Dead in the Water
Author: Hailey Edwards
Reviewer: VampBard
Rating: A+
What I’m Talking About:
You. Guys. I’m not kidding here. I actually growled when one of the kidlets interrupted me while I was reading Dead in the Water. This is Ms. Edwards’ Gemini series, a spin-off of the Black Dog series. Yes. You should probably read the Black Dog series before you read this one. Otherwise, if you go back, you’ll have read spoilers.
Dead in the Water takes place after Old Dog, New Tricks, the fourth title in the Black Dog series. Not gonna lie. I adore Cam and the way she handles everything. Ev.Er.Y.Thing. I am looking forward to learning a TON about her in the Gemini series.
As usual with Ms. Edwards’ books, there isn’t a lot I can talk about without giving away part of the plot. I did love the humor, though.
“You don’t play fair.”
He placed his hand at the small of my back and pressed. “Fair doesn’t taste like bacon.”
I couldn’t argue with that logic.”
Infused throughout the story, humor is what propelled me forward as a reader. Even during dark moments—and they were many—the major characters all seemed to have a sense of humor, even if was self-depreciating.
Graeson, Harlow, and Dell provided support throughout the book. They were absolutely adorable, and I can’t wait to see more of them. Especially Graeson. *rawr* He’s a warg, and they’re wolf shifters. I affectionately call him Hottie McFurpants. I have theories about Cam & Graeson. Oh, yes. Lots of theories. Harlow was a bit of an enigma to me. I want to say she’s a support and a foil to Cam’s professional efforts, but that’s not exactly right. I really liked her as a character, and I want to see how her story turns out. Dell is also a warg, and it was interesting to see her interact with Cam:
“The idea of a random stranger walking up to me one day and saying, ‘Hey, baby, you smell like forever. Let’s do it,’ isn’t all that appealing honestly.”
I’m sure you can see why I liked her sass.
Cam herself is riddled with a past that doesn’t become clear until well into the title. When we finally learn why she’s actually on all these cases for the Earthen Conclave, I’ll admit I had an emotional moment. While Cam is actually pretty independent and self-sufficient, she has strong familial connections. I admire this about her. I hope my kids feel a similar connection to me.
I think this is an excellent addition to the Black Dog universe. We still get to see a myriad of creatures—many of them new—and the world-building and rules of the universe are believable and consistent, given the context. I’m seriously geeked to read the next title in the Gemini series: Head Above Water, slated for release Spring 2016.
My Rating: A+ Personal Favorite
About the Book:
Camille Ellis is the Earthen Conclave’s golden girl. Her peculiar talent solves cases with a touch. She isn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty, but every bright star casts a shadow, and her deepest scars lurk just beneath the skin.
A routine consultation goes sideways when a victim’s brother gets involved in the investigation. Riding the edge of grief, the warg will go to any lengths to avenge his sister’s death. Even if it means ensuring Cam’s cooperation at the jaws of his wolf.
When the killer strikes again, Cam is caught between a warg and a hard place. To save the next victim, she must embrace her past. Even if it means dragging her darkest secrets into the light of day.
Release Date: January 30, 2016
Publisher: Self-Published
Series: Black Dog: A Gemini Book #1
ISBN: 978-1522951407
Genre: Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (186 pages), e-book
Book Source: Author
Purchase Info:
Dead in the Water (Gemini #1)
Reviews in the Black Dog Universe:
Dog with a Bone by Hailey Edwards (Black Dog #1)
Heir of the Dog by Hailey Edwards (Black Dog #2)
Lie Down with Dogs by Hailey Edwards (Black Dog #3)
Old Dog, New Tricks by Hailey Edwards (Black Dog #4)
Stone Cold Fox by Hailey Edwards (Black Dog: A Kitsune Book #1)