Cold Cases and Dark Secrets

Cold Case Unit #2

by J.M. Dabney

Time Didn't Heal All Wounds and the Scars were About to be Ripped Open

Stevenson
When I'd moved from Homicide to the Cold Case Unit my friends headed, I'd thought it would be a new start. The minute my marriage fell apart I'd lost my purpose. Years passed and I hadn't found myself until I'd helped my friends catch a serial killer, but I'd also found friends and family. As I'd searched for a case among dusty boxes, a decades' old murder and missing person case caught my attention. The autopsy report send me to the M.E.'s office and the man I'd avoided for months.

Doc
Making death my job didn't allow for normal friends, but the dead needed an advocate and it was the only purpose I'd known. Being an Medical Examiner was all I'd had for decades and I didn't know what to do outside my job. I had a group of friends, all worked in law enforcement and forensics, but one thing was missing. Short, adorable middle-aged men weren't getting swept off their feet. When my secret crush, needed my help with a case to the detriment of my sanity I said yes. All I had to do was not be my weird self and blurt out everything in my head.

When a missing person case turns out to be more than it appears can Stevenson keep Doc safe from a twenty year old threat?

(TW: Mentions of childhood sexual, physical and mental abuses. Passive Suicidal Ideation, self-harm and mental illness. These are mainly off-page, but there are details flashbacks and conversations of said acts. Yet if these are triggering for you, please feel free not to read the story. Your self-care and mental health are more important. Thank you.)

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2022

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author J.M. Dabney is a multi-genre published writer of Body and Fat Positive Romance & Fiction. They live with a constant diverse cast of diverse characters in their head. They live for one purpose alone, and that’s to make sure everyone gets the happily ever after they deserve. There is nothing more they want from telling their stories than to show that no matter the package the characters come in or the damage their pasts have done, that love is love. That normal is never normal and sometimes the so-called broken can still be beautiful.

The author is Non-Binary and uses the pronouns They/Them.

Reviews

[JenCW · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, two cautions for any potential readers. First, I would strongly suggest reading the first book in the series before delving into this one just so that you have a firm grasp on the characters and how the Cold Case group got together. Secondly, be sure to check out the warning at the bottom of the blurb from the author.

Doc is a sweet, lovable character. I love how confident and strong he is in profession and in general. I felt for him as he navigates wanting someone in his life and being attracted to someone who doesn't seem to want him. Stevenson grew on me, especially as his past is revealed and his reasons for avoiding Doc are faced. I was happy to see them both confront their pasts (in different ways) and find a way forward together. I love that everyone pitches in on the case and their found family grows even more in this one.

I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love cold cases!

[HaloLove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm...

I enjoyed the mystery and the almost law and order feel to this story but...

I really wish I had paid more attention so I would not have purchased this story. I'm so not into the dom / sub, daddy, bratty etc. Just not my thing at all.

Stevenson and Doc characters were written well, even the plot of the story was well written but there were parts in the story where the characters seemed like they were teenagers trying to act like they were adults. It was mainly in the romantic parts of the story. And the erotic scenes were an absolute, no go for me. So 3 stars because the mystery of the story was intriguing.

[Maryann Kafka · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.M. Dabney takes us back into that dark world of cold cases, with “Cold Cases and Dark Secrets” Detective Carter Stevenson and Doc Morgan Warner will open up one of the most terrifying cases.

Detective Carter Stevenson, forty-three, has finally settled in with the “Cold Case Unit” and the unique personalities of the crew. He was married, now five years divorced. He was left with the feeling of low self esteem which made for a lonely situation. Now, he was never at home enough to even call it home. On a whim, he decides to randomly select a case to tackle, out of the many cold cases. The case stems back to nineteen ninety seven, and needless to say handled badly. Detectives didn’t investigate, evidence was untested, no documentation and Lab Supervisor Coleman neglected doing his job. He needed help on this one and the best one to help is Doc Warner.

Doctor Morgan Warner, fifty-six, is the Senior Medical Examiner, with an eidetic/photographic memory. He’s the only one that can get what’s needed out of his biased lab supervisor, Coleman. Doc is a “little” and has gotten along with Stevenson, but something about Doc sets Stevenson on edge.

Both Doc and Stevenson are struggling with relationship failures, age, and never finding the one person that they could call their own. Even though they want the same thing misunderstandings and not communicating could ruin a friendship.

Doc already has his hands full as the Feds have him reexamining hundreds of cases with guilty verdicts, that were mishandled by the coroner. As he squeezes in Stevenson’s cold case, they will be overwhelmed with the cold case of the gruesome death of a young women and kidnapped boy. It will lead to a Mother who already served time in prison and tried to investigate the situation on her own. Along with, three other women who were incarcerated for the disappearances of their sons. It will take Stevenson and Doc into the streets and help from Boss and the Outreach Program. It will lead them to the eerie world of cults. The Cold Case family will be coming together when danger and death threatens one of their own.

J.M. Dabney creates another twisted cold case with “Cold Cases and Dark Secrets”. This book is even more exciting than the first book “Cold Cases and Second Chances”. It still has the dark theme element, with the psychological feel and the complex investigation that goes into the cold cases. It’s action-packed with a race against time to hopefully save victims. There’s so much more to this exciting, intense and “on the edge of our seat” novel. The emotions run high as Doc and Stevenson try to find that chemistry that could bring them together.

