What do you think?
Wolftown #1
Unfinished Business
Private Investigator Jae Kim doesn't have a werewolf problem—at least not as long as he can keep clear of his ex-boyfriend Czoltan.
But when a suspicious police report hits the streets of Wolftown, Jae suddenly finds himself hunted on the streets he used to freely roam.
Dodging bullets from Wolftown vigilantes, he's stuck hiding out with Czoltan while he and his were-bear ghost Sergei search out whoever set him up—and his life isn't the only one at stake.
But when a suspicious police report hits the streets of Wolftown, Jae suddenly finds himself hunted on the streets he used to freely roam.
Dodging bullets from Wolftown vigilantes, he's stuck hiding out with Czoltan while he and his were-bear ghost Sergei search out whoever set him up—and his life isn't the only one at stake.
244 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 25, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this story early for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story. The world was well built, including the different classes of “extras”, or paranormals. Jai’s ghost were-bear partner Sergei was a great character. The whole idea of having a ghost bound to them, as their partner was intriguing and smart. Jai’s past and backstory of being in the war was tied in well. His ex/love interest Czoltan was also adorable and I loved how all of his wolfy mannerisms were described including his ear positions and his tail wagging. I’m not sure if the author is considering a sequel, but I’d be interested in seeing how these characters grow from here.
April 24, 2022
I actually enjoyed this one, the over the top action scenes, too many parentheses, and all. Jae was someone who basically was a hermit who's best friend was his bound ghost, Sergei. There was only Jae's POV for the entire story. At first, I was not into Jae. He just wasn't very interesting and the chapters seemed to be drawn out. I did read at the end that this was a serial that was converted to a book, so that made more sense.
Jae is a PI that is asked by his friend to follow the friend's wife to see if they are cheating, then everything goes from being boring to chock full of exciting things. One of the exciting things is his meeting up with his ex wolf boyfriend that only happened because his ghost Sergei set him up. Sergei was funny. I would have loved a POV from him. The ending was rushed. I really wish that it had been a bit longer between the "I have not seen you in 4 years when I kicked you to the curb" to the "Let's start a long distance relationship and see what happens."
I do have to point out that while there is no sexytimes in this book, Jae does kiss Czoltan while he is shifted. I had no issues with the wolves and other shifters running around partially shifted, but just a heads up in case you do.
Jae is a PI that is asked by his friend to follow the friend's wife to see if they are cheating, then everything goes from being boring to chock full of exciting things. One of the exciting things is his meeting up with his ex wolf boyfriend that only happened because his ghost Sergei set him up. Sergei was funny. I would have loved a POV from him. The ending was rushed. I really wish that it had been a bit longer between the "I have not seen you in 4 years when I kicked you to the curb" to the "Let's start a long distance relationship and see what happens."
I do have to point out that while there is no sexytimes in this book, Jae does kiss Czoltan while he is shifted. I had no issues with the wolves and other shifters running around partially shifted, but just a heads up in case you do.
May 22, 2022
This book went a little bit out of my normal genre - into a bit more fantasy! However, I always enjoy reading LGBTQ titles, and throwing in some fantasy and shifter, especially when it does have a hint of romance to it, did take it more into my wheelhouse.
In the end, I enjoyed this one quite a bit, and especially taking a break from straight out romance that I normally read (sometimes you just need a break from that). This was my first Tim Susman book and I did find it interesting to learn that he also writes furry lgbtq as well under a different name (I didn't know that was a thing, but after seeing a CSI episode all those years ago about the furry world, I guess I should have realized there would be a book genre for it - so, go you!). May have to look into this further.
Unfinished Business has to do with the unfinished business of a ghost character - so the title is spot-on. Jae, the main character, has a ghost partner that is bound to him, and they are bounty hunters. Jae is former military, and his former commanding officer calls him from Chicago to Detroit to help out with a case - he thinks his wife might be stepping out on him - so Jae comes running. Problem is, Detroit is where Jae's ex werewolf boyfriend lives, and he's a bit worried about bumping into him in the very tiny Wolftown community where Richard has sent him in search of the wife. And the moment Jae and his ghost partner, Segei, spot the wife with her werewolf lover, everything goes awry... the werewolf lover suddenly has a warrant for Jae's arrest, for the murder of 5 werewolves, including Jae's ex, who he literally just spoke to. They have to figure everything out, including how the warrant came to by, why, how to survive and just what the heck is going on.
