You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Amazing as per usual. In love with this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Homophobia, Mental illness, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Self harm, Sexual content, Violence
Thank you to Kara Jorgensen for the eARC !
What a pleasure to meet Oliver and Felipe again in this third book ! It is lovely to see them evolve and get to know each other better, to see them as they learn to deeply trust each other. Especially when family business comes and seeds trouble in their life.
In this book, we follow Oliver and Felipe as they travel to a murder town, a town Oliver knows he comes from, or at least his parents did. He wanted to visit for a long time but always postponed, but when a case presents itself, it is the perfect occasion to learn more about his origins, despite Felipe's reservations.
In fact, Felipe has a lot going on on his side too, also family related stuff. He got a letter from his mother, which prompted an umpleasant reminder of where he comes from and what he had to endure. His memories only get worse when he gets into the murder town.
I won't say much more about the plot, it's better to let it be discovered, but let me say both men have a lot going on, between their past, their families, and the events unfurling around them. Thankfully for them, Gwen is with them and helps a great deal (even though there aren't any vampires).
I loved how much nature there is in this book, despite it being less than friendly. The feel of the town and the various characters added a great sense of atmosphere, and even though the bones of the story are easy to guess and predict, it is well done and entertaining.
Felipe and Oliver's relationship is still as strong and cute as ever, growing steadily into something very solid, put under pressure but only strengthening as events happen.
All in all, a solid read, with minutious historical research !
What a pleasure to meet Oliver and Felipe again in this third book ! It is lovely to see them evolve and get to know each other better, to see them as they learn to deeply trust each other. Especially when family business comes and seeds trouble in their life.
In this book, we follow Oliver and Felipe as they travel to a murder town, a town Oliver knows he comes from, or at least his parents did. He wanted to visit for a long time but always postponed, but when a case presents itself, it is the perfect occasion to learn more about his origins, despite Felipe's reservations.
In fact, Felipe has a lot going on on his side too, also family related stuff. He got a letter from his mother, which prompted an umpleasant reminder of where he comes from and what he had to endure. His memories only get worse when he gets into the murder town.
I won't say much more about the plot, it's better to let it be discovered, but let me say both men have a lot going on, between their past, their families, and the events unfurling around them. Thankfully for them, Gwen is with them and helps a great deal (even though there aren't any vampires).
I loved how much nature there is in this book, despite it being less than friendly. The feel of the town and the various characters added a great sense of atmosphere, and even though the bones of the story are easy to guess and predict, it is well done and entertaining.
Felipe and Oliver's relationship is still as strong and cute as ever, growing steadily into something very solid, put under pressure but only strengthening as events happen.
All in all, a solid read, with minutious historical research !
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
MM, Historical (1890s), PNR, 3rd Dual POV
Status: Non-KU, Same Couple Series, Third Act Conflict -External
Oliver: Autistic, Necromancer, Medical Examiner (Mortuary) for the Paranormal Society, Trained Doctor, 37 Yrs Old, Can Smell Magic, Top
Autism Notes: Social and Communication Differences, Stimming (Pacing, Hand Flapping, Rocking), Sensory Issues, Masking, Straightforward Communication, Acute Senses, Difficulty with Tone, Scripting, Wears the Same Clothes Every Day, Experiences Selective Mutism, Uses AAC (Notes), Sexual Difficulties with Touch, Same Food, Enjoys Routines, Takes Things Literally, Struggles with Change
Filipe: ADHD, POC (Hispanic), 40 Yrs Old, Investigator for the Paranormal Society, Self Healing Ability, In a Lavender Marriage, Has a Teenage Daughter, Greying Hair, Dark Circles Around Eyes, Eats to Fuel His Healing Ability, Bottom,Able to See in the Dark
ADHD Notes: Hyperfocus, Risk Taking, Masking, Excitable, Quick to Anger, Drinks to Cope, Restless, Impulsive, Overfull Pockets,Past Self-harm
Notes: Existing Relationship, Found Family, 1890s New York, Murder Mystery, Magical Bond, Paranormals Out in the Open, Queer-Normative and Gender-diverse Normative Within the Paranormal Society, Investing a Murder Town, Intergenerational Trauma
Sex Notes:Handjob, Blowjob, Thigh Fucking
CWs:Suicidal Ideation, Self-harm (Cutting), Blood, Gore, Violence, Death, Descriptions of Dead Bodies, Autopsies, Anxiety Attack, Historical Period Typical Homophobia, Remembered/Mentioned Child Abuse (Physical, Emotional, Mental), Ableism, Saneism, Medical Procedures, Insects, Mention of Munchausen by Proxy, Nightmares, Sleepwalking, Estrangement from Prejudiced Family
Personal Notes: AuDHD Reader Approved
Status: Non-KU, Same Couple Series, Third Act Conflict -
Oliver: Autistic, Necromancer, Medical Examiner (Mortuary) for the Paranormal Society, Trained Doctor, 37 Yrs Old, Can Smell Magic, Top
Autism Notes: Social and Communication Differences, Stimming (Pacing, Hand Flapping, Rocking), Sensory Issues, Masking, Straightforward Communication, Acute Senses, Difficulty with Tone, Scripting, Wears the Same Clothes Every Day, Experiences Selective Mutism, Uses AAC (Notes), Sexual Difficulties with Touch, Same Food, Enjoys Routines, Takes Things Literally, Struggles with Change
Filipe: ADHD, POC (Hispanic), 40 Yrs Old, Investigator for the Paranormal Society, Self Healing Ability, In a Lavender Marriage, Has a Teenage Daughter, Greying Hair, Dark Circles Around Eyes, Eats to Fuel His Healing Ability, Bottom,
ADHD Notes: Hyperfocus, Risk Taking, Masking, Excitable, Quick to Anger, Drinks to Cope, Restless, Impulsive, Overfull Pockets,
Notes: Existing Relationship, Found Family, 1890s New York, Murder Mystery, Magical Bond, Paranormals Out in the Open, Queer-Normative and Gender-diverse Normative Within the Paranormal Society, Investing a Murder Town, Intergenerational Trauma
Sex Notes:
CWs:
Personal Notes: AuDHD Reader Approved
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I absolutely adore this series, and each book just gets better! The beautifully eerie world, where mystery and the paranormal blend seamlessly, feels almost magical. The meticulous research and rich historical details add such depth and authenticity.
Oliver and Philip are so wonderfully human, with flaws and struggles that make them feel real and relatable. They may get frustrated with each other, but they’re always looking out for each other’s safety and well-being. Their relationship is realistic and endearing, adding a warm layer to the story even when things take a darker turn. These characters have truly become people I genuinely care about.
Oliver and Philip are so wonderfully human, with flaws and struggles that make them feel real and relatable. They may get frustrated with each other, but they’re always looking out for each other’s safety and well-being. Their relationship is realistic and endearing, adding a warm layer to the story even when things take a darker turn. These characters have truly become people I genuinely care about.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The third book in the Reanimator Mysteries series does not disappoint.
When a case may hold a clue to Oliver's past, he, Felipe, and Gwen head to a murder town (much to Felipe's chagrin) to see what is bringing the dead walking in Aldorhaven - and also if/how Oliver is connected to the town.
As they uncover what's happening, they also begin to uncover the truth about where Oliver comes from and why he never got the chance to know his parents.
Felipe, meanwhile, must confront his own past and what family means for him - especially as he and Oliver begin to build a life together.
I really enjoyed this one. It had an excellent mystery and a satisfying emotional arc.
The third book in the Reanimator Mysteries series does not disappoint.
When a case may hold a clue to Oliver's past, he, Felipe, and Gwen head to a murder town (much to Felipe's chagrin) to see what is bringing the dead walking in Aldorhaven - and also if/how Oliver is connected to the town.
As they uncover what's happening, they also begin to uncover the truth about where Oliver comes from and why he never got the chance to know his parents.
Felipe, meanwhile, must confront his own past and what family means for him - especially as he and Oliver begin to build a life together.
I really enjoyed this one. It had an excellent mystery and a satisfying emotional arc.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
If you had told me a year and a half ago that I'd be so invested in a horror-infused romance series centering on necromancy and supernatural magic, I would have been very dubious. But man, do I adore Oliver and Felipe and their macabre world so much. This series has been such an unexpected delight, getting stronger with every entry. This one goes beyond the walls of Paranormal Society and into a creepy, secluded town with a million secrets and a lot of zombies. It felt a lot more plot heavy than the first two books, which are more straightforward mysteries versus this which had several mysteries rolled into one. We get more insight into both MCs' pasts and despite the amount of time they spend steeped in gore, it's so deeply romantic in the ways in which Oliver and Felipe rely on and care for each other. They remain one of my favorite book couples for how open and supportive they are with each other. There is a little more secret keeping than I normally like, but considering it never veers into full blown plot points that derail their relationship or the mystery, I can forgive it. There is so much past trauma on Felipe's end here that is so difficult to read about because you just care so much for him and what a good man he is, but it helps give a lot of context to his actions and his life before Oliver. I kind of hope we see more of that in the next book, as book two had Oliver opening up about his past trauma and the two of them working through it together, and they didn't have a ton of time to do so here with the more pressing mystery plot looming. This book just feels so much bigger than the first two, and it pulls it off nearly perfectly. If I had one gripe, it was that the final big scene felt a bit quick to resolve, and with some big feelings going on I would have liked to see a little more time taken to unveil the scene and take in a few moments. That said, this was just so excellent and engaging and I'm so glad I decided to keep going with the series after an initial lukewarm reaction to book one. I would absolutely read twenty more books in this series. I cried three times reading this and while yes, I'm emotional and cry at a lot of books, this one just had so many moments that really hit. Another step up in an already excellent series.
