A review by geethr75
Five Dead Herrings by E.J. Russell

5.0

 

This is a mystery but is also about finding one's place. 

Matt is a human who accidentally discovers the supernatural world. He used to be a photographer selling photos to a tabloid and have always wanted fairies and other supernaturals to be real. When he realises that the guy he has been crushing on for a while is actually a shifter, his worldview takes a complete turn. 

Except the supernaturals have their own rules about humans, and usually they involve memory modification and being kicked out. Matt somehow, proves an exception and is allowed inside the world of the supes on probationary basis. He has to agree to all sorts of things, and his camera has enchanted lenses to prevent him from selling any pictures he takes in the human world. He's also employed by Quest Investigations, the only investigative agency for the supes who doesn't have any police or other investigative avenues. 

Matt is called Hugh by the supes because he used to be called human like a slur till his boss came up with the creative idea of calling him Hugh Mann, so now he's Hugh in the world of the supes. Matt still carries a torch for Ted, his grizzly shifter crush who's happily married. But all of that changes when he crosses paths with Lachlan Brodie, a selkie who's being harassed by his ex-husband. 

What looks like a simple case of domestic dispute turns out to be anything but, and Matt who is put in charge of the case, has to fight between his own inappropriate feelings for his client and the seeming pack of lies Lachlan has told. 

This was my first book in this universe, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had a feeling that reading some of the earlier books would give more of a background on everything that's happened in the past, but even without it, this is quite an enjoyable read. Matt's enthusiasm for the supes and his realisation that they aren't necessarily better than humans are both so believable and relatable. Matt's struggle with fitting in a world that clearly doesn't want him, and his self-esteem issues in Quest where he feels like he's a useless addition are all brought out very convincingly. 

The world building in this is beautifully done. There's nothing on the nose, but it's a fully realised world of supes with their own rules and hierarchy. 

If you love paranormal mysteries, queernormative societies, slow burn romance, a relatable protagonist and magic, this is the book for you!