This is a wild ride through a paranormal world ("extras") - so hop on the train and buckle in, because it's exciting and you're going to want to enjoy the unexpected thrills! I definitely recommend this book, even if you don't normally read paranormal or thrillers or lgbtq or anything but your strict one set type of book (it's time to read outside your box) - this is a quick read, and one you do not want to miss.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Argyll Productions, Independent Book Publishers Association, and this is my honest feedback.
In the end, I enjoyed this one quite a bit, and especially taking a break from straight out romance that I normally read (sometimes you just need a break from that). This was my first Tim Susman book and I did find it interesting to learn that he also writes furry lgbtq as well under a different name (I didn't know that was a thing, but after seeing a CSI episode all those years ago about the furry world, I guess I should have realized there would be a book genre for it - so, go you!). May have to look into this further.
Unfinished Business has to do with the unfinished business of a ghost character - so the title is spot-on. Jae, the main character, has a ghost partner that is bound to him, and they are bounty hunters. Jae is former military, and his former commanding officer calls him from Chicago to Detroit to help out with a case - he thinks his wife might be stepping out on him - so Jae comes running. Problem is, Detroit is where Jae's ex werewolf boyfriend lives, and he's a bit worried about bumping into him in the very tiny Wolftown community where Richard has sent him in search of the wife. And the moment Jae and his ghost partner, Segei, spot the wife with her werewolf lover, everything goes awry... the werewolf lover suddenly has a warrant for Jae's arrest, for the murder of 5 werewolves, including Jae's ex, who he literally just spoke to. They have to figure everything out, including how the warrant came to by, why, how to survive and just what the heck is going on.
This is a wild ride through a paranormal world ("extras") - so hop on the train and buckle in, because it's exciting and you're going to want to enjoy the unexpected thrills! I definitely recommend this book, even if you don't normally read paranormal or thrillers or lgbtq or anything but your strict one set type of book (it's time to read outside your box) - this is a quick read, and one you do not want to miss.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Argyll Productions, Independent Book Publishers Association, and this is my honest feedback.
July 2, 2022
I can’t seem to stop myself from trying new authors even though I can’t really keep up with the ones I already read. This is one such new-to-me author. I want to say first that overall, I really enjoyed this book. With a few minor tweaks, this author will definitely go places. One of the major things was that there wasn’t much plot to the first part of the book. We get to know Jae and Sergei (love, love Sergei), their life, and how this universe works, but the actual meat of the story doesn’t come until later than it should in the book. However, like I said, overall, I really enjoyed this book because it is written well, has some unique elements, and has some great action moments. I hope the author writes another book in this series, and if so, I’ll definitely read it. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
April 1, 2022
Hi everyone, Its Christopher the reader here and the book we are here to talk about tonight is Unfinished Business. I want to say a huge thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in return for an honest review. I read this book for the first time in March and it took me a few days to finish reading. I am now going to talk about some of the book's details. The book is going to be published on the 5th of July in 2022. It was told using 1st person with it being in Jae's point of view. The book has 10 chapters. All together the book has 246 pages which also includes a epilogue at the end.
- I really enjoyed the writing, I thought it was written pretty well. It had good place and character detail. It also had good world building, while reading I found it pretty easy to get to understand the world within the book. I loved how it explained to us some of the creatures within the world, it talked about some of their strengths and weaknesses. I also liked how the book mentioned little body movements of creatures as it helped the reader pick up on how other characters in the book were feeling in scenes and being a person who has autism I personally liked how we could be more sure on their true emotions, In real life I do at times I can find it a bit of a challenge to read others. I liked how the book first starts, I feel like we got to know Jae's character better than if the book started off a different way like if it started when he was first being chased.
