herself on the killer's radar and will have to fight to survive.
399 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2012
About the author
R.M. Gilmore
23 books330 followersR.M. Gilmore is a paranormal and mystery/suspense writer and creator of the occult bestselling Dylan Hart series. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her teenage minion, bearded man-child, and toys still in the box. With an awkward and incessant sense of humor, it is likely she will die laughing.
"Star-crossed lovers and dead things. It's what I do." - R.M. Gilmore
"Star-crossed lovers and dead things. It's what I do." - R.M. Gilmore
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
April 2, 2012
A well written, page turner. The main characters were likeable enough, well I should say the main character, her best friend on the other hand I wouldn't have been disappointed had she turned up dead. The storyline kept you guessing til the end. A fun and exciting read.
My daughter insisted I add this to my review.. it's a true story and sorry to those with weak tummies...
So I was eating an ice cream cone and reading this book, I went to lick said ice cream cone and it felt spongy and warm. Yeah I licked the underside of a kitten tongue. I was so absorbed in the book I didn't notice Squee was helping herself to my ice cream. I was deeply disturbed, she not bothered at all.
My daughter insisted I add this to my review.. it's a true story and sorry to those with weak tummies...
So I was eating an ice cream cone and reading this book, I went to lick said ice cream cone and it felt spongy and warm. Yeah I licked the underside of a kitten tongue. I was so absorbed in the book I didn't notice Squee was helping herself to my ice cream. I was deeply disturbed, she not bothered at all.
August 1, 2012
Where to begin?
I really struggled to stay focused in the first few chapters but once i settled into a good reading pace I was hooked.
In the beginning I remember thinking "this chick spends too much time dissing herself" and then I realised "this chick's real". Dylan Hart is not your usual heroine, she is not super confident, oozing sex appeal and she doesn't have super human powers. She is sassy with a filthy mouth, prone to sarcasm and has the funniest lines. I actually laughed out loud several times whilst reading.
This book was nothing like I expected and its most definitely not your typical 'vampire' book. It kept me second guessing ALL the characters until the very end. And now I'm left waiting for the next instalment.
I really struggled to stay focused in the first few chapters but once i settled into a good reading pace I was hooked.
In the beginning I remember thinking "this chick spends too much time dissing herself" and then I realised "this chick's real". Dylan Hart is not your usual heroine, she is not super confident, oozing sex appeal and she doesn't have super human powers. She is sassy with a filthy mouth, prone to sarcasm and has the funniest lines. I actually laughed out loud several times whilst reading.
This book was nothing like I expected and its most definitely not your typical 'vampire' book. It kept me second guessing ALL the characters until the very end. And now I'm left waiting for the next instalment.
October 2, 2012
I bought this book from the author before ever reading it, I wanted it in paperback and after hearing how good it was I couldn't wait! I wasn't disappointed! The author does take a bit of time to get to the 'juicy' parts, for a lack of a better word, but it is totally worth the time to read this book from start to finish! Dylan is a character you can relate to! There is so much that is great about this book! But I don't want to spoiler anything! But I will say this: If you have been disappointed in the mass number of vampire books on the market today (which I have been) this book will not disappoint you! I loved the characters, the action, the scenes, I found myself watching Dylan's world play out in my head, and wishing I was there! Grab this book, it won't disappoint!
January 3, 2015
I got this book from R.M. Gilmore herself. And boy I am glad she made sure I had it!! When I grow up I want to be just like Dylan Hart! What an amazing and funny girl she is! I kept laughing out loud at the things that came out of her mouth and when the hubby asked what was so funny I would have to tell him he just wouldn't get it! I can't wait to read the next Dylan Hart book!
November 6, 2014
This book was quite a fun read. A joyful romp with a chubby journalist girl and her hot, nearly bi-sexual girlfriend. Chubby is out for the scoop of a lifetime. Vampires are killing prostitutes in L.A., and this frisky Scooby-Doo duo are the only ones who can solve the case!
This book reminds me a lot of One for the Money, in it's tone and pace. The witty banter, and crazy girl antics are fun to read. But, it's a bit shallow.
I mean, of course it's shallow. It's not really meant to be anything else, is it? It's just written to be a fun book. No extra thinking required, right?
Unlike Janet Evanovich's books, the characters in this book are even more empty. I mean, why is Chubby such a bitch? She's not written like she's had a rough life. Nobody really treats her like a fat girl. Guys even flirt with her. So, why's she such a bitch?
Her friend Tatum is a slut, I get that. The world needs sluts, and they don't need to be any deeper than they are. Sluts are cardboard characters. But, it would have been a more interesting story if she wasn't really a slut. Like, maybe she had a reason for what she was doing. Maybe she had daddy issues, who the fuck knows. But, goddamnit, in a book as long as this one is, 300 some pages, I really want more depth from a story.
And this story doesn't even merit 300 pages. It's a short story at best. Maybe 20 pages or so. I found myself going, goddamnit man, get to the good stuff already. Find the bad guys, have a shoot out, do something to make me actually care about this stupid story.
I mean, so vampires are killing whores. So-fucking-what. Who the fuck cares? Why is this even a story? They keep toying with the idea that: no, vampires aren't real. It's not really vampires, it's probably some losers that are just playing with the whole vampire lifestyle. Sucking blood, and all that bullshit. But, again, who the fuck cares?
It's just not a very interesting story. The only reason to read this book, is because you love the witty banter between these two Scooby-Doo girls. And, I'll grant you that it's still a fun book to read. The problem is, the villain in the story isn't revealed until the very end. So, at no time is the reader going: Yea! Get that fucker. Just shoot him in the face! Because, there's no fucker to shoot at until the very end.
So, there's just nothing to cheer for. Nothing in the story gives the reader a reason to give a fuck. It just drags us on with endless girly talk and wanna-be detective meandering. I don't fucking care. Give me a goddamn villain to hate. Give me a fucking good reason to keep reading, to see that justice is done.
Or just shut up and suck some cock you stupid fat whore. Because at least I would care about the ending. At least I would want to know: did he shoot it all over her face? Get it in her hair? Oh damn, he got it in her eye! Nice. See, even sucking cock has a better plot than this goddamn book.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This book reminds me a lot of One for the Money, in it's tone and pace. The witty banter, and crazy girl antics are fun to read. But, it's a bit shallow.
I mean, of course it's shallow. It's not really meant to be anything else, is it? It's just written to be a fun book. No extra thinking required, right?
Unlike Janet Evanovich's books, the characters in this book are even more empty. I mean, why is Chubby such a bitch? She's not written like she's had a rough life. Nobody really treats her like a fat girl. Guys even flirt with her. So, why's she such a bitch?
Her friend Tatum is a slut, I get that. The world needs sluts, and they don't need to be any deeper than they are. Sluts are cardboard characters. But, it would have been a more interesting story if she wasn't really a slut. Like, maybe she had a reason for what she was doing. Maybe she had daddy issues, who the fuck knows. But, goddamnit, in a book as long as this one is, 300 some pages, I really want more depth from a story.
And this story doesn't even merit 300 pages. It's a short story at best. Maybe 20 pages or so. I found myself going, goddamnit man, get to the good stuff already. Find the bad guys, have a shoot out, do something to make me actually care about this stupid story.
I mean, so vampires are killing whores. So-fucking-what. Who the fuck cares? Why is this even a story? They keep toying with the idea that: no, vampires aren't real. It's not really vampires, it's probably some losers that are just playing with the whole vampire lifestyle. Sucking blood, and all that bullshit. But, again, who the fuck cares?
