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Never Hollowed By The Stare
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  • Home
  • REVIEWS+RECS
    • MANGA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • SOUNDTRACK
    • QUOTE
    • TRAILER
    • DESERT ISLAND CASTAWAYS
    • BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
    • Reviews A-Z
    • MINI MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MEMES+TAGS
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    • LAST YEAR I WAS READING
    • FLICKer FADE SUNDAY
    • TAGS
    • MISC POSTS
    • PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
    • FIRST LINES FRIDAY 56
  • TOURS & BLITZES
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  • About + Ratings
    • ABOUT + RATINGS
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  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE BLITZ: Revenge is Sweet by Felice Stevens

    March 7, 2023 / No Comments
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    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Limits And Stakes by Jacqueline Grey (Excerpt & Giveaway)

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  • Uncategorized

    BOOK BLITZ: Moving On by Felice Stevens (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    January 9, 2023 / No Comments
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  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE BLITZ: Moving On by Felice Stevens

    January 2, 2023 / No Comments
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    December 7, 2022
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    BOOK BLITZ: Just One Night by Felice Stevens (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    November 10, 2022 / No Comments
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    RELEASE BLITZ: Just One Night by Felice Stevens

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    NEW RELEASE: Where You Are by Felice Stevens

    August 22, 2022 / No Comments
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    December 20, 2020
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    NEW RELEASE: Unexpected by Felice Stevens

    June 25, 2022 / No Comments
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    December 18, 2022
  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Death Tells A Tale by Felice Stevens writing as A.P. Eisen

    February 18, 2022 / 2 Comments
    59226014. sy475

    The Paul Monroe Mystery: Death Tells A Tale – Felice Stevens writing as A.P. Eisen

    Cliff Baxter is approached with a dream job, but it means time away from the man he loves and the family he’s only just reconciled with. When opportunity knocks twice and another unexpected offer comes his way, he and Paul make a decision neither dreamed possible, changing their lives forever.

    Paul Monroe has everything he’s ever wanted—the man he loves, the respect of his coworkers…everything except the answer to his first murder investigation, the only case he’s never been able to solve.

    Who killed Ginny Sweeten?

    Follow along with Paul and his partner, Rob, as they wade through years-old evidence and piece together Thornwood Park’s most notorious cold case, leading to its startling and unexpected conclusion.


    After dropping that cliffhanger in Book 3, Death Comes To Main Street, A.P. Eisen, also known as Felice Steven, delivers the much-awaited 4th installment, Death Tells A Tale. This is, sadly, also the finale of the gritty but cozy police procedural, The Paul Monroe Mysteries.

    It’s common for mystery series to have the detective face their greatest nemesis at the latter point. Paul and his detective partner, Rob, went back to their very first case upon learning the bastard they had put behind bars was out.

    Both were still green when they worked on Ginny Sweeten’s murder case. With sloppy forensic work done by lazy forensic officials, they barely got a conviction if not for a strand of hair. Now, they needed something more conclusive or else be dinged by technicalities.

    Their investigation opened wounds that never truly healed. Paul and Rob met with the grief-stricken father, the uncaring mother, various schoolmates, and some nasty people. The villain was a piece of work who had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. The bastard managed to form a cult fresh out of prison. He’s a lazy asshole who uses his good looks and considerable charm to con women into doing his bidding.

    The plot is similar to the 3rd book in that the criminal is already known. It’s a matter of proving it. I liked how the plot was executed. It struck a good balance between giving detailed accounts of the investigation and Paul and Cliff’s personal life.

    The mystery was pretty complex and challenging. It went through each step of the investigation while keeping me in the dark until the aha moment. You can feel the stress and frustration as the detectives combed through the old evidence, retracing their steps and trying to find anything they might have missed. I was thoroughly invested in the results because I hated the bad guy.

    However, I echo some issues pointed out by other reviewers. I did find this installment the least intense. The pacing felt a tad slower. There were moments when I was just there for the ride. The resolution of the case also felt unsatisfying. I have commended the series for avoiding grand heroics, yet I couldn’t help wanting a more impactful resolution this time. Especially with the kind of villain it has. Even the conflict regarding Cliff’s job came across as dry. While it mirrors very real career woes, it just doesn’t make for a riveting read.

    Apart from the good mystery, another of the thing that kept me going was my love for the characters. Paul and Cliff had come a long way, and they’re firmly heading for that HEA. They’re proof that you don’t need big fights or miscommunications to make the romance exciting. I loved how happy and healthy their relationship was. And that it also feels real and relatable. This is what makes this noirish series cozy.

    Paul in particular, had grown so much. From a deeply closeted cop to somebody who is infinitely more comfortable in his own skin. And an awesome boyfriend to boot!

    Cliff has always been amazing from the start. He’s a well-respected, uber-competent hotel manager. He handled Paul’s coming to terms with his sexuality in the most-level headed, most understanding and most patient way possible. They’re one of my favorite out-for-you stories.

    Death Tells A Tale wraps up a very enjoyable mystery series. It brings the detectives full circle while inspiring the boyfriends to take the leap forward. There might be some mixed feels and pacing issues, but overall, it’s still quite a tale to tell.

    Rating:
    3.5 Stars – that place between like and love

    Soundtrack: Love Is Stronger Than Death
    Artist: Christian Hovda (orig. The The)
    Album

    P.S.

    Follow Paul as he finds himself with Cliff, stumbles upon dead bodies, catch bad guys and work towards an HEA with his guy in The Paul Monroe Mysteries. The books should be read in order. Check out my review of the first three books below:

    Couldn’t Cheat Death by A.P. Eisen
    Diagnosis: Death by A.P. Eisen
    Death Comes To Main Street by A.P. Eisen


    If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to buy your copy of Death Tells A Tale. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

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  • Uncategorized

    LAST YEAR I WAS READING…(December 22, 2021)

    December 22, 2021 / No Comments

    This meme was created by Reading Marie. It’s a great meme because it’s nice and easy to do.

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    BOOK BLITZ: Night Prince by Felice Stevens (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    November 13, 2021 / 2 Comments
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