I loved the actions scenes that the book had, their was a lot of running in the story. I do feel like I would have liked to have read a little more of those scenes throughout the book as after the action part the pacing kind of felt a little off for me personally when I carried on reading which made it feel a little slow a lot of the time.
I personally feel like I would have liked it more if the book had been in both Czoltan's and Jae's POV instead of it just being in Jae's as I didn't feel like I got to know Czoltan's character as much as we could have. To be honest I do feel that in some places within the book could have been worded a bit differently so that it wasn't as wordy as I felt some parts were a little. When reading I did notice a few mistakes with some back to back repeated words.
- I did really liked the characters that was within the book, especially the bond that Jae had with Sergei. The ghost bear (Sergei) was pretty funny a lot of the time, I loved the scenes with both of the characters in.
-I did like how the book ended but I did feel like it was going to end a little sooner and for there to be a 2nd book. After reading this book if there was a 2nd one I would probably read it. I would like it if this book gets turned into an audible book as personally when I listen and read along I find that I gain a deeper experience with the book. I do feel like I would like it if it was turned into a TV Show, If it ever does I would definitely go and watch it.
For each book that I read, I rate it out of 10, so for this I'm going to give it 7.0. Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself when you can.
- I really enjoyed the writing, I thought it was written pretty well. It had good place and character detail. It also had good world building, while reading I found it pretty easy to get to understand the world within the book. I loved how it explained to us some of the creatures within the world, it talked about some of their strengths and weaknesses. I also liked how the book mentioned little body movements of creatures as it helped the reader pick up on how other characters in the book were feeling in scenes and being a person who has autism I personally liked how we could be more sure on their true emotions, In real life I do at times I can find it a bit of a challenge to read others. I liked how the book first starts, I feel like we got to know Jae's character better than if the book started off a different way like if it started when he was first being chased.
I loved the actions scenes that the book had, their was a lot of running in the story. I do feel like I would have liked to have read a little more of those scenes throughout the book as after the action part the pacing kind of felt a little off for me personally when I carried on reading which made it feel a little slow a lot of the time.
I personally feel like I would have liked it more if the book had been in both Czoltan's and Jae's POV instead of it just being in Jae's as I didn't feel like I got to know Czoltan's character as much as we could have. To be honest I do feel that in some places within the book could have been worded a bit differently so that it wasn't as wordy as I felt some parts were a little. When reading I did notice a few mistakes with some back to back repeated words.
- I did really liked the characters that was within the book, especially the bond that Jae had with Sergei. The ghost bear (Sergei) was pretty funny a lot of the time, I loved the scenes with both of the characters in.
-I did like how the book ended but I did feel like it was going to end a little sooner and for there to be a 2nd book. After reading this book if there was a 2nd one I would probably read it. I would like it if this book gets turned into an audible book as personally when I listen and read along I find that I gain a deeper experience with the book. I do feel like I would like it if it was turned into a TV Show, If it ever does I would definitely go and watch it.
For each book that I read, I rate it out of 10, so for this I'm going to give it 7.0. Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself when you can.
September 1, 2022
That cover sure is…. silly, isn’t it? I get that the publisher’s wanted to make this novel more ‘mainstream’, but I think this just goes to show that modern publishing’s idea of how to market this genre is skewed. And also misleading; spoilers, but there are no zombies in this book. Though I have noticed that on Goodreads, this novel has gotten a lot more critical attention from outside the furry fandom than Tim Susman/Kyell Gold’s other work, so maybe they’re onto something and I’M the one who’s ideas of what attracts readers is skewed.
If a silly cover is what gets more readers to read Tim Susman/Kyell Gold’s books, then I won’t mind. I’ve been a fan of this author for a long time. I think most people would balk at the idea of ‘furry’ being a literary genre, but his work really proves that a story can be populated with anthropomorphic animals without some ‘reason’ that they aren’t human, and still be valid artistic works. But unfortunately, furry as a phenomena—much less as a genre of literature—is still heavily stigmatized, so most general audiences won’t have even bothered checking out his books. That’s why I think his work under the Susman name have attempted to bring ‘furryness’ into the more mainstream accessible genres of fantasy and the paranormal.