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
TLDR:
Atmospheric, shiver-inducing, and downright spooky, The Reanimator's Remains rose onto my favorite reads of the year before I even turned the last page. I was riveted from start to finish. If you're looking for a historical mystery for spooky season that also explores generational trauma and queer love with a folkloric twist, look no further.
Full review (light spoilers below):
There are so many things I love about the Reanimator Mysteries series and this book exemplifies many of them. It manages to be both a fantastic example of a mystery novel and to use that format to explore themes of queerness, recovery, and generational trauma at the same time.
Aldorhaven as a setting was deeply unsettling. Like most spooky settings, the visible issues of the risen dead were cloaking a far deeper rot within the town. The Dysterwood and its Lady sent literal shivers down my spine.
Thematically, TRR is so consistent and beautifully composed that it had me reading with my jaw dropped in appreciation. Everywhere we look in Aldorhaven, the past is present—literally, figuratively, emotionally— and it is choking out the future it birthed. It's up to Felipe, Oliver, and Gwen to sort out the past's secrets and come to terms with their own before someone else dies.
Much of the meat of this book is wrapped around Oliver's birth family and circumstances. I want to avoid too many spoilers, so I'll limit comments on that aspect of the book, but suffice it to say, TRR explores intergenerational trauma, power, and queerness in a way that I found deeply compelling.
Although a lot of this book has to do with Oliver's family and his past, there was a satisfying amount of complexity for Felipe as well. In previous books, Felipe forgiving himself for his past has been touched on, but I have been STARVING for a stronger sense of his past and why he is the way he is. This book gave us that. I left with a better understanding of his family dynamic, his personal history, and his relationship with Luisa.
The only element of the book that felt to me like it didn't live up to its potential was Gwen's presence on the trip and her vampire obsession. I LOVED seeing more of her this book, but felt like her presence wasn't as narratively significant as the beginning made me think it would be. I kept hoping her vampire knowledge would come in handy or her presence would fundamentally alter the climax of the book. I shall simply wish for more of her next time, and hold her in my heart until then.
As much as I can't wait for the final book next year, I will be so sad to see the last of these fellas. TRR felt like the strongest book of the series so far— like Mx Jorgensen at their most mysterious, unsettling, and heartfelt. I look forward to seeing where the Reanimator Mysteries takes us next.
Atmospheric, shiver-inducing, and downright spooky, The Reanimator's Remains rose onto my favorite reads of the year before I even turned the last page. I was riveted from start to finish. If you're looking for a historical mystery for spooky season that also explores generational trauma and queer love with a folkloric twist, look no further.
Full review (light spoilers below):
There are so many things I love about the Reanimator Mysteries series and this book exemplifies many of them. It manages to be both a fantastic example of a mystery novel and to use that format to explore themes of queerness, recovery, and generational trauma at the same time.
Aldorhaven as a setting was deeply unsettling. Like most spooky settings, the visible issues of the risen dead were cloaking a far deeper rot within the town. The Dysterwood and its Lady sent literal shivers down my spine.
Thematically, TRR is so consistent and beautifully composed that it had me reading with my jaw dropped in appreciation. Everywhere we look in Aldorhaven, the past is present—literally, figuratively, emotionally— and it is choking out the future it birthed. It's up to Felipe, Oliver, and Gwen to sort out the past's secrets and come to terms with their own before someone else dies.
Much of the meat of this book is wrapped around Oliver's birth family and circumstances. I want to avoid too many spoilers, so I'll limit comments on that aspect of the book, but suffice it to say, TRR explores intergenerational trauma, power, and queerness in a way that I found deeply compelling.
Although a lot of this book has to do with Oliver's family and his past, there was a satisfying amount of complexity for Felipe as well. In previous books, Felipe forgiving himself for his past has been touched on, but I have been STARVING for a stronger sense of his past and why he is the way he is. This book gave us that. I left with a better understanding of his family dynamic, his personal history, and his relationship with Luisa.
The only element of the book that felt to me like it didn't live up to its potential was Gwen's presence on the trip and her vampire obsession. I LOVED seeing more of her this book, but felt like her presence wasn't as narratively significant as the beginning made me think it would be. I kept hoping her vampire knowledge would come in handy or her presence would fundamentally alter the climax of the book. I shall simply wish for more of her next time, and hold her in my heart until then.
As much as I can't wait for the final book next year, I will be so sad to see the last of these fellas. TRR felt like the strongest book of the series so far— like Mx Jorgensen at their most mysterious, unsettling, and heartfelt. I look forward to seeing where the Reanimator Mysteries takes us next.