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Hexed Detective #1

Hexed Detective

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Detective Rita Hobbes’ life has been mysteriously erased, and her day isn’t about to get any better.

All Rita wants is to abandon dreary Blackpool and start over somewhere new. But when she triggers a magical hex that renders her invisible and traps her in her hometown, escape seems impossible.

Rita soon finds that Blackpool has some hidden secrets: magical artifacts, fashioned in Heaven, a fallen Angel, buried beneath the sea in a glass prison, and living nightmares in fine suits and animal masks that can turn your mind to soup.

Thrust into a world she doesn’t understand, Rita finds herself trying to solve a case that by any sane measure is unsolvable.

Worse still, the only person she can turn to for help is a self-confessed liar, cheat, and--according to him--the future king of Great Britain.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2018

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About the author

M.V. Stott

31 books131 followers

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5 stars
59 (44%)
4 stars
39 (29%)
3 stars
25 (18%)
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6 (4%)
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5 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Anna.
11 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2019
It was a great experience reading this trilogy. It ticked all my wishes from UF and even have me some new ideas about what I apparently like :)

Here is why I liked it so much:

1. It is so well written! Smart dialogs, the jokes are on spot and not forced, no 3 pages long description of Blackpool or any other landscapes.

2. Even though it is part of the Uncanny series world I did not feel like I have to read them all in order to understand the world. I could just dive into this one (this 3) without feeling like I have to read 20 others to understand what's going on.

3. The elements of horror were a complete surprise. I never knew I would like something like that. Maybe it was my mood but it was in the exact amount, not too much but just enough to make your skin crawl from time to time.

4. Carlisle. He is perfect. If you are looking for a perfect antihero with the right amount of evil, that's him.

5. Rita Hobbes is a full grown woman who is not in high school, drooling over the class shifter hottie, and she is (omg!) 30 years old (I could relate). She is a strong independent woman who is an actual person by her own and no one puts an emphasis on the fact that she is a woman. If you would replace her character by male one it would be the same story and that's what I call equality.

6. No sex over plot. The sex is just part off the story and a very minor one. No females fainting into strong man arms, no males losing their mind over women.

In conclusion it was an amazing trilogy for a very good price. I will definitely check the other books in the series and hope they are on the same level.
Also I hope it will help someone who is desperate for a good read like I was.

P.s sorry for all the spelling mistakes and wrong built sentences, not a native English speaking.
Profile Image for Stan Hutchings.
1,359 reviews24 followers
January 7, 2019
I'm really glad I got to be an ARC reader. It's a great story.
The book starts with eerie scenes of dream-like terror and horror, including the Fallen Angel of Blackpool. The miasma of horror and evil threads through the rest book, relieved by Rita's non-stop smart mouth. We meet Rita Hobbes, her partner Waterson, Mr. Cotton in a rabbit mask, Mr. Spike in a hedgehog mask, and the mysterious Carlisle, who is searching for "his" Artefact. Jane, Ellie and Gemma have disappeared after meeting Mr. Cotton and Mr. Spike. In a dust-up with a magician dressed in red and wielding an axe, Rita saves Gemma from being a human sacrifice and recovers the sacrificial axe. But something impossible happens: as far as the ordinary world is concerned, she no longer exists. She's been hexed. Carlisle wants the axe Rita has, and reluctantly joins forces with her to kill the murdering magician, end Rita's hex and regain his Artefact. First, a visit to the Uncanny Night Fair to visit Madame Esmerelda. After being rejected, they take a wrong turn and are pursued by dozens of clones of Mr. Spike and Mr. Cotton, the literal stuff of nightmares. After a narrow escape, a trip to Big Pins (an Uncanny watering hole) for a drink and information. A visit to a magician ends in Rita gaining his magic for herself. But he's not THE magician. Carlisle reluctantly decides to visit Mr. Cotton and Mr. Spike to ask what they know, an extremely dangerous undertaking. It ends poorly. Rita is 'called' to rescue him. She succeeds beyond her wildest hope, carrying the dead Carlisle back to Big Pins. Fortunately he had had the foresight to put "his life in Rita's hands", and Formby was there to return it to him. And mentions that Rita has the axe because she is part Angel. She starts being remembered, and gets a call from Waterson. They meet, but are violently interrupted by THE magician. They are transported to the Angel's prison for a discussion that quickly deteriorates. The startling conclusion quickly follows. No spoilers, but I know there are two more Hexed Detective books.
Profile Image for Ryan Pascall.
131 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2021
Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What begins as a normal day for Blackpool Police Detective Rita Hobbes quickly descends into a race to stop a group of supernatural nightmare-bringers intent on dragging her down a rabbit-hole of horror into the darkside of the city where an ancient being awaits release from its millenia-old prison.