And I do hope that tactic works out for him, and that he finds success and brings in a whole new appreciative audience… even if the results don’t necessarily appeal to me.
Now I fully admit this is mostly a ‘me’ problem; I find I have a hard time getting into urban fantasy/paranormal stories. I just get distracted by questions the world-building brings up. It’s ironic, because I can suspend my disbelief for fantasy and sci-fi, but not when it comes to this genre. Urban fantasy especially. For me, it’s the dichotomy between the mundane and the fantastical. The whole premise of the genre is that the supernatural exists side-by-side within our normal everyday world, or else the supernatural is presented in a way that it SEEMS like our normal everyday world. What bothers me is that, most of the time, the fantastical elements are placed alongside our world without any consideration for how it would fundamentally change how our modern society would look and feel.
An example that always comes to my mind for how this issue can negatively affect a story is the film “Bright”. Lindsay Ellis has an excellent video essay which does a good job highlighting how sloppy and poorly realized its usage of fantasy elements is, especially in how it tries to use those elements to comment on modern culture. Though “Unfinished Business” is not as egregious (or awful) as that movie, it similarly depicts its supernatural characters as a social minority—treated in a manner that’s overtly analogous to the treatment of Asians in America. The ‘extras’ (as they’re called in the novel) are literally holed up in refugee sanctuary cities called ‘Wolftowns’. Now I’m not from that background so I can’t judge whether or not it’s appropriate for Susman to replicate those experiences for his fantasy race, but he at least makes an effort to demonstrate the multicultural mix within that society, and tells his story through an Asian-American who understands implicitly (if not always perfectly) the struggles and injustices perpetuated by the American government in its treatment of minorities.
And those positives extend to every other aspect of the story; Susman has always been meticulous in his construction of character drama and theme, setting up motifs that play off the characters beliefs and struggles, and culminating in emotional pay-offs that make you go, “Aha! Now I see where you were going with this!” It’s what makes his romance stories so gripping (and an example of why romance is an underrated genre as it nurtures these skills in its writers). This is coupled with a lean plot and an exhilarating pace past the opening chapters, which makes the experience both breezy and thrilling. It’s a fun romp that’s easily digestible in a few sittings.
My gripes with the setting aside, I think “Unfinished Business” is a great showcase of Tim Susman’s talents as a storyteller. His works are always socially conscious and center on empathy. His characters have life, and leave you wanting to spend more time with them. I hope new readers are able to discover those qualities and seek out more from Susman/Kyell Gold’s extensive bibliography.
If a silly cover is what gets more readers to read Tim Susman/Kyell Gold’s books, then I won’t mind. I’ve been a fan of this author for a long time. I think most people would balk at the idea of ‘furry’ being a literary genre, but his work really proves that a story can be populated with anthropomorphic animals without some ‘reason’ that they aren’t human, and still be valid artistic works. But unfortunately, furry as a phenomena—much less as a genre of literature—is still heavily stigmatized, so most general audiences won’t have even bothered checking out his books. That’s why I think his work under the Susman name have attempted to bring ‘furryness’ into the more mainstream accessible genres of fantasy and the paranormal.
And I do hope that tactic works out for him, and that he finds success and brings in a whole new appreciative audience… even if the results don’t necessarily appeal to me.
Now I fully admit this is mostly a ‘me’ problem; I find I have a hard time getting into urban fantasy/paranormal stories. I just get distracted by questions the world-building brings up. It’s ironic, because I can suspend my disbelief for fantasy and sci-fi, but not when it comes to this genre. Urban fantasy especially. For me, it’s the dichotomy between the mundane and the fantastical. The whole premise of the genre is that the supernatural exists side-by-side within our normal everyday world, or else the supernatural is presented in a way that it SEEMS like our normal everyday world. What bothers me is that, most of the time, the fantastical elements are placed alongside our world without any consideration for how it would fundamentally change how our modern society would look and feel.
