Lowdown Pawn Shop Leprechauns
Author: Shawntelle Madison
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B
#TBRChallenge
- August’s Theme is “Tropetastic” – I did not follow the theme
- On TBR since the author announced the book 2 years ago, preordered and purchased.
- Why I selected it: It’s been two years since the previous book, and I have wanted to read it since it came out in May.
What I’m Talking About:
Lowdown Pawn Shop Leprechauns continues the story of Natalya Stravinsky, a werewolf with a significant OCD disorder, who is marked by She Who Always Walks the Path, aka the Huntress Diana. The story picks up after the conclusion of the previous book, with Nat required to work for a grumpy Leprechaun, purchasing five items of his choosing for his pawn shop. Although she’s doing this job, Nat continues to work for Bill the Goblin at The Bends, as well as managing her mental health and position as the alpha’s mate. Based on the continuing nature of the urban fantasy series, I highly recommend readers start with the first book in the original series.
Overall, I continue to enjoy the Flea Market Magic series. I adore Nat. She’s imperfect and a work in progress. I like that she continues therapy and working on herself, although I felt this aspect of the series is lacking during Lowdown Pawn Shop Leprechauns. I love her relationship with Thorn – how supportive he is. I wish we had more time with the pair, because he’s a great match for Nat.
There are three main plot threads in Lowdown Pawn Shop Leprechauns. The first is Nat’s work for the leprechaun. I like that Nat uses the help of her friends and pack mates, and through being herself – a kind and honest werewolf – she can succeed. That said, I’m not sure how much these tasks added to the overall storyline. Based on the title of the book, I would have thought this would be the primary storyline, however, it felt more like a pleasant distraction from the other plots (Bill’s store, Diana coming for Nat).
In what I would consider the more dominate plotline, something is up with The Bends. There is a curse causing the supernatural items to act wonky, and it seems to be spreading to other stores. Additionally, one of Bill’s new interns is found murdered. I liked this story, but because of the leprechaun story, it felt disjointed. I didn’t fully understand why the curse is placed on other stores. I also thought it is a bit “dishonest” of Bill, who is often missing and doesn’t respond to Nat’s texts, to keep his employees (namely Nat) in the dark over some information that would have gone a long way to help solve the case. I would have liked more of this storyline, seeing Nat in her element, instead, it seemed like she was barely there and being replaced by interns.
The final primary storyline continues Nat’s fight with She Who Always Walks the Path. She’s being hunted by the goddess, and Nat is worried for her family and friends. She lets others believe all is good and that she’s safe, but she’s plagued by nightmares. Honestly, I wish I remembered more of this story from previous books, so I don’t know that I experienced the full emotional impact of what was happening to Nat. I do love how her family continues to rally around Nat, and I liked the direction this story takes.
Lowdown Pawn Shop Leprechauns continues several threads started in prior books, some of which conclude within the book. As I mentioned, I don’t recall much from earlier in the series, and while I had no trouble following the events within this book, the missing information left me feeling a bit unfulfilled. I may need to re-read the series before picking up any future titles.
My Rating: B
Jen
About the Book:
Werewolf Natalya Stravinsky might lose herself in a New Jersey shopping binge before she can get herself out of her this latest conundrum.
After uncovering the true thief for the demons at the ceramic mart, Nat should prop her feet up and take a long rest with her mate Thorn, but instead, a sleazy leprechaun strong-arms her into yet another task. Nat must purchase five magical products for his pawn shop in a month or she’ll end up as his indentured servant for good.
Nat just wants to fulfill her side of the bargain and get out, but before she can do so, all hell breaks loose. The mystical merchandise she purchased begins to infect the supernatural marts in South Toms River, causing chaos and death among the customers. Now, Nat must discover the culprit behind the tainted goods, or this quest could easily be her last.
Release Date: May 30, 2023
Publisher: Valkyrie Rising Press
Series: Flea Market Magic #3 (Coveted Series #6)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (208 pages), e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)
Reviews in the Series:
Bitter Disenchantment by Shawntelle Madison (Coveted #0.4)
Collected by Shawntelle Madison (Coveted #0.5)
Coveted by Shawntelle Madison (Coveted #1)
Kept by Shawntelle Madison (Coveted #2)
Compelled by Shawntelle Madison (Coveted #3)
Thrift Store Trolls by Shawntelle Madison (Flea Market Magic #1 / Coveted #4)
Deceptive Dime Store Demons by Shawntelle Madison (Flea Market Magic #2 / Coveted #5)