This was a bit of a change of pace for me as there is definitely something of Neil Gaiman in this tale due to the Neverwhere-style undertown and, almost eldritch-slant that affects everything there. Now I've never liked Gaiman's style and so the 'creepy vibe' that saturates this book was somewhat lost on me but it was saved by a likeable protagonist and the interesting (note I didn't say likeable) characters she interacts with.

The narration by Millie Jones was, for the most part, exceptional but I did feel that many of the male characters sounded the same and unfortunately Rita's primary foes both sounded more whiny than creepy or dangerous and I do wonder if a dual-narration would work better, with a male voice for the villains? Aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed her work here and this small niggle was not due in any part to her lack of narrational ability.

Now the way I gauge my enjoyment of a book often comes down to whether I want to see where the story goes, and I do find that I would like to hear where the Rita ends up next as she is a complex character and the reality that the authors have created is, while not scary to me, very interesting.

Chock full of extremely colourful characters, many of which I want to learn more about (how did she lose her leg!?) means there is a wealth of story potential, and many a dark corner yet to be delved, and so I am definitely looking forward to my next trip to Blackpool.

1,926 reviews7 followers
March 8, 2018
Every book in the Uncanny Kingdom so far has been a pleasure to read and this is no exception. The first in a new series, it is darker and creepier than the other three series but equally as enjoyable. It is not as creepy as Apocalypse Hill (Matthew Stott's standalone book in the Uncanny Kingdom), which I had to read with the light on, but the evil in this book is definitely chilling.
Rita Hobbes is a very down to earth character and is a delight to get to know in this book. She is blunt, sarcastic, funny and brave and I love her already. She seems to fit very well in her home town of Blackpool, despite wanting to be anywhere else, and the town is a great backdrop with the Uncanny interwoven amongst it's streets and alleyways.
Rita's "partner in crime" Carlisle grew on me as the story progressed and I hope that he features in more books. His interaction with Rita made me smile, and even laugh out loud once or twice, and his history will make for some great reading. I would love to see him and L'Merrier face off.
I love the Uncanny Kingdom and you will too.
Profile Image for d.mcnicholas.
68 reviews
March 16, 2019
This is the four series in the Uncanny Kingdom that I've started reading and I enjoyed it just as much as the others. In fact, I haven't read one book so far that hasn't gripped my imagination and held it hostage until the end. I've enjoyed all the books so far and the characters are individual, unique and enjoyable.
This book was a little darker than the others. It was incredibly creepy and if you've ever suffered from nightmares....read at your peril😁.
I like the new character of Rita Hobbs. She quite a girl with a hard as nails outter shell that hides a broken past. She finds herself thrown into the mysterious, magical world of the Uncanny Kingdom when working of a case of young missing women. After an incident that lives her in a predicament, she meets a weirdly, scary character who wants an artefact only Rita can give him. They are forced to team together to solve this dangerously, dark case.

I've already bought the next two books. Here's to hoping the Uncanny Kingdom goes on for a long time to come.
67 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2021
So I finished it. By skimming a great portion. I don't want to say it was poorly written, because it wasn't. I just didn't connect with it. I think it was missing some emotional elements, which really were missing with the MCs interactions with her male love interest. She barely tolerated him, he got no actual attention from her but negative attention. I really wanted to see that handled and perhaps resolved, or at least moved along a bit. But nothing, at all. A statement that really covers most of the book, not much resolved but the main plot. Just, the whole thing was disappointing to me. Carlisle was very interesting, but again, not much was resolved with him by the end. Except the main plotline, I guess. I mean, not even that was resolved really. Just ended. Like the love interest.

I can't imagine reading any of the rest of the series, unless I hear it picks up a lot. As it is, probably not.
Profile Image for Elise  Hoffman.
Author 4 books11 followers
March 9, 2020
Loved it

Just before I started this I read the author’s profile, and discovered a fan of the Doctor Who writers... it shows! This was one to make them proud. Creepy, mysterious, a tangled thriller complete with rooms and houses that are bigger on the inside.