An example that always comes to my mind for how this issue can negatively affect a story is the film “Bright”. Lindsay Ellis has an excellent video essay which does a good job highlighting how sloppy and poorly realized its usage of fantasy elements is, especially in how it tries to use those elements to comment on modern culture. Though “Unfinished Business” is not as egregious (or awful) as that movie, it similarly depicts its supernatural characters as a social minority—treated in a manner that’s overtly analogous to the treatment of Asians in America. The ‘extras’ (as they’re called in the novel) are literally holed up in refugee sanctuary cities called ‘Wolftowns’. Now I’m not from that background so I can’t judge whether or not it’s appropriate for Susman to replicate those experiences for his fantasy race, but he at least makes an effort to demonstrate the multicultural mix within that society, and tells his story through an Asian-American who understands implicitly (if not always perfectly) the struggles and injustices perpetuated by the American government in its treatment of minorities.
And those positives extend to every other aspect of the story; Susman has always been meticulous in his construction of character drama and theme, setting up motifs that play off the characters beliefs and struggles, and culminating in emotional pay-offs that make you go, “Aha! Now I see where you were going with this!” It’s what makes his romance stories so gripping (and an example of why romance is an underrated genre as it nurtures these skills in its writers). This is coupled with a lean plot and an exhilarating pace past the opening chapters, which makes the experience both breezy and thrilling. It’s a fun romp that’s easily digestible in a few sittings.
My gripes with the setting aside, I think “Unfinished Business” is a great showcase of Tim Susman’s talents as a storyteller. His works are always socially conscious and center on empathy. His characters have life, and leave you wanting to spend more time with them. I hope new readers are able to discover those qualities and seek out more from Susman/Kyell Gold’s extensive bibliography.
July 26, 2022
Unfinished Business by Tim Susman is the first book in the urban fantasy series Wolftown. Private Investigator Jae Kim doesn't have a werewolf problem—at least not as long as he can keep clear of his ex-boyfriend Czoltan. But when a suspicious police report hits the streets of Wolftown, Jae suddenly finds himself hunted on the streets he used to freely roam. Dodging bullets from Wolftown vigilantes, he's stuck hiding out with Czoltan while he and his were-bear ghost Sergei search out whoever set him up—and his life isn't the only one at stake.
Unfinished Business had a bit of a slow start for me, but I was quickly caught up in Jae's personal drama and the multilayered world and character building. I thought the mix of adventure, personal growth, mystery, and honesty about mental health all come together perfectly. I liked getting to know Jae, and seeing the complexity of his relationships and how war and family dynamics shape the way he reacts to the world around him. I thought the mystery and crime aspects were handled very well, and even when I thought I was a step ahead I greatly enjoyed the ride. I really liked the way mental health, honesty, and prejudice were approached throughout the book, and I expect it to be handled similarly in future volumes. Honestly, my only complaint is that when the book ended I felt like I had just gotten to fully know and understand some of the characters and I wanted more. I look forward to whatever comes next.
Unfinished Business is a highly engaging read and the start of a series I will be following.
Unfinished Business had a bit of a slow start for me, but I was quickly caught up in Jae's personal drama and the multilayered world and character building. I thought the mix of adventure, personal growth, mystery, and honesty about mental health all come together perfectly. I liked getting to know Jae, and seeing the complexity of his relationships and how war and family dynamics shape the way he reacts to the world around him. I thought the mystery and crime aspects were handled very well, and even when I thought I was a step ahead I greatly enjoyed the ride. I really liked the way mental health, honesty, and prejudice were approached throughout the book, and I expect it to be handled similarly in future volumes. Honestly, my only complaint is that when the book ended I felt like I had just gotten to fully know and understand some of the characters and I wanted more. I look forward to whatever comes next.
Unfinished Business is a highly engaging read and the start of a series I will be following.
July 5, 2022
Unfinished Business, Tim Susman
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: LGBTQIA, Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy
I enjoyed this story, didn't know what to expect but it proved a fun read. There were parts I wasn't so keen, the romance is always a big draw for me but it took forever to actually start, and for us to find out why they split in the first place.