It's just not a very interesting story. The only reason to read this book, is because you love the witty banter between these two Scooby-Doo girls. And, I'll grant you that it's still a fun book to read. The problem is, the villain in the story isn't revealed until the very end. So, at no time is the reader going: Yea! Get that fucker. Just shoot him in the face! Because, there's no fucker to shoot at until the very end.
So, there's just nothing to cheer for. Nothing in the story gives the reader a reason to give a fuck. It just drags us on with endless girly talk and wanna-be detective meandering. I don't fucking care. Give me a goddamn villain to hate. Give me a fucking good reason to keep reading, to see that justice is done.
Or just shut up and suck some cock you stupid fat whore. Because at least I would care about the ending. At least I would want to know: did he shoot it all over her face? Get it in her hair? Oh damn, he got it in her eye! Nice. See, even sucking cock has a better plot than this goddamn book.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
August 22, 2012
I was drawn to this by the cover from one line “They’re not your daughter’s vampires” that alone had me picking this book up and staying up late into the night to finish it even though I kept telling myself just one more chapter then I am going to bed. Well that one more chapter lead me to finish the book in one sitting and I am so glad I did.
We start off meeting Dylan Hart who I just love. She is a reporter who wants to write a book centered on the vampire killings in Los Angeles. She sets off to the latest crime scene where she can talk to the lead detective Mike who she has a strange relationship with but is explained later on in the book. Getting nowhere with the cops she goes to a Goth bar to interview what she believes are kids playing at being vampires. She is annoyed with the first kid she interviews so she calls her best friend Tatum to go to a different bar. While at this bar they meet Cyrus who is not what he seems to be. He takes Dylan and Tatum to yet another exclusive member’s only club where things start turning weird for Dylan after her drink is drugged and she can’t remember anything from the nights but bits and pieces. Dylan is furious when she wakes up and demands Cyrus tell her everything but that proves a little difficult when he can’t remember either. So he sets up a meeting with his boss Malcolm. After this meeting things start to get crazy for Dylan and the book she is trying to write turns into her fighting for her life. Dylan is forced into re thinking everything she thought and trying to figure who she can trust.
I loved this book so much. Dylan is one of my favorite characters I have ever read. We are a lot a like in our personalities. She is funny, sarcastic, and smart mouthed. I kept finding myself laughing out loud while reading the things she was saying. Her relationship with her best friend Tatum is a lot like most of us have. Cyrus is sexy and mysterious. He’s the kind of guy you can’t figure out if he’s the villain or hero and right along with Dylan being confused about him so was I. It wasn’t until close to the end of the book that I stared figuring things out.
If you want a book filled with characters you can love and feel like you know, murder, betrayal, vampires, have you laughing out loud, and leave you guessing at every turn then I highly recommend The Scene by R.M. Gilmore. 5/5 bats
We start off meeting Dylan Hart who I just love. She is a reporter who wants to write a book centered on the vampire killings in Los Angeles. She sets off to the latest crime scene where she can talk to the lead detective Mike who she has a strange relationship with but is explained later on in the book. Getting nowhere with the cops she goes to a Goth bar to interview what she believes are kids playing at being vampires. She is annoyed with the first kid she interviews so she calls her best friend Tatum to go to a different bar. While at this bar they meet Cyrus who is not what he seems to be. He takes Dylan and Tatum to yet another exclusive member’s only club where things start turning weird for Dylan after her drink is drugged and she can’t remember anything from the nights but bits and pieces. Dylan is furious when she wakes up and demands Cyrus tell her everything but that proves a little difficult when he can’t remember either. So he sets up a meeting with his boss Malcolm. After this meeting things start to get crazy for Dylan and the book she is trying to write turns into her fighting for her life. Dylan is forced into re thinking everything she thought and trying to figure who she can trust.
I loved this book so much. Dylan is one of my favorite characters I have ever read. We are a lot a like in our personalities. She is funny, sarcastic, and smart mouthed. I kept finding myself laughing out loud while reading the things she was saying. Her relationship with her best friend Tatum is a lot like most of us have. Cyrus is sexy and mysterious. He’s the kind of guy you can’t figure out if he’s the villain or hero and right along with Dylan being confused about him so was I. It wasn’t until close to the end of the book that I stared figuring things out.
If you want a book filled with characters you can love and feel like you know, murder, betrayal, vampires, have you laughing out loud, and leave you guessing at every turn then I highly recommend The Scene by R.M. Gilmore. 5/5 bats
June 22, 2013
In The Scene, we are introduced to the memorable character Dylan Hart. ‘Memorable, why’s that?’ do I hear you ask? Is it because she has superpowers, or she is remarkably charming or even is it because she is the epitome of all that is physically beautiful in a woman? Well no!
What we have with Dylan is a remarkable young woman who is so unbelievably funny and most definitely human, with human doubts about her image and her life, as well as a foul-mouth to boot! I loved Dylan’s character. She is so very fascinating. I was drawn to her immediately, even more so than that of the two tasty male characters that appear in The Scene. The one-liners that she says, her reactions and responses are roll of the floor and cross your legs together funny.
RM Gilmore, the author, has done a remarkable job with the creation of her female lead Dylan. Dylan drips with sarcasm, wit and believable responses, ones that you wish you’d say if you had enough time to think about it. Likewise, the secondary characters Tatum, Mike and Cyrus are equally well-developed and entertaining characters. The dynamics between the characters are very amusing and crafted.
The plot as a whole was interesting and the concept for the storyline refreshing. RM Gilmore truly has produced a cracker of a novel. It is the dialogue and characters that really make this novel a fantastic fun read; they really push the story along.
Overall, yes I loved Dylan. The novel itself is very well written and constructed. The narrative is extremely descriptive. I was so in love with the characters’ voices that I was desperate to skip past the narrative to reach it. But, I held back! A pretty impressive 5 stars.
What we have with Dylan is a remarkable young woman who is so unbelievably funny and most definitely human, with human doubts about her image and her life, as well as a foul-mouth to boot! I loved Dylan’s character. She is so very fascinating. I was drawn to her immediately, even more so than that of the two tasty male characters that appear in The Scene. The one-liners that she says, her reactions and responses are roll of the floor and cross your legs together funny.
RM Gilmore, the author, has done a remarkable job with the creation of her female lead Dylan. Dylan drips with sarcasm, wit and believable responses, ones that you wish you’d say if you had enough time to think about it. Likewise, the secondary characters Tatum, Mike and Cyrus are equally well-developed and entertaining characters. The dynamics between the characters are very amusing and crafted.
The plot as a whole was interesting and the concept for the storyline refreshing. RM Gilmore truly has produced a cracker of a novel. It is the dialogue and characters that really make this novel a fantastic fun read; they really push the story along.
Overall, yes I loved Dylan. The novel itself is very well written and constructed. The narrative is extremely descriptive. I was so in love with the characters’ voices that I was desperate to skip past the narrative to reach it. But, I held back! A pretty impressive 5 stars.
January 9, 2013
I was quickly drawn into this story from the beginning. Vampires, Murders…Perfect combination for me.
We meet Dylan Hart a Journalist of 4 years. 5 feet 4 inches tall, big boobs & big ass. That’s basically all the description we get of her. She mentions her big ass a lot! I would have loved to be able to picture her better while reading.
I found I learned more about unlocking her front door than her.
She has a best friend, Tatum. An ex-boyfriend, Mike and a potential love interest, Cyrus. These 3 prove to be the 3 other main characters. They are described well enough for me to paint a picture of them.
As I progressed further into the story I was easily drawn in, the pace was moving well enough to keep me interested. I wanted to know who was doing these murders and could it really be a vampire?