“Cold Cases and Dark Secrets’ will bring out the needs of the Cold Case Family that society looks at as “not normal”. But they aren’t any different, as we all have different needs. The story projects how society has those that don’t matter in the world and shows the bias, injustice of law enforcement and the legal system.
Besides the cute Doc and Stevenson the Cold Case family is back: Robert and Remy; Vega and Cash; Graves and a newcomer Detective Marcel Douglas; and maybe SWAT Commander Dolan Sharp.

All I can say is, with the addition of Detective Douglas I can’t wait to see what J.M. Dabney has in store for him in book three “Cold Cases and Bitter Enemies”.

[ManyHatMomma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic mystery, amazing characters

I love this series. Well planned and executed detective/police dramas, with amazing characters. The two sides of the plot (romance/cold case files) are evenly split but completely integrated and inseparable. In this book, Stevenson is a hesitant, ‘vanilla’ guy who is extremely leery of dating due to past experience. Doc is a Little/sub looking for a Daddy Dom. The romance takes a good while to get started, and there are learning curves along the way. Lots of questions flying around, new people on the ‘strip’ to get to know, a horrific torture session and rescue, and more dead ends than you can shake a stick at. In the end three women accused of murder have their lives changed, ten little boys go home to their parents, a psychopath gets his come-uppance, the missing children from the cold case files get found, and baby and his doting Daddy get to look forward to a happily ever after! I would have given this five stars but as phenomenal a story builder as Dabney is, the mis-spellings and missing words in sentences drove me bananas. Needs a good thorough editing revamp.

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter Stevenson has trouble conceiving himself as Daddy material and Morgan (Doc) hasn't been able to see him any other way since they met. Carter has chosen a random cold case file involving a murder and abduction. The original investigators did a pretty shoddy job but he's soon connected three other abductions with similar MOs. The investigation brings the two together and as well as developing a solution to the case they have to deal with their emotions for each other. When Morgan finds himself in danger it's up to Carter and the crew of the Cold Case squad to rescue him and bring justice to the abducted children and their mothers. In coming together Carter and Morgan both have to overcome the scars left from their previous relationships and embrace what they have denied themselves.

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic

I am a massive fan of JM Dabney’s work and this was just as amazing as all their other books. I adored Doc. It’s so easy to believe that because someone is outgoing, cheeky and bratty that they have a ton of confidence. Doc was a wonderful human with tons of energy and personality but he struggled with his confidence. It took Carter a while to see past Doc’s outer confidence to who he was completely and also to see past the hurts of his own past. But when he did, wow. Carter was such a loving, warm, beautiful person and I’m so glad Doc’s partner is someone as wonderful as Carter. Fantastic book and fantastic series.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, 2nd in the series but with a different couple. Stevenson (Carl) is a cold case detective and Doc (Morgan) is the ME, both struggle with feeling like they are “too much” based on past relationships. I enjoyed their back and forth interaction with each other and with their found family. Even though they may be “too much” for others, they fit in what they want in a relationship. The cases they are solve is also very interesting and heart breaking at times. I couldn’t put the book down! Worth the read!

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great new addition to the Cold Case Unit series. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. The book is romantic, sweet, funny, some angst, some very intense moments, action-pack and I loved the new characters. Doc and Stevenson are perfect together and see the chemistry between them. The flirting and snarkiness are really what makes them work. J.M. Dabney didn't disappoint with this book or series and I'm looking forward to the next book

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. So I love this authors work so when a book comes out I automatically buy them. I can tell you this series has become my favorite, that's saying a lot because they have some really good books out. Doc is my new guy. This book has the right mix of everything you need in a book. The characters were so awesome and the storyline once again blew me away. This book is a must own for sure.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age regression

Although there were some minor typos, this was still really really good. I have loved Dabney's books since I picked up the first Twirl series book. They are one of those authors I buy without reading the blurb. If you like age regression MM love with some hot cops, you'll love this. I can't wait for Graves' story.

[Katy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Like I said previously these types of stories about abuse are not my usual chose but how the author writes these stories is addictive and worth going out of my comfort zone. This story definitely had gruesome and upsetting parts in it and did make me cry. I cannot wait to see what happens next in the series

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-reading the first two books of the Cold Case series and I think #2 is much better. Again there is a Daddy kink, but this time it is set up so it does not just appear in the story. Much better world-building. A lovey story with lots to explore - missing the "I didn't see that coming" and the final touches that lead to a 5/5 but a lovely meal of a book.

[Karen Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that I read in one sitting. I could not put down. Two men, who each have their own hangups, are thrown together to solve a murder. Along the way they find their emotional path to each other. Helped of course by their well meaning interfering family/friends.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Doc and Stevenson better than Robert and Remy. I definitely appreciated, again, the more realistic depictions of police work. The reasoning behind the murderers actions was a little sci-fi unrealistic, but still entertaining.

[Cassie Calbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Doc & Stevenson so much! I really enjoyed their story and how the case worked out. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Greads · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I have to say is that I love this series

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Doc and Stevenson’s story. Another good entry in the series.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book to the Cold Case Unit series. Doc and Stevenson are both a bit broken but so need to be loved. The story was intense and well-written. Definitely recommend reading.

[Sheryl Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. This is a fabulous author and the characters are great. The storyline is well written and keeps you reading from the beginning to end.

[irwins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to finish seemed to drag on a bit but the end made up for it

[America · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 It started strong, but then I realized that it had zero age play or regression, despite being a book about a little and his Dom. So it lost me.

[Manon Lavoie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was better than the first one.
Why a 3 ? Because the plot was over the top ! Science fiction over the top !
So, not very good !