Wolftown was great, the inhabitants interesting. Its a slightly different take on the usual shifter scene, but as always, as we have in real life, any minorities are low on the pecking order ;-(
The action and chase, they're never a big attraction for me but it was simple enough for me to follow and feel the excitement and the scares. Jae had some very close calls, they really showed us how close he and Sergei were. Sergei was a great addition, very succinct in comments, but although “controlled” by Jae the bond between them was very close. I was glad things went well for him.
I still don't wholly understand exactly why Jae was targeted but hey...that's probably me, I'm not the best at following action themes ;-) I got most of it so I'm happy.
Overall an interesting read, in a world slightly different from the usual shifter novels. I'd be interested to read a sequel and see what happens next for Jae.
Stars: 4. A fun read, not sure I'd reread, but a great start to what could develop into a series.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: LGBTQIA, Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy
I enjoyed this story, didn't know what to expect but it proved a fun read. There were parts I wasn't so keen, the romance is always a big draw for me but it took forever to actually start, and for us to find out why they split in the first place.
Wolftown was great, the inhabitants interesting. Its a slightly different take on the usual shifter scene, but as always, as we have in real life, any minorities are low on the pecking order ;-(
The action and chase, they're never a big attraction for me but it was simple enough for me to follow and feel the excitement and the scares. Jae had some very close calls, they really showed us how close he and Sergei were. Sergei was a great addition, very succinct in comments, but although “controlled” by Jae the bond between them was very close. I was glad things went well for him.
I still don't wholly understand exactly why Jae was targeted but hey...that's probably me, I'm not the best at following action themes ;-) I got most of it so I'm happy.
Overall an interesting read, in a world slightly different from the usual shifter novels. I'd be interested to read a sequel and see what happens next for Jae.
Stars: 4. A fun read, not sure I'd reread, but a great start to what could develop into a series.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
April 22, 2022
I was not expecting this book to make me cry, so I'm just the slightest bit mad at it for that. LOL. I absolutely LOVE the premise of the detectives working with bound ghosts as partners. I thought that was so interesting, but I do happen to agree with Sergei, and felt that he was doing the lion's share of the detective grunt work. LOL
What starts as a routine job checking up on a "straying wife" for an old friend ends up being Detective Kim's craziest day ever. There were chase scenes, shoot-outs, bears screaming in people's faces, people jumping off of roofs, and then mild trips to museums. ALL IN ONE DAY.
I really can't say enough nice things about this book. It's not at all what I expected when I picked it up. It was charming, poignant, sobering, funny, sad, sweet, and a bit activist at heart. Not your typical mystery, not your typical romance. Definitely Romantic Suspense!
What starts as a routine job checking up on a "straying wife" for an old friend ends up being Detective Kim's craziest day ever. There were chase scenes, shoot-outs, bears screaming in people's faces, people jumping off of roofs, and then mild trips to museums. ALL IN ONE DAY.
I really can't say enough nice things about this book. It's not at all what I expected when I picked it up. It was charming, poignant, sobering, funny, sad, sweet, and a bit activist at heart. Not your typical mystery, not your typical romance. Definitely Romantic Suspense!
March 31, 2022
This had so many things that sound right up my alley, but it ended up being something of a miss for me. Some plot elements made very little sense and the pacing felt rushed when it came to the relationships and character building, but slow when it came to some of the action scenes, including a chase scene that went on way too long for me. I liked the characters, especially the relationship between Jae and Sergei the ghost bear. And some of the world building was interesting for sure. But neither the plot nor the romantic relationship had me fully engaged or invested. Some funny and fun elements, but overall it missed the mark for me.
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
December 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Tim has a flare for instantly likeable characters and Jae and Sergei are a great detective duo. The world building for the contemporary fantasy setting is top notch with magical elements integrated logically. Jae’s ghosts, both metaphorical and, well, actual, prod him through facing some tough choices in his past and the tough consequences that result.
Also, if ghosts guiding the haunted-but-still living wasn’t enough, this novel has a full-fledged society of weres trying to integrate with a world that keeps them at arm’s length, not quite accepted, but not quite pariahs either.
If this gets sequels, I’ll happily bite.