I did become a touch disappointed with some of the dialogue between the two best friends. It seemed quite juvenile and at times felt like two teenage girls talking rather than two professional women.
There are certain points in the story where I would have terrified to be in these situations but in this story these two women become very immature and giggle. It was unnecessary for my taste.
Overall it was a good story. If you’re looking for a vampire story with a difference give this one a go. It will keep you thinking one question throughout: Are Vampires Real?
We meet Dylan Hart a Journalist of 4 years. 5 feet 4 inches tall, big boobs & big ass. That’s basically all the description we get of her. She mentions her big ass a lot! I would have loved to be able to picture her better while reading.
I found I learned more about unlocking her front door than her.
She has a best friend, Tatum. An ex-boyfriend, Mike and a potential love interest, Cyrus. These 3 prove to be the 3 other main characters. They are described well enough for me to paint a picture of them.
As I progressed further into the story I was easily drawn in, the pace was moving well enough to keep me interested. I wanted to know who was doing these murders and could it really be a vampire?
I did become a touch disappointed with some of the dialogue between the two best friends. It seemed quite juvenile and at times felt like two teenage girls talking rather than two professional women.
There are certain points in the story where I would have terrified to be in these situations but in this story these two women become very immature and giggle. It was unnecessary for my taste.
Overall it was a good story. If you’re looking for a vampire story with a difference give this one a go. It will keep you thinking one question throughout: Are Vampires Real?
June 30, 2013
I loooooooooooooove Dylan Hart! Smartass extraordinaire!!! I haven't laughed out loud while reading in a long time. This book had alot of one liners that just crack you up! So great.
Dylan Hart is a journalist battling her own demons, her student loans, is out hitting the streets trying to find out who is killing blonde girls from Fresno all the way to L.A. in the hopes that she can cash in on a "killer" novel and get rid of some debt. It comes out that vampires are responsible for the murders and she comes face to face with the vampire scene and trying to obtain info to find this killer. Her ex Mike is a detective and they help one another in the hopes that this crime will be solved. She meets the uber sexy Cyrus while out vampire hunting with her bestfriend Tatum and he begins to confuse matters even more. Action packed who done it murder mystery adventure.
"you made your bed now go fuck yourself in it!" this is just one of MANY one liners in this book that had me busting a gut. Not to mention Dylan's inner thoughts will have you smirking and laughing. With strong characters and a constant flow of info this story is an absolute page turner. I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait to see what happens with her and 2 certain people in the next book :) I'm off to start the next one, i can't wait!!!
Dylan Hart is a journalist battling her own demons, her student loans, is out hitting the streets trying to find out who is killing blonde girls from Fresno all the way to L.A. in the hopes that she can cash in on a "killer" novel and get rid of some debt. It comes out that vampires are responsible for the murders and she comes face to face with the vampire scene and trying to obtain info to find this killer. Her ex Mike is a detective and they help one another in the hopes that this crime will be solved. She meets the uber sexy Cyrus while out vampire hunting with her bestfriend Tatum and he begins to confuse matters even more. Action packed who done it murder mystery adventure.
"you made your bed now go fuck yourself in it!" this is just one of MANY one liners in this book that had me busting a gut. Not to mention Dylan's inner thoughts will have you smirking and laughing. With strong characters and a constant flow of info this story is an absolute page turner. I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait to see what happens with her and 2 certain people in the next book :) I'm off to start the next one, i can't wait!!!
September 11, 2013
When I started reading The Scene, my first impression was that it was going to take me a while to get through it. I’m not into the glorification of vampires and the writing was a little awkward. Boy, was I wrong! After the first chapter or so, RM Gilmore got into her groove and it was easy to read and well-written. I like the unique way she shares Dylan’s thoughts. And, thankfully, it is definitely not your typical vampire novel.
Dylan Hart may be cynical but she is also hilarious. She tends to get herself into some interesting scrapes, as all good sleuths do. She’s kind of screwed up when it comes to relationships but that makes for good reading. I don’t like spoilers so I’m not going to go into specifics.
I definitely recommend this book.
This review is also posted on my blog, www.bound4escape.com.
Dylan Hart may be cynical but she is also hilarious. She tends to get herself into some interesting scrapes, as all good sleuths do. She’s kind of screwed up when it comes to relationships but that makes for good reading. I don’t like spoilers so I’m not going to go into specifics.
I definitely recommend this book.
This review is also posted on my blog, www.bound4escape.com.
April 11, 2013
Well I started the book with no preconceptions
I found the first few chapters hard reading
But once the penny dropped I couldn't get enough of Dylan
Mike Cyrus and her BFF
The story s different to a vampire book it has lots of twist leading you in lots of different direction
So much so I was sure I had it pegged to find out I was wrong .
Can't tell you more as I hate spoilers
But enjoy
I'm waiting to read the next
I found the first few chapters hard reading
But once the penny dropped I couldn't get enough of Dylan
Mike Cyrus and her BFF
The story s different to a vampire book it has lots of twist leading you in lots of different direction
So much so I was sure I had it pegged to find out I was wrong .
Can't tell you more as I hate spoilers
But enjoy
I'm waiting to read the next
December 12, 2018
What. The. Fork?!
I have no clue what to think after reading The Scene. Seriously, I’m at a loss for words. Are vampires real? Or are they just wannabe vamps that are extra hard to kill for some completely plausible reason? I don’t know. I just don’t know.
For starters, this is not your typical paranormal vamp read.
Going into this I thought I was getting on a murder mystery train. A nonparanormal murder mystery train. But that’s not what happened.
I guess I was wrong? Because that ending did not scream normal to me. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that the vamps are as real as mundanes (as Cyrus oh so eloquently called Dylan at one point). I suppose I’m in a state of confusion.
The story follows Dylan Hart, journalist extraordinaire with a penchant for trouble, as she investigates a string of murders, all pointing to “vampire attacks”. Each victim was found drained of blood through incisions in the neck and thigh.
Now, obviously this is just a madman embracing his inner fictional vampire . . . right?!? Well, I don’t have the answer for that, but I will when I read the sequel after I finish this review. I have a few theories though which I’ll get into soon.
Dylan and her BFF Tatum get right down to it and do some expert sleuthing at Embrace, a vampiric club, after Dylan’s botched attempt to get some answers from a Dracula impersonator. Some stuff happens, hallucinogens are consumed, yada yada yada and weird shite happens after that.
Expect the unexpected.
Now I need to get some things off my chest.
Cyrus
Um who is Cyrus? Or maybe I should rephrase that: what is Cyrus?
I know he said he wasn’t a vampire, but what’s with that whole eye contact thing he has going on with Dylan. She’s always avoiding his eyes, but when she meets them, it’s like BAM! Either Cyrus has a pair of captivating as hell eyes or he’s got some vampy thing going on where they suck humans in to make them go lax. Easier prey that way.
Still, Cyrus repeatedly denies being a vampire, but then he goes and says some weird stuff like this:
“Just because man obtained the use of light, does not mean the darkness is not waiting for them in the shadows.”
I mean, kinda suspicious.
Also, I have mixed feelings towards Cyrus. One second I’m all, gimme gimme more gimme more gimme gimme more and the next I’m like bye bye bye bye. He frustrates me because I can’t tell who he is and his personality is a complete mystery.
I swear, if he doesn’t stop acting like Malcolm’s lackey and acts like he doesn’t have a mind of his own I will find a way to step into this book to personally give him a good shakedown. I need to understand!!!
Mike
I’m not sure how I feel about Mike. At first I was like, “ooh, possible love interest,” and then I wrote him off. After getting the cold hard facts about their (Mike and Dylan’s) failed relationship, I jumped off that boat and swam back to shore. It’s just not in the stars.
Honestly, I hope Dylan doesn’t get with Mike or Cyrus because they’re just not all that. Yes I like them, but I need to see them interact more before I decide on anything. So as an FYI, don’t expect any romantic relationships from this book because they don’t happen. There’s some couple angst, but that’s it.
Tatum
Tatum is the Daphne to Dylan’s Velma and they make the perfect team . . . when they’re being honest that is. But I’m not spilling the beans, so that’s something you’ll find if you decide to read this fantastic book. Unless you’ve already read it, then you know what I’m talking about. FOMO people. If you don’t read it now, get ready to miss out.
Getting back to Tatum, she’s another fun character that has some serious mood swings. Her face can get eerily calm at times. It’s quite frightening. I, for one, would not want to be at the receiving end. She also has a nasty right hook which Cyrus knows about firsthand. Now that scene was hilarious. Loved it.
Anywho, she’s quite a character and I’m still not sure about that whole bloodletting scene, but, well, stuff happens, I guess.
And that leaves us with Dylan.
Dylan
“Ex-boyfriends, dead girls, and vampires, oh, my!”
Let’s get straight to the point, Dylan is the comedic relief. She actually made me laugh a few times which was awesome, but sucked because it was midnight and I was trying to be quiet. But alas, that didn’t happen.
Dylan is a real, sarcastic, insecure girl who never bs’s the audience. She doesn’t try to fake anything which would be hard for her since she has no filter.
Awkward moments happen. You get second hand embarrassment. Completely normal. That’s the beauty of it. You’re not getting a perfect heroine, but one with as many flaws as the rest of us. She’s a real person.
My Two Cents
Go ahead and give The Scene a whirl. It’s a lot of fun and I hear it only gets better, so you don’t have anything to lose in theory.
This is perfect for anyone looking for a light read with a badass heroine who doesn’t need a man to get the dirty work done and still manages to keep the humor levels up.
Also if you’re in to murder mysteries then you’ll have a lot of fun trying to crack this one because you literally won’t see it coming. I know I didn’t.
“The mass media has portrayed vampires as acceptable beings in pop-culture as of late. Why wouldn’t someone believe themselves to be a blood-sucking-fiend-from-beyond-the-grave? They would only be accepted into society with open arms and pocketbooks anyway. No stakes. No hammers. Just lusty babes and all the blood they can drink.”
The honest truth. Tatum hit the target with this.
I have no clue what to think after reading The Scene. Seriously, I’m at a loss for words. Are vampires real? Or are they just wannabe vamps that are extra hard to kill for some completely plausible reason? I don’t know. I just don’t know.
For starters, this is not your typical paranormal vamp read.
Going into this I thought I was getting on a murder mystery train. A nonparanormal murder mystery train. But that’s not what happened.
I guess I was wrong? Because that ending did not scream normal to me. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that the vamps are as real as mundanes (as Cyrus oh so eloquently called Dylan at one point). I suppose I’m in a state of confusion.
The story follows Dylan Hart, journalist extraordinaire with a penchant for trouble, as she investigates a string of murders, all pointing to “vampire attacks”. Each victim was found drained of blood through incisions in the neck and thigh.
Now, obviously this is just a madman embracing his inner fictional vampire . . . right?!? Well, I don’t have the answer for that, but I will when I read the sequel after I finish this review. I have a few theories though which I’ll get into soon.
Dylan and her BFF Tatum get right down to it and do some expert sleuthing at Embrace, a vampiric club, after Dylan’s botched attempt to get some answers from a Dracula impersonator. Some stuff happens, hallucinogens are consumed, yada yada yada and weird shite happens after that.
Expect the unexpected.
Now I need to get some things off my chest.
Cyrus
Um who is Cyrus? Or maybe I should rephrase that: what is Cyrus?
I know he said he wasn’t a vampire, but what’s with that whole eye contact thing he has going on with Dylan. She’s always avoiding his eyes, but when she meets them, it’s like BAM! Either Cyrus has a pair of captivating as hell eyes or he’s got some vampy thing going on where they suck humans in to make them go lax. Easier prey that way.
Still, Cyrus repeatedly denies being a vampire, but then he goes and says some weird stuff like this:
“Just because man obtained the use of light, does not mean the darkness is not waiting for them in the shadows.”
I mean, kinda suspicious.
Also, I have mixed feelings towards Cyrus. One second I’m all, gimme gimme more gimme more gimme gimme more and the next I’m like bye bye bye bye. He frustrates me because I can’t tell who he is and his personality is a complete mystery.
I swear, if he doesn’t stop acting like Malcolm’s lackey and acts like he doesn’t have a mind of his own I will find a way to step into this book to personally give him a good shakedown. I need to understand!!!
Mike
I’m not sure how I feel about Mike. At first I was like, “ooh, possible love interest,” and then I wrote him off. After getting the cold hard facts about their (Mike and Dylan’s) failed relationship, I jumped off that boat and swam back to shore. It’s just not in the stars.
Honestly, I hope Dylan doesn’t get with Mike or Cyrus because they’re just not all that. Yes I like them, but I need to see them interact more before I decide on anything. So as an FYI, don’t expect any romantic relationships from this book because they don’t happen. There’s some couple angst, but that’s it.
Tatum
Tatum is the Daphne to Dylan’s Velma and they make the perfect team . . . when they’re being honest that is. But I’m not spilling the beans, so that’s something you’ll find if you decide to read this fantastic book. Unless you’ve already read it, then you know what I’m talking about. FOMO people. If you don’t read it now, get ready to miss out.
Getting back to Tatum, she’s another fun character that has some serious mood swings. Her face can get eerily calm at times. It’s quite frightening. I, for one, would not want to be at the receiving end. She also has a nasty right hook which Cyrus knows about firsthand. Now that scene was hilarious. Loved it.
Anywho, she’s quite a character and I’m still not sure about that whole bloodletting scene, but, well, stuff happens, I guess.
And that leaves us with Dylan.
Dylan
“Ex-boyfriends, dead girls, and vampires, oh, my!”
Let’s get straight to the point, Dylan is the comedic relief. She actually made me laugh a few times which was awesome, but sucked because it was midnight and I was trying to be quiet. But alas, that didn’t happen.
Dylan is a real, sarcastic, insecure girl who never bs’s the audience. She doesn’t try to fake anything which would be hard for her since she has no filter.
Awkward moments happen. You get second hand embarrassment. Completely normal. That’s the beauty of it. You’re not getting a perfect heroine, but one with as many flaws as the rest of us. She’s a real person.
My Two Cents
Go ahead and give The Scene a whirl. It’s a lot of fun and I hear it only gets better, so you don’t have anything to lose in theory.
This is perfect for anyone looking for a light read with a badass heroine who doesn’t need a man to get the dirty work done and still manages to keep the humor levels up.
Also if you’re in to murder mysteries then you’ll have a lot of fun trying to crack this one because you literally won’t see it coming. I know I didn’t.
“The mass media has portrayed vampires as acceptable beings in pop-culture as of late. Why wouldn’t someone believe themselves to be a blood-sucking-fiend-from-beyond-the-grave? They would only be accepted into society with open arms and pocketbooks anyway. No stakes. No hammers. Just lusty babes and all the blood they can drink.”
The honest truth. Tatum hit the target with this.
March 5, 2012
I loved this book! This is not your usual vampire story...it's funny, suspenseful and full of mystery! I'm totally hooked and cannot wait for the next book!
May 31, 2017
Dylan Hart is amazing! I could not put this book down..read it and Endless Night in one day :)
July 14, 2017
Before I delve into the meat of my review of R. M. Gilmore's The Scene, it's worth noting I am reviewing an earlier edition. The Scene's latest edition releases next week. Revisions included. Unless the book is self-published, I try not to judge too harshly on the editing. With my copy being an older edition, I have set aside my thoughts regarding editing for this review.
Dylan Hart is not your typical female protagonist. She's not drop-dead gorgeous, she's not a size two, and she does not act like a lady. In fact, Dylan Hart is probably my spirit animal, for lack of a better word. She's snarky, witty, and quite frankly, she doesn't give a damn what anyone else thinks. Unless you're a tall, dark, and handsome man with beautiful green eyes. But then... who wouldn't drool over an underwear model? God knows I would.
When bodies start turning up, the young, wannabe author sets out to research her material and aide her friend and ex-boyfriend, Mike, in bringing the case to a close. Thus readers are drawn along in an unexpectedly dark mystery with some pretty damn sharp twists.
First and foremost, I must applaud Gilmore's ability to create a uniquely amusing character, realistic, and relatable character. Dylan Hart's spunkiness rivals my own and there are several times where Dylan takes words straight out of my mouth for a situation. Another sign of Gilmore's mastery over her craft, and a glaringly bright link to how closely she holds Dylan to her own heart, surfaces in the ways Dylan reacts to certain situations. For instance, without divulging a spoiler, there is a place in The Scene where Dylan must combat her own fears to identify a corpse for Mike. In the pages leading up to this, I can honestly say I wanted to message R. M. Gilmore and throttle her for pumping my anxiety so high. (Seriously, I almost had to scrounge for my hydroxyzine, woman.) The aforementioned scene isn't the only one where Gilmore's done this.
Unfortunately, there are times when the story does drag a little. Overall, The Scene is fun romp through Los Angeles's nightscape, told from the point of view of an average woman. It is this refreshing point-of-view that makes this book enjoyable. Seriously, Dylan Hart alone earns this book four skulls.
Dylan Hart is not your typical female protagonist. She's not drop-dead gorgeous, she's not a size two, and she does not act like a lady. In fact, Dylan Hart is probably my spirit animal, for lack of a better word. She's snarky, witty, and quite frankly, she doesn't give a damn what anyone else thinks. Unless you're a tall, dark, and handsome man with beautiful green eyes. But then... who wouldn't drool over an underwear model? God knows I would.
When bodies start turning up, the young, wannabe author sets out to research her material and aide her friend and ex-boyfriend, Mike, in bringing the case to a close. Thus readers are drawn along in an unexpectedly dark mystery with some pretty damn sharp twists.
First and foremost, I must applaud Gilmore's ability to create a uniquely amusing character, realistic, and relatable character. Dylan Hart's spunkiness rivals my own and there are several times where Dylan takes words straight out of my mouth for a situation. Another sign of Gilmore's mastery over her craft, and a glaringly bright link to how closely she holds Dylan to her own heart, surfaces in the ways Dylan reacts to certain situations. For instance, without divulging a spoiler, there is a place in The Scene where Dylan must combat her own fears to identify a corpse for Mike. In the pages leading up to this, I can honestly say I wanted to message R. M. Gilmore and throttle her for pumping my anxiety so high. (Seriously, I almost had to scrounge for my hydroxyzine, woman.) The aforementioned scene isn't the only one where Gilmore's done this.
Unfortunately, there are times when the story does drag a little. Overall, The Scene is fun romp through Los Angeles's nightscape, told from the point of view of an average woman. It is this refreshing point-of-view that makes this book enjoyable. Seriously, Dylan Hart alone earns this book four skulls.
March 9, 2020
5 Stars
The Scene is the first book in the Dylan Hart Series by R.M. Gilmore. This book was even better than I’d imagined. I was hooked right from the beginning, completely engrossed by the unfolding story. R.M Gilmore has such a detailed and descriptive style- bringing all her words to ‘life’ and giving it a dynamic and exciting quality that made it impossible to put down.
Dylan Hart is a journalist who is on the trail of the story of a lifetime- investigating the possibility of vampires as murder victims turn up drained of blood. But things soon get complicated and dangerous. Things aren’t quite what they seem. Dylan’s investigation has put a target on her back, and she is soon fighting for her life. What happens makes for a thrilling read.
I will be one-clicking the rest of this series to explore asap!
Fantastic!
Thank you, R.M Gilmore!
The Scene is the first book in the Dylan Hart Series by R.M. Gilmore. This book was even better than I’d imagined. I was hooked right from the beginning, completely engrossed by the unfolding story. R.M Gilmore has such a detailed and descriptive style- bringing all her words to ‘life’ and giving it a dynamic and exciting quality that made it impossible to put down.
Dylan Hart is a journalist who is on the trail of the story of a lifetime- investigating the possibility of vampires as murder victims turn up drained of blood. But things soon get complicated and dangerous. Things aren’t quite what they seem. Dylan’s investigation has put a target on her back, and she is soon fighting for her life. What happens makes for a thrilling read.
I will be one-clicking the rest of this series to explore asap!
Fantastic!
Thank you, R.M Gilmore!
March 6, 2020
The Scene (Dylan Hart Series Book 1)
By R.M. Gilmore
5 out of 5 stars
The story The Scene (Dylan Hart Series Book 1) by R.M. Gilmore is a horror book that kept me turning pages. I was always wondering what would happen next. It pulled me in from the very beginning and once started I found myself not able to put it down. I loved the character of Dylan Hart. She is strong, independent, sassy, has plenty of wits, and determination. She is a journalist that is looking into a story. A story that includes vampires. What will she find? Read this book to find out. Dylan is sassy and can easily turn on the sarcasm when needed. She is a likable character and I found myself quickly rooting for her to find out the truth of the story she is working on. The story has action, suspense, danger, and some chilling scenes. I have loved stories about vampires and the occult for a long time and this story is a good example of why. There are twists and turns in the book that I didn’t see coming. There are quite a few additional characters that are introduced. Some I enjoyed reading about, such as Dylan’s bestie, and then others who are mysterious, and I had to wonder what their real agenda is. Don’t miss out on a story that will have you glued to the pages until the ending. I would highly recommend reading it.
By R.M. Gilmore
5 out of 5 stars
The story The Scene (Dylan Hart Series Book 1) by R.M. Gilmore is a horror book that kept me turning pages. I was always wondering what would happen next. It pulled me in from the very beginning and once started I found myself not able to put it down. I loved the character of Dylan Hart. She is strong, independent, sassy, has plenty of wits, and determination. She is a journalist that is looking into a story. A story that includes vampires. What will she find? Read this book to find out. Dylan is sassy and can easily turn on the sarcasm when needed. She is a likable character and I found myself quickly rooting for her to find out the truth of the story she is working on. The story has action, suspense, danger, and some chilling scenes. I have loved stories about vampires and the occult for a long time and this story is a good example of why. There are twists and turns in the book that I didn’t see coming. There are quite a few additional characters that are introduced. Some I enjoyed reading about, such as Dylan’s bestie, and then others who are mysterious, and I had to wonder what their real agenda is. Don’t miss out on a story that will have you glued to the pages until the ending. I would highly recommend reading it.
March 8, 2020
This is a well written vampire novel. Dylan is your realistic typical person she sassy has mouth on her and had some of those witty lines that make you laugh out loud. This is a vampire book with some crime involved this is the book for you. Very unquie book.
Want to read
March 19, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/19/2020)! 🎁
January 16, 2013
Dylan hart. The latest funny character I've come across. I love when I find a mystery vampire hunting book that can take serious to a funny level. Some of these one liners had me busting my gut! I highlighted so many freaking hilarious moments on my kindle and had a blast going back to read them. Lol great job to the author. Comedy in a book is hard. Mix it with drama and mystery triple hard. Yet, RM Gilmore didn't have a problem. *applause*
We get wander the streets and highways of LA on a quest to discover these mysterious "vampire" killings with Dylan. All she wants is to write a best selling book on this until her investigating gets her in deeper. Does she mind? A little bit. Does it stop her? No. Hahaha with her trusty BFF Tatum and cop ex boyfriend she has the confidence to saunter around grilling bad guys, interrogating a hot model who shows interest, and chasing leads into some pretty jacked up places. Clubs where your red flags shoot up in alarm, but Dylan walks right in with her smart tongue and wit.
Dylan was the funniest character in here. Her banter with anyone else made it quite a read. Her in your face attitude to the way she really feels is spot on! Tatum was your BFF that doesn't mind getting dirty with you. The perfect wingman. Is she withholding things from Dylan? Then we have hot underwear model Cyrus. Lots of weird vibes from this one. Totally your creepy hot guy that makes you melt in his presence with a single compliment. My guy though I choose. Mike. History there. I want more. He's the protective police man that feeds Dylan info and he does it because she's a great journalist, but also because I think he still loves her. Get all these folks together and you got yourself a roller coaster ride filled with twists that put suspense in the ride. Bumps that leave you laughing out loud. And a speed that makes you want to ride again! I can't wait for sequel coming out soon! I need more smiles on my face! Great writing author. Never got dull. Never had a lame ass joke that made you question the humor. Just pages of fun. If you want a seriously, funny, mystery with some wannabe vampires roaming the cities of California and you want to solve a mystery of who dun it, then this book is for you! I give this book my thumbs up.
We get wander the streets and highways of LA on a quest to discover these mysterious "vampire" killings with Dylan. All she wants is to write a best selling book on this until her investigating gets her in deeper. Does she mind? A little bit. Does it stop her? No. Hahaha with her trusty BFF Tatum and cop ex boyfriend she has the confidence to saunter around grilling bad guys, interrogating a hot model who shows interest, and chasing leads into some pretty jacked up places. Clubs where your red flags shoot up in alarm, but Dylan walks right in with her smart tongue and wit.
Dylan was the funniest character in here. Her banter with anyone else made it quite a read. Her in your face attitude to the way she really feels is spot on! Tatum was your BFF that doesn't mind getting dirty with you. The perfect wingman. Is she withholding things from Dylan? Then we have hot underwear model Cyrus. Lots of weird vibes from this one. Totally your creepy hot guy that makes you melt in his presence with a single compliment. My guy though I choose. Mike. History there. I want more. He's the protective police man that feeds Dylan info and he does it because she's a great journalist, but also because I think he still loves her. Get all these folks together and you got yourself a roller coaster ride filled with twists that put suspense in the ride. Bumps that leave you laughing out loud. And a speed that makes you want to ride again! I can't wait for sequel coming out soon! I need more smiles on my face! Great writing author. Never got dull. Never had a lame ass joke that made you question the humor. Just pages of fun. If you want a seriously, funny, mystery with some wannabe vampires roaming the cities of California and you want to solve a mystery of who dun it, then this book is for you! I give this book my thumbs up.
December 14, 2013
**JUST BOOKED received an ARC for an honest review**
The Scene was most definitely very different kind of vampire genre from what I am accustomed to reading, but once I began I could not put it down I found myself captivated by the characters and the mystery to solve.
Dylan Hart is a 25 years old voluptuous young lady whom dresses like the First Lady, because political officials did not give exclusive interviews to slutty young reporters. Dylan is trying to do some local research and trying to write a book about the resent Vampire Massacres in the Las Angles area. Dylan has also been receiving insider tips from aide of Detective Michael Petersen is 6’3 ft. tall, with aquamarine eyes, a bulky build like football player, and brown hair. But the tips from Detective Petersen are not enough for Dylan so she enlists the help of her best friend, Tatum Price, her best friend for the past 21 years, to help uncover some of the mysteries especially since she is a tabloid journalist.
While Dylan is embarking to discover the massacres, she meet Cyrus Atossa aka ‘Cyrus-Mr-Man-Panties’ might as well be a damn Greek god! His hair is brown, he has a natural tan, tall, pouty mouth, chiseled muscular built, long eye lashes, olive green eyes, and the man is an underwear model! Detective Petersen and Cyrus will drive you so insane, because like Dylan you will not know to kiss them or slap them with the damn book!
Dylan involving Tatum in her odyssey to help her solve the mystery, they embark in the assistance of others too for answers they may already know without realizing it. The Scene is not only FUNNY, ACTION PACK, VAMPIRE, and MYSTERY that will capture your attention immediately and will be unable to put the novel down because it captivates you immediately capturing your interest to turn each page to discover more answers alongside Dylan. The Scene is R.M. Gilmore’s first novel in the trilogy, in the Dylan Hart Odyssey of The Occult series and the second novel in the series is, Endless Night. In Endless Night Dylan Hart is back but in New Orleans entangled again with the underground.
I rate R.M. Gilmore’s first novel in the trilogy, in the Dylan Hart Odyssey of The Occult series, The Scene - 4 BLOODY STARS!
The Scene was most definitely very different kind of vampire genre from what I am accustomed to reading, but once I began I could not put it down I found myself captivated by the characters and the mystery to solve.
Dylan Hart is a 25 years old voluptuous young lady whom dresses like the First Lady, because political officials did not give exclusive interviews to slutty young reporters. Dylan is trying to do some local research and trying to write a book about the resent Vampire Massacres in the Las Angles area. Dylan has also been receiving insider tips from aide of Detective Michael Petersen is 6’3 ft. tall, with aquamarine eyes, a bulky build like football player, and brown hair. But the tips from Detective Petersen are not enough for Dylan so she enlists the help of her best friend, Tatum Price, her best friend for the past 21 years, to help uncover some of the mysteries especially since she is a tabloid journalist.
While Dylan is embarking to discover the massacres, she meet Cyrus Atossa aka ‘Cyrus-Mr-Man-Panties’ might as well be a damn Greek god! His hair is brown, he has a natural tan, tall, pouty mouth, chiseled muscular built, long eye lashes, olive green eyes, and the man is an underwear model! Detective Petersen and Cyrus will drive you so insane, because like Dylan you will not know to kiss them or slap them with the damn book!
Dylan involving Tatum in her odyssey to help her solve the mystery, they embark in the assistance of others too for answers they may already know without realizing it. The Scene is not only FUNNY, ACTION PACK, VAMPIRE, and MYSTERY that will capture your attention immediately and will be unable to put the novel down because it captivates you immediately capturing your interest to turn each page to discover more answers alongside Dylan. The Scene is R.M. Gilmore’s first novel in the trilogy, in the Dylan Hart Odyssey of The Occult series and the second novel in the series is, Endless Night. In Endless Night Dylan Hart is back but in New Orleans entangled again with the underground.
I rate R.M. Gilmore’s first novel in the trilogy, in the Dylan Hart Odyssey of The Occult series, The Scene - 4 BLOODY STARS!
August 21, 2013
“Let’s face it, naked dead bitches are turning up missing blood, there’s no way this’ll end pretty”
Dylan is funny, snarky, and sarcastic. She is trying to write her first book about the recent killings going on in California where the women are all drained of their blood. She had a crazy banter with everyone she meets. Following lead after lead like she’s a real detectitve she keeps coming up with a theory “vampires”. Are there really such things as vampires or just some douche tards trying to act as vampires?
“He looked like he just stepped out of a really bad B-movie. The super floofy-fluffy, for lack of a better word, blouse, was tucked into a pair of skin-tight pleather pants. And to top off the ensemble, he donned a scarlet cummerbund”
Tatum is also funny and sarcastic as hell and able to punch a dick out if needed. She is a journalist also but a journalist of the stars. She is Dylan’s best friend of 20 years and her trusty side kick, but she fits Mo of the people that are being killed. Will she get too close to the case and find herself in danger?
“Yeah. Well actually, it will be about the recent vampire-like homicides. I came in here hoping of finding some more information about the vampire culture. But all I go was a retard in a cape”
This book is murder, mystery, suspense, and laughter all into one book. Will Dylan find out who the killer is? Is it someone she has already met? Or will it be too late for her by the time her and her old flame detective Mike find out who the killer is.
“You will answer my questions. If you don’t, I’ll rain hell fire down upon you in a fashion not seen since Sodom”
The book is suspenseful and makes you want to turn the page faster and faster just to figure out what the fuck is going on, all the while laughing your ass off. So if you are into who done it and “vampires” this is the book for you. I hope whoever reads this book enjoys it as much as I did.
-Jess
Dylan is funny, snarky, and sarcastic. She is trying to write her first book about the recent killings going on in California where the women are all drained of their blood. She had a crazy banter with everyone she meets. Following lead after lead like she’s a real detectitve she keeps coming up with a theory “vampires”. Are there really such things as vampires or just some douche tards trying to act as vampires?
“He looked like he just stepped out of a really bad B-movie. The super floofy-fluffy, for lack of a better word, blouse, was tucked into a pair of skin-tight pleather pants. And to top off the ensemble, he donned a scarlet cummerbund”
Tatum is also funny and sarcastic as hell and able to punch a dick out if needed. She is a journalist also but a journalist of the stars. She is Dylan’s best friend of 20 years and her trusty side kick, but she fits Mo of the people that are being killed. Will she get too close to the case and find herself in danger?
“Yeah. Well actually, it will be about the recent vampire-like homicides. I came in here hoping of finding some more information about the vampire culture. But all I go was a retard in a cape”
This book is murder, mystery, suspense, and laughter all into one book. Will Dylan find out who the killer is? Is it someone she has already met? Or will it be too late for her by the time her and her old flame detective Mike find out who the killer is.
“You will answer my questions. If you don’t, I’ll rain hell fire down upon you in a fashion not seen since Sodom”
The book is suspenseful and makes you want to turn the page faster and faster just to figure out what the fuck is going on, all the while laughing your ass off. So if you are into who done it and “vampires” this is the book for you. I hope whoever reads this book enjoys it as much as I did.
-Jess
December 20, 2016
A snarky journalist turns detective with the hopes of writing a best seller. There is a “vampire killer” on the loose and Dylan decides to team up with her best friend, and a “not sure of their relationship status” cop, to find the murderer. This turns into the funny and suspenseful murder mystery to entertain readers, regardless of the genre. The writing was great, the characters are well developed, and complete with personalities to carry on banter and keep readers laughing.
I’m not sure if this is what the writer was going for, but with a main character’s attitude, I know she had to laugh while writing the story. I enjoyed the comedy and give it 4 Boundless Stars....Beth
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
I’m not sure if this is what the writer was going for, but with a main character’s attitude, I know she had to laugh while writing the story. I enjoyed the comedy and give it 4 Boundless Stars....Beth
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
Read
March 21, 2012I really enjoyed it, it moved so fast I couldn't put it down...
The Scene—The Dylan Hart-Odyssey of the Occult by R. M. Gilmore was a fun face paced rollercoaster ride. Suspense, intrigue, anticipation around every turn. Not to mention sexual tension you can cut with a knife, perhaps an illegal butterfly knife at that. I love R. M.’s voice, she speaks as if I was speaking to my best friend, there were times in which I thought I was in that story.
Dylan Hart is a snarky, sarcastic, foul-mouthed reporter that will do and say anything to get her story. With her financial future being less than stellar Dylan goes on a quest to seek out a story regarding several “transients and hookers” who are being murdered in odd and peculiar ways; she is looking to gain information to write her first novel, for fame and fortune. In order to seek the truth and solve the mystery Dylan and her best friend Tatum have to enter a world that Dylan was not entirely comfortable with.
Within this world there were weird, creepy, odd, dorky characters that Dylan would rather not associate with, but then there was Cyrus—a beautiful perfectly sculpted underwear model whom made Dylan weak in the knees causing a tumultuous lust/hate banter, but she was determined to just get the facts.
With the help of Dylan’s thirst for answers, Tatum’s connections, Dylan’s detective Mike she is led on a wild goose chase of frightening clubs, disappointing dead ends, unsettling discoveries and bucketfuls of blood.
I recommend anyone to take this trip with Dylan, you may get dizzy at times but I guarantee you, you will love the ride.
The Scene—The Dylan Hart-Odyssey of the Occult by R. M. Gilmore was a fun face paced rollercoaster ride. Suspense, intrigue, anticipation around every turn. Not to mention sexual tension you can cut with a knife, perhaps an illegal butterfly knife at that. I love R. M.’s voice, she speaks as if I was speaking to my best friend, there were times in which I thought I was in that story.
Dylan Hart is a snarky, sarcastic, foul-mouthed reporter that will do and say anything to get her story. With her financial future being less than stellar Dylan goes on a quest to seek out a story regarding several “transients and hookers” who are being murdered in odd and peculiar ways; she is looking to gain information to write her first novel, for fame and fortune. In order to seek the truth and solve the mystery Dylan and her best friend Tatum have to enter a world that Dylan was not entirely comfortable with.
Within this world there were weird, creepy, odd, dorky characters that Dylan would rather not associate with, but then there was Cyrus—a beautiful perfectly sculpted underwear model whom made Dylan weak in the knees causing a tumultuous lust/hate banter, but she was determined to just get the facts.
With the help of Dylan’s thirst for answers, Tatum’s connections, Dylan’s detective Mike she is led on a wild goose chase of frightening clubs, disappointing dead ends, unsettling discoveries and bucketfuls of blood.
I recommend anyone to take this trip with Dylan, you may get dizzy at times but I guarantee you, you will love the ride.
July 1, 2013
I am always looking for new books to read and was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled across the lovely RM Gilmore and her Dylan Hart series. At first I wasn't really that excited because alot of the vampire books out there are the same, Girl meets vampire, Vampire saves the little human, Human falls for the vampire, angsty emo drama ensues. This book is definitely not that at all! Dylan Hart is a fiery character right out of the gate and you know she will not be a little tame damsel in distress. What drew me to the books(aside from vampires-I'm a sucker for fangs) was Dylan's personality. She's is a strong character that stand on her own two feet and does just wait helplessly to be rescued. I don't find many strong female centered characters in the books out there and I adore Dylan's sarcastic wit and dedication to what she thinks is right and her friends.
If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh and has a healthy does of vampires then this book is for you. It has humor and action, one doesn't outdo the other-in fact there's often violence with humor in the center of it. I love this book and love the whole series. I recommend it to all my friends and now I'm recommending it to all my fellow bookworms in Amazon-land. Pick up this book, you won't be sorry it's a great fun read and you'll fall for the characters as much as I have.
If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh and has a healthy does of vampires then this book is for you. It has humor and action, one doesn't outdo the other-in fact there's often violence with humor in the center of it. I love this book and love the whole series. I recommend it to all my friends and now I'm recommending it to all my fellow bookworms in Amazon-land. Pick up this book, you won't be sorry it's a great fun read and you'll fall for the characters as much as I have.
November 18, 2014
This is the first book in the Odyssey of the Occult series featuring Dylan Hart as the heroine. Burdened with student loans to repay, Dylan Hart decides to write a bestseller using the recent swathe of vampire-style slayings in her town as book fodder. With her best friend Tatum in tow, and with the help of an ex-boyfriend cop Mike, Dylan goes into the heart of vampire territory looking to solve the mystery.
The writing itself was good, with well structured sentences and good use of language. The author made a good effort of giving each character an individual style. But the plot felt too staged for my liking. Everything just fell into place for the heroine. I found the fact that she was able to solve the mystery behind several grisly murders by speaking to a handful of people difficult to swallow.
But, while I found the plot weak, some of the main character’s inner (and spoken) dialogue came off as authentic and funny. But these instances were too few and far between. The characters’ motivations didn’t feel genuine to me, and one of the biggest twists at the end felt staged. I was unable to empathise with the main character, and even her motivations felt like more of an afterthought than an integral plot point.
The book was a light, fun read. I think anyone who enjoys books in the paranormal genre will find this book entertaining.
The writing itself was good, with well structured sentences and good use of language. The author made a good effort of giving each character an individual style. But the plot felt too staged for my liking. Everything just fell into place for the heroine. I found the fact that she was able to solve the mystery behind several grisly murders by speaking to a handful of people difficult to swallow.
But, while I found the plot weak, some of the main character’s inner (and spoken) dialogue came off as authentic and funny. But these instances were too few and far between. The characters’ motivations didn’t feel genuine to me, and one of the biggest twists at the end felt staged. I was unable to empathise with the main character, and even her motivations felt like more of an afterthought than an integral plot point.
The book was a light, fun read. I think anyone who enjoys books in the paranormal genre will find this book entertaining.
March 15, 2012
In her search to discover whether or not vampires are real, we find Dylan Hart in Los Angeles, trying to make her way as a journalist, pay off her student debt and get her front door open. She has body issues, money trouble and two men she doesn't know what to do with.
Dylan's decision to write a book, and cash-in on the blood-drained bodies of prostitutes, begins her on her Odyssey. Slicing her way through the absurd, the ethereal and the deadly serious, of the underground vampire community, with her twenty-first century Marlowe-esque straight-razor wit.
A "Thelma and Louise On Steroids" relationship with best-friend, Tatum, epitomizes the sentiment, "A good friend will help you move. A best friend will help you move a body". The only question when it comes to Tatum, is whose?
But Dylan's crunchy coating hides a soft, creamy, center. She soon finds herself hunting down the murderers for a higher purposes than fame and money. Although that would be okay too.
I loved this book! I'm not usually into vampires, but this isn't your usual vampire fare.
It's quirky, creepy and laugh-out-loud hilarious. There's a good, solid, mystery in The Scene, and well crafted characters in place for the rest of Dylan's Odyssey. RM Gilmore has me hooked!
Dylan's decision to write a book, and cash-in on the blood-drained bodies of prostitutes, begins her on her Odyssey. Slicing her way through the absurd, the ethereal and the deadly serious, of the underground vampire community, with her twenty-first century Marlowe-esque straight-razor wit.
A "Thelma and Louise On Steroids" relationship with best-friend, Tatum, epitomizes the sentiment, "A good friend will help you move. A best friend will help you move a body". The only question when it comes to Tatum, is whose?
But Dylan's crunchy coating hides a soft, creamy, center. She soon finds herself hunting down the murderers for a higher purposes than fame and money. Although that would be okay too.
I loved this book! I'm not usually into vampires, but this isn't your usual vampire fare.
It's quirky, creepy and laugh-out-loud hilarious. There's a good, solid, mystery in The Scene, and well crafted characters in place for the rest of Dylan's Odyssey. RM Gilmore has me hooked!
November 14, 2014
Cool story! Very entertaining. Really liked Dylan, she was a super fun character. I also liked her best friend Tatum, I loved their friendship. The story is well written and it has a very nice flow, it won't bore you, there is always something going on, lots of action. When it came to the love interest I was confused and still am, I don't know if I want Mike (the detective) or Cyrus (the very mysterious model). Maybe I like both, they were both interesting in their own ways. I'm still wondering what Cyrus is hiding... I know he is hiding something.
What I loved about the story is that I am still intrigued as to whether the vampires were real or not, I really was left wondering, it was all very mysterious and the author ended it perfectly. I also loved that Dylan kicks @ss when she needs to. She is a strong character and not just in the sense of kicking butt but also in the emotional way.
For mature audiences but only because of language, there are no explicit sex scenes in this story.
If you like mysteries and lots of action in your books then this is definitely the one to get, it is also very entertaining plus it has vampires... or not ;)
What I loved about the story is that I am still intrigued as to whether the vampires were real or not, I really was left wondering, it was all very mysterious and the author ended it perfectly. I also loved that Dylan kicks @ss when she needs to. She is a strong character and not just in the sense of kicking butt but also in the emotional way.
For mature audiences but only because of language, there are no explicit sex scenes in this story.
If you like mysteries and lots of action in your books then this is definitely the one to get, it is also very entertaining plus it has vampires... or not ;)
September 7, 2013
Dylan and Tatum. A dynamic duo that seemed to somehow combine Cagney and Lacey, Laverne and Shirley, and Lucy and Ethel all at the same time! The descriptions of them reminded me of Jane and Stacy Drop Dead Diva, and Mike was a ringer for Owen.
What can I say about Dylan, she’s as graceful in her investigation of the Los Angeles vampire scene as a bull on roller skates in a china shop would be. And just about as messy! Half the time you want to give her a big hug and the rest of the time you want to shake her silly.
“Ex-boyfriends, dead girls, and vampires, oh my!”
Nothing is what it seems in this twisty crime drama where everyone seems like a possible suspect. Did he? Did she? Did they? Are they real? No really, are they?! OMG! And just when you think you have this wild ride figured out. You don’t! This one sure got me as I did not see that ending coming! And I still have so many questions. Like, what’s with that door?! So happy the next book is already out because I need to go read it.
What can I say about Dylan, she’s as graceful in her investigation of the Los Angeles vampire scene as a bull on roller skates in a china shop would be. And just about as messy! Half the time you want to give her a big hug and the rest of the time you want to shake her silly.
“Ex-boyfriends, dead girls, and vampires, oh my!”
Nothing is what it seems in this twisty crime drama where everyone seems like a possible suspect. Did he? Did she? Did they? Are they real? No really, are they?! OMG! And just when you think you have this wild ride figured out. You don’t! This one sure got me as I did not see that ending coming! And I still have so many questions. Like, what’s with that door?! So happy the next book is already out because I need to go read it.
November 11, 2014
This book was a who done it paranormal mystery with sarcasm galore. Dylan is a journalist and her best friend side kick Tatum are twenty something free spirited women that are determined to find the so called vampires killing and daring woman that look like them. Mike is the police officer ex boyfriend of Dylan's that wants her back so feeds her information on the killings to help her in writing her book. Cyrus is a hottie that she meets in her research of the vampires, one minute she wants to kiss him, the other, shoot him. ( when he would act all pansyish, I wanted to shoot him!) Cyrus is mixed up in this somehow. His boss Malcolm is high up in the vampire culture, a Primus.
There is a lot of surprises in the book, never a dull moment, had you guessing and then shaking your head. All in all a good book.
There is a lot of surprises in the book, never a dull moment, had you guessing and then shaking your head. All in all a good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews