A Quentin Black Paranormal Mystery (Quentin Black Mystery Book 1)

I enjoyed reading this novel so much that I decided to purchase the second one in the series and then after reading the second novel I feel like I was sucker punched.

The first novel is full of romance tension and full of character development and lots of mystery surrounding Black and Doc that I enjoyed the banter. The chase on Black's part was well worth the read but at the end of the novel I was saying, HUH?

The second book took it to a whole different direction with the repeated rape and torture from a deranged psycho wanting Doc who thinks he's in love with her. She escapes from his den of horrors and Black is unable to kill him because the psycho still has his usefulness for Lucky whom we never find out who or what he is that runs Bangkok.

I feel a truly great novel has fallen by the way side and I will not continue to the next novels in the series it's just not worth it! The books are reminding me of daytime soapbox shows. Hated them because of the unresolved story until next time and next time became next time, etc. I will not waste my time and money on novels that will not at least give you some ending, too many cliffhangers!!!!!!

Book 2 I give it one star! A rape victim that is repeatedly raped and torture and behaves as if nothing has occurred at all, really? I'm sorry you lost my after that one.

Jackie

 
Black In White,  A Quentin Black Paranormal Mystery, (Quentin Black Mystery Book 1), JC Andrijeski

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance, Fantasy & Paranormal, Mystery

If you read my reviews regularly you’ll know it’s no secret I adore JCA’s writing style, and the Allie’s War books are one of my all time favourite series. When an author starts a new series I wonder if I’ll like it as much, if it will pull me in. Well, this series ( or trilogy – I need to check that) is another winner for me, though a much lighter feeling read than the AW ones.
I feel that Quentin Black really is a mysterious man, and it’s easy to see why the police, particularly Miri’s friend Nick, are convinced he’s connected in some way. Miri though doesn’t feel he’s the killer, he doesn’t fit the profile she has drawn up in her psychologist role, though he does share some similarities. She can’t tell Nick the real reason she thinks he’s innocent though – that she has other talents that have helped her gain her reputation for reliability. It’s something most people wouldn’t understand, that she has a special insight into people’s minds, and when she meets Black, he talked to her mind to mind. That scared her as its never happened before, and he seems to be suggesting they share some characteristics, as well as telling her he’s not human and talking about other dimensions. Is he just a Psycho/weirdo or is there a nugget of truth in what he says? Miri needs to know more. Its the first time she’s met anyone who can do what she can, and Black seems far advanced. There’s a lot of mystery behind him though, he seems to head a team, have almost limitless wealth and to be able to get his way out of situations such as the one he’s currently in. Nicks determined to pin him for the murders, and yet Black confidently tells Miri he’ll soon be released. Then he is...Nick’s angry and suspicious and Miri – she has to know more.
She can’t let the chance to know more about her gift/talent go – its something she’s always had to hide, as no one would understand and yet Black talks about it as being normal. He can’t believe she knows so little. They’re both a puzzle to the other and want to know more. It  brings her into danger though, going along with him while trying to uncover secrets he’s holding. He’s one of those irritating people who answer a question with a question, and plays her usual psychologist tricks to get answers back on her. She finds an irresistible attraction to him too – despite being engaged, and with her marriage planned for five months time.
Its a fun read, I enjoyed the parallels to the AW series, the way Black talks about sex and shocks Miri, they way I could feel the sensuality between them. ( Though I got horribly hung up on trying to work out how this book could fit into that timeline – I couldn’t make it work :- ) so finally just forced myself to ignore that) For much of the book Miri’s boyfriend is away working so I couldn’t really asses their relationship, but it didn’t seem to have anywhere near the attraction as between Black and Miri.
Its a simpler book, but with the same tight writing as AW, the same sensuality brought in and wrapped up with a solid believable story. Its got a kind of natural break ending, but leaving a huge question I need answering. Its not a complete story but one that clearly continues into further books. Fortunately JCA is a prolific writer and doesn't keep us waiting years for the next part. This has follow up books planned for October and December this year – hurrah, and I definitely  want to read them. I know already this is one for the back to back reading fest once all the books are out.
Stars: A solid five :-)
ARC supplied by author
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Characters are slowly but well developed through the book. The first book in this series gives foundation and background for the main characters; but there is still much details to learn. This technique gives you something to look for in the coming books but not to the point that smothers the actual mystery, suspense. The actual murders are puzzling for the “why,” even though Quentin Black is pretty sure of the “who” as the story develops possibly the “why.” The murders in book 1 are ritualistic, leaving a unique symbol cut into the body with what looks like a possible religious/sect symbol.

Miri Fox is a forensic psychologist and has a gift reading people. Quentin Black is a “seer.” The story is a mystery, a thriller, and lightly science fiction (maybe more Sci-Fi in later books). Miriam Fox has a military background; she works with the local SFPD and a few she worked with in Afghanistan. Black is suspected of being the Wedding serial killer. Miri has a most unusual first face-to-face contact with Black in chapter 2 in an interrogation room.

Miriam Fox and Quentin Black, of course, are featured in each book of the series, but each book has a separate mystery. The relationship between Ms. Fox and Black further develops through the series (sneak peak at description of box set).

The storyline is incredible and intense. The characters are amazing.
Quentin Black is a PI with a secret. This secret leads him into being a prime suspect in a murder investigation!. Miriam Fox is an Forensic Psychologist with the police department. She has a secret of her own. It seems both her and black are psychics. Only there is even a deeper secret about the two.
Miriam's friend Detective Nick is convinced Black is their killer. So he has her check Black out this is when she learns one of Blacks secrets when he speaks into her mind. Nick gets upset at how Black reacts to Miriam as Nick is Miriam's fiancé's best friend. He tells Miriam to stay away from Back only Miriam feels a pull towards him!. Could she have a pull towards a killer or is there something deeper to this case?.
This is such an amazing story with lots of mystery, suspense, action, romance, and even some humor. It is truly fantastic!.

Miri is a psychologist; her diagnostic perception instincts are so on target that her policeman friend Nick sometimes calls her in on tough cases. And when she interviews Quentin Black, who is suspected of being a serial murderer, Miri discovers something unusual about herself; Mr. Black knows something about her that she didn't know. And all the policemen who are watching through the one-way glass cannot tell what is happening. Nick is determined Mr. Black is the killer - Miri does not believe he is. Nick ends up threatening Miri about having any contact with him -he believe Miri knew him before the interview. Nick is wrong

              *** Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review ***
This is the first time reading a novel by this author but not the last and I'm looking to read more. I pulled an all-nighter to read as I could not put it down, eager to know which way I would be taken next. This author definitely have a unique style to her writing which is very descriptive and define. I loved the paranormal/thriller storyline which had many twists and turns that challenge the reader thought pattern. Quentin R Black is a seer and have been the main suspect of being a serial killer, he is mysterious and sex as sin. Miram (Miri) is a forensic psychologist and unknown to her to be a seer. There is instant sttraction between the two of them, but Miram is engaged to Ian, who is a cop trying to solve the serial murders along with a friend, Nick. Nick is solely convinced Quentin is connected to the mystery murders but Miram doesn’t feel he’s the killer, he doesn’t fit the profile in her psychologist role, even if he does share some similarities but you'll be shocked to know who the killer is...There is so much to this story that I'm not willing to tell so get it you definitely won't be disappointed because it leaves you wanting to read the next book.

I really like the characters individually and the underlying concept, however the main love interests, Black and Miri's, lack of communication with each other through all the books in the series so far drives me completely crazy. I keep waiting for it to get better and to learn, along with Miri, how their powers work and what there potential is, but the books never quite get there. Additionally it makes me nuts that they call Miri by the nick name "doc" but then call her "Ms. Fox." If she's truly a psychologist then she must have a doctoral degree in psychology and should be called "Dr. Fox" when referred to formally. The pop psychology analysis she does is also a bit annoying, but not uncommon in paranormal books. That said the storylines have been compelling and I keep reading in the hopes of gaining more insight into their "psychic" or "seer" abilities. I liked the 3rd book best!

This book has something for everybody -- if you like mysteries, scifi, romance, and/or action, check this out! I tend to stay away from series that seem to have crime "episodes," but I gave it a shot and was blown away! The way things unfold piece by piece had me devouring each page, looking for more answers. The description says this is a