Also, if ghosts guiding the haunted-but-still living wasn’t enough, this novel has a full-fledged society of weres trying to integrate with a world that keeps them at arm’s length, not quite accepted, but not quite pariahs either.
If this gets sequels, I’ll happily bite.
February 14, 2026
Modern urban fantasy can be a really interesting genre, especially when it presents a familiar-but-different world. For many authors, this can be a tricky balance as things can feel identical to our world despite the addition of magic, creatures, etc.
Tim manages this balance well. There's a lot of worldbuilding beneath the surface that gives the impression of a deep, well-crafted setting.
The plot can be a bit thin at times. The plot feels more like it belongs in a short novella, that's then been padded out with a lot of slice-of-life and establishing scenes. This isn't a criticism, as I enjoyed it, but it may not be the gripping mystery others expect.
Tim manages this balance well. There's a lot of worldbuilding beneath the surface that gives the impression of a deep, well-crafted setting.
The plot can be a bit thin at times. The plot feels more like it belongs in a short novella, that's then been padded out with a lot of slice-of-life and establishing scenes. This isn't a criticism, as I enjoyed it, but it may not be the gripping mystery others expect.
June 24, 2024
I'm so aware that my review was akin to the book title - I'm so sorry! I finished this one very quickly but it somehow slipped down the review pile.
I've already been recommending it in the 'real' offline world, I'm happy to say. Endearing characters, an engaging plot and writing that kept me turning the pages. I particularly loved the world-building; this seemed so authentic, I could practically smell the streets and cafes that the protagonist hangs out in.
Excellent modern supernatural 'noir', I really enjoyed it. Thankyou!
I've already been recommending it in the 'real' offline world, I'm happy to say. Endearing characters, an engaging plot and writing that kept me turning the pages. I particularly loved the world-building; this seemed so authentic, I could practically smell the streets and cafes that the protagonist hangs out in.
Excellent modern supernatural 'noir', I really enjoyed it. Thankyou!
October 10, 2026
This book is overall good, but slightly missed a beat for me. The main plotline, the action, felt just a touch contrived, which we sort of hand-wave away as the mastermind doesn't fully understand what they're doing, but I just didn't really buy it. I think in general, the book could have benefited from being longer to flesh out the details, characters, etc. but it's not a huge gripe. Aside from that, Susman's character work and dialogue are great as usual and there's some fun world-building too with the urban fantasy setting.
Would recommend for a nice fun read!
Would recommend for a nice fun read!
July 3, 2022
Netgalley is a good way to discover new authors that I'm going to like. This is an entertaining and gripping urban fantasy that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Good world-building and storytelling, interesting characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Good world-building and storytelling, interesting characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 17, 2022
An enjoyable, quick and easy read. It was well written with a good storyline and well developed characters and a good level of world building too.
December 9, 2022
Really good ideas etc but it was pretty average read for me not my type i would say if it was any other day when I was reading this it would've been diffrent
January 3, 2023
I really enjoyed the premise and the world building. Fantasy, romance and mystery are my jam and this mashed them all together. Very fun. I read it in one day.
work-does-not-have
February 17, 2023MC Rep: mlm male x mlm male
April 21, 2024
This was so fun and I would absolutely love to see another story in this world. It reminds me of a mix of the Kate Daniels books with some John Scalzi vibes.
June 24, 2024
i really hope this book will eventually have a sequel. i read this so fast and mostly non stop.
May 10, 2025
Solid 4.5 rounding up. Cried a little at the end, but no spoilers.
In the interest of transparency, I was gifted by the author after working with them at an event.
In the interest of transparency, I was gifted by the author after working with them at an event.
March 11, 2022
The good
+ Sergei the ghost bear
+ The description of the chase. I felt the adrenaline Jae felt and couldn't put the book down until it was over
+ Jae's PI friend (Jo?) who had his back when no-one else did
+ Jae's compassion for the extras
+ Jae's PI skills
+ Tail wagging. Cute!
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o They kissed while Czoltan was in his shifted form, and I was not prepared. I have read a lot of weird stuff, but usually I knew what I was getting into. Somehow, I didn't expect it here and it kind of grossed me out? Especially because Czoltan had a human face that could be kissed
The bad
-
- Jae was pretty stupid about leaving Czoltan, especially because he said it was because he was a wolf and couldn't introduce him to his parents, yet kept dating other wolves
- It took really long for the reader to learn why exactly they broke up, and by then it was a little too late for me to start rooting for them before the book was over
- We didn't really get to know Czoltan, so I didn't really feel their connection
This book was alright. I liked the main case and all the PI stuff. Unfortunately, the romance wasn't executed as well. Will there be a sequel to this? I'd like to get to know Czoltan better.
+ Sergei the ghost bear
+ The description of the chase. I felt the adrenaline Jae felt and couldn't put the book down until it was over
+ Jae's PI friend (Jo?) who had his back when no-one else did
+ Jae's compassion for the extras
+ Jae's PI skills
+ Tail wagging. Cute!
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o They kissed while Czoltan was in his shifted form, and I was not prepared. I have read a lot of weird stuff, but usually I knew what I was getting into. Somehow, I didn't expect it here and it kind of grossed me out? Especially because Czoltan had a human face that could be kissed
The bad
-
- Jae was pretty stupid about leaving Czoltan, especially because he said it was because he was a wolf and couldn't introduce him to his parents, yet kept dating other wolves
- It took really long for the reader to learn why exactly they broke up, and by then it was a little too late for me to start rooting for them before the book was over
- We didn't really get to know Czoltan, so I didn't really feel their connection
This book was alright. I liked the main case and all the PI stuff. Unfortunately, the romance wasn't executed as well. Will there be a sequel to this? I'd like to get to know Czoltan better.
July 9, 2022
3.5 stars
*I had the absolute privilege of getting an ARC from the publisher, Argyll Productions, and Netgalley and I could not be more grateful. All thoughts and comments are my own.*
I am always on the lookout for new authors, so when I saw this was a paranormal mystery/romance, I was sold.
Jai is an ex-military Private Investigator with a bound were-bear ghost partner Sergei. When Jai receives a call from his ex-commanding officer with an offer to hire him on a cheating spouse case in Detroit, Jai finds he just can't refuse. The problem is Detroit is where his ex is and so many issues that come with that. Then his ex-c.o. turns out to be hiring him about his own cheating spouse and when he goes to investigate, Jai ends up being the one being hunted.
Overall, the world Susman builds is extremely interesting. The mystery kept me engaged. I wasn't sure where everything was going to end up, but I really enjoyed the ride. This was a clean read, meaning there were no spicy times, which was par for the story. A spicy scene would have been awkward with the general storyline as Jai and Czoltan were largely estranged. I'm sad about it, because I feel the author would be able to write a pretty satisfying scene, but I'm salty and want what I want regardless of whether it makes sense, so don't listen to me.
I will be looking forward to see if the author writes another in this series.
*I had the absolute privilege of getting an ARC from the publisher, Argyll Productions, and Netgalley and I could not be more grateful. All thoughts and comments are my own.*
I am always on the lookout for new authors, so when I saw this was a paranormal mystery/romance, I was sold.
Jai is an ex-military Private Investigator with a bound were-bear ghost partner Sergei. When Jai receives a call from his ex-commanding officer with an offer to hire him on a cheating spouse case in Detroit, Jai finds he just can't refuse. The problem is Detroit is where his ex is and so many issues that come with that. Then his ex-c.o. turns out to be hiring him about his own cheating spouse and when he goes to investigate, Jai ends up being the one being hunted.
Overall, the world Susman builds is extremely interesting. The mystery kept me engaged. I wasn't sure where everything was going to end up, but I really enjoyed the ride. This was a clean read, meaning there were no spicy times, which was par for the story. A spicy scene would have been awkward with the general storyline as Jai and Czoltan were largely estranged. I'm sad about it, because I feel the author would be able to write a pretty satisfying scene, but I'm salty and want what I want regardless of whether it makes sense, so don't listen to me.
I will be looking forward to see if the author writes another in this series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews