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Five Dead Herrings

Quest Investigations, Book 1

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Five Dead Herrings

By: E.J. Russell
Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
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Summary

Something’s definitely fishy about this case….

On my last stakeout for Quest Investigations, I nearly got clotheslined by a grove of angry dryads. I expected my bosses to reprimand me, but instead they handed me my first solo assignment. Me! Matt Steinitz, the only human on the Quest roster!

Okay, so the mission isn’t exactly demanding. Obviously, the bosses wanted to give me something they think I can’t screw up. I’m determined to show them what I can do, however, so I dive right in with no complaints.

At first glance, it looks as simple as baiting a hook: A selkie’s almost-ex-husband is vandalizing his boat with unwanted deliveries of deceased sea life. All I have to do is document the scene, tell the ex to cease and desist, and present the bill for property damages. Boom. Mission accomplished, another Quest success, and as a bonus, I get to keep my job.

But then things get…complicated. Suspicious undercurrents muddy up my oh-so-easy case. Nothing is as clear as it should be. And the biggest complication? My inappropriate attraction to the client, who may not be as blameless as he claims.

Turns out those dead herrings aren’t the only things that stink about this situation.

Dammit.

Five Dead Herrings is the first in the Quest Investigations M/M paranormal mystery series, a spinoff of E.J. Russell’s Mythmatched paranormal rom-com story world. It contains no on-page sex or violence, and although there is a romantic subplot, it is not a romance.

©2021 E.J. Russell (P)2022 E.J. Russell
Fiction Literature & Fiction Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Private Investigators Romance Detective Paranormal Fantasy Boss
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I love the premise of the book – a detective agency for the supernatural. Oh, and they’ve hired that pesky human, Matt, who created such havoc in a previous book. I’d noted him as a secondary character, but’d never envisioned he’d get his own story. Just shows E.J.’s imagination is much better than mine.

Lachlan is a great hero – a selkie with secrets. He’s in the process of getting a divorce, but things go sideways and he winds up hiring Quest to help him solve the riddle of who is leaving stinking herrings on his boat and threatening his livelihood.

Well, Matt’s on the case. Red herrings are, in literary terms, things meant to throw the readers off the scent of solving the mystery in the book. Therefore, the herrings in this story are a bit of an inside joke but also effective – I loathe fish and so was completely empathetic to Lachlan.

Anyway, the mystery was good, the story was good, the main characters made a great couple and, most importantly this was a great way to introduce a new series – I can’t wait for the rest.

Finally – Jordan. Dear, sweet Jordan. I was thrilled to see Quest hiring him – especially after his antics in the woods. I want more of him. In fact, I want him to get his own book!

Greg Boudreaux did a fantastic job narrating and I can’t wait for more stories.

Great new series

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I love how other characters for other books are brought into this book. I Love the character and relationship building. I just love this book! The Audible is great too 10 out 10 highly recommend.

Brilliant

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I love the snarky attitude of Hugh and this style of writing is fun and delightful. I’ve enjoyed the series and will definitely recommend

Great read as usual this is delightful

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Listener received this title free

World building is a skill E.J. Russell has in spades. Another skill of hers that I admire, is her ability to come at that world from all angles, building and deepening it as she goes, while keeping her readers (and listeners) entertained, amased and wanting more. Here she does it again, this time bringing in characters from previous books to start an investigation series, and introducing new, interesting characters.

I am not in love with her introductory use of "Did you notice my thought there, dear reader?", but that, fortunately, doesn't last long. And then it is full speed ahead! I enjoyed myself immensely, and hope to see book 2 in the series soon!

New adventures in a well loved universe!

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Enjoyable story that is well written with likeable characters and good world building. The narration is very good as well.

Enjoyable Story

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