This was a dark, but fun read. I enjoyed the characters, Rita of course, but also Carlisle. He was so snobby and delightful, a complete ass, but you can tell he has some kind of a gooey soft center buried in there somewhere. I’ll be looking forward to the rest do the series, and I’ll probably be devouring everything else he’s ever written.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,018 reviews10 followers
July 15, 2020
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Millie Jones
I’m so glad I found these authors, the world they’ve created is interesting and entertaining.
Detective Rita Hobbs can’t wait to leave dreary Blackpool but this new case of missing women, black magic and a celestial artefact are about to turn Rita’s world inside out.
I liked Rita’s character and as for Carlisle, he’s interesting to say the least and I’m still not sure if he’s a good guy or not, he’s definitely a bad guy and I thought that these two may have forged a working relationship but maybe not! I’ve gotta check out the next book to see how Rita gets on in her new world.
2,317 reviews6 followers
August 12, 2019
A good mystery and urban paranormal novel.

This starts out slow. If not for reviews which stated that fact and said it got better later, I would have not continued. It does get better. Rita is a strong, damaged and determined cop. She gets involved with the supernatural due to the murders of two women. She meets Carlisle, a mysterious supernatural being. Rita relies on her wits and training to deal with the murders and the paranormal. There are twists and turns in the plot. Rita is a heroine who faces horror and evils beings head on.
Profile Image for Linda.
231 reviews13 followers
February 18, 2021
Another great addition to the Uncanny series. I really like the writing style and female characters throughout the Uncanny world! Rita is a smart-ass detective who's dealing with suddenly becoming invisible to (almost) everyone. Even though she's lost her previous way of living she's kept her sense of humor and snark. And with Carlisle as a frenemy she's going to need it! It's a lot of fun visiting the Uncanny side of Blackpool and stepping back into that world, with some familiar characters and references to Other/Uncanny London.
4,508 reviews21 followers
March 9, 2018
Another new series start in the Uncanny Universe and a great read. This time a normal human Detective is working on a case where she ends up hexed and then the fun/crazy really starts. Full of twists, mystery, and a few funny scenes it was a great read. And relatively clean yet a bit darker then the other Uncanny books. A great hero and anti-hero to enjoy. I read it all at once because once I started I had to see what happened next and was not disappointed.
Profile Image for Helgaleena Healingline.
Author 2 books30 followers
February 9, 2020
Life in a beach town is always a bit liminal but, rarely do the various dimensions also intrude upon us. But our heroine is not just anyone. Little does she realize she's more than human; she's a damned angel! It ends up getting her to the bottom of some very troubling mysteries that have been claiming local lives for far too long.

Earth angels make some very interesting acquaintances, and this adventure is just the beginning of her story.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,589 reviews66 followers
March 22, 2018
Ok, this is just a a “quickie” review. Unfortunately, I’m in in a hospital and asked my husband to post this since I don’t have the time to do better - even though the book definitely deserves it.

Bottom line: five stars. This was one wonderfully fun novel and definitely recommended. It had just what I wanted and was well written and with a great plot and great cast of characters.
693 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2020
Rita is in Blackpool and she really wants out. Too bad she didn't specify how. She is a detective and women are dying in her town. While following up on a missing woman, she is hexed and is not longer know or remembered among the living. She will have to solve the case to try and get her life back. There are terrors, angels and demons galore. The story moves quickly so keep up.
Profile Image for fred jones.
1,806 reviews12 followers
April 1, 2021
An excellent enjoyable story with some really good ideas. A great sarcastic heroine in Rita the Detective with attitude, a great anti-hero in Carlisle the supernatural criminal, a magic axe and some really great scary enemies, Some of the dialogue is a little cliched but overall I really enjoyed this. I liked the narration the accent worked for the story and the voices were good.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,334 reviews8 followers
March 5, 2018
I really love this Uncanny Kingdom! Every book that Stott and Bussell write in just freaking awesome! This book was no different! A new character, a new cast of Uncanny Creatures, new types of magic, and new peril! I really recommend this book! Seriously!
Profile Image for Lisa Eiff.
966 reviews27 followers
March 9, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. I found the story gripped me and held my attention from the start. It's definitely chilling and a bit creepy the whole way through. I would recommend this book to individuals looking for a supernatural style urban fantasy to devour.
40 reviews
August 14, 2018
The axe woman cometh.

Rita is a police woman with commitment issues who wants to seek life outside of Blackpool but finds it difficult to leave,a bit like myself and this book I had to keep reading and I plan to read the next book ASAP.
14 reviews
October 31, 2020
Really solid urban fantasy story. It is structured like the beggining to a series, but resolves the central conflict at the end, if that is a deal-breaker for any would be reader. Can also be pretty creepy at times, which was a nice surprise.
Profile Image for Jerry.
40 reviews
March 17, 2018
Very good read!

I found this book a very nicely written story that had me not wanting to put the book down. It ran along smoothly and had me effortlessly turning pages.
3,306 reviews10 followers
March 21, 2018
Excellent story

Well written, interesting characters, an unusual, twisty plot and more to come what more could you ask for? Highly recommended.
776 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2020
Rita Hobbs the latest would be hero. God yet another book in my collection of fantastic fantasies. This has magic, magic,and more magic. Another author added to my must read list. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Sherri Shade.
114 reviews
June 16, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Great read. I'm on to the next right now. Good characters, lots of action, a solid ending and more to come. What more could you want?
Profile Image for Tim Gray.
1,223 reviews4 followers
September 22, 2021
Very enjoyable, well built mythos and in Blackpool. Also a feisty redhead as a heroine - a bit of a weakness of mine!
Profile Image for Robbert.
211 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2018
SUPER I LIKE THIS STORY UP TO THE NEX BOOK
Profile Image for MRS G .
267 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2021
When I read this (my first toe dip into the amazing world of the Uncanny Kingdom). I WAS. TOTALLY HOOKED!!

Badass Rita Hobbes is a force to be reckoned with. To say she's having a bad day is just a slight understatement. She is in deeeep doodoo trying to save the day, kicking ass all the way whooooop!!

Eerie, supernatural slice of the incredible tasty Uncanny Kingdom cake. It will definitely leave you wanting MORE!!
Profile Image for PJ Lea.
1,064 reviews
March 14, 2018
📚📚📚📚📚

The Uncanny Kingdom moves us to Blackpool where Detective Rita Hobbes is about to take a dark journey down the rabbit hole.
Dark and twisted, funny too, familiar yet oh so very different. The UK is awesome.
Profile Image for Kim.
508 reviews5 followers
September 7, 2021
Magically delicious!

No, I’m not talking about a breakfast cereal. I am talking about this amazing story from the Uncanny Kingdom. All the Uncanny Kingdom stories I have read and listened to have been absorbing, entertaining, and positively addictive – I am pleased to say that this one is no exception. Detective Rita Hobbs is crushing it as the snarky born-to-be-a-detective young woman who has her eyes opened to a whole new world when a couple of young ladies go missing from her town of Blackpool. Don’t miss this imaginative, fun, sometimes funny, and often truly creepy tale from the twisted yet brilliant minds of Matthew Stott and David Bussell. If you prefer the audiobook version, I can honestly say that the narrator of this story, Millie Jones, did a fabulous job of bringing the story and all the characters to life. Her voice, cadence, and inflections were, in my opinion, perfect for Rita and for all the other characters, as well. Stellar job all the way around. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next story.

I was provided with an audiobook copy of this story by the authors and I am voluntarily offering my honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Thais.
Author 2 books12 followers
April 8, 2024
This is the second audiobook I listen by this author and it did not disappoint me. It's a mixture of horror, action and urban fantasy. The opening chapters were so creepy, I was listening while in bed preparing to sleep and got freaky scared, that almost never happen to me with audiobooks.

Rita is a wonderful character, full of life, snarky and she is smart, something I appreciate in a character. Nothing worse than a TSTL female protagonist. Carlisle is the best character IMO, hands now. He is a bad guy, but not really, unapologetic it's the right word. And he is so classy, he reminds me of a elegant cat.

The story never got boring, the pace is spot on and the revelation at the end was a surprise. Can't wait to listen the next installment!

Millie Jones did such a good job with the narration. Her voice is smooth and deep, she knows how to give life to the characters emotions. I was able to distinguish between one character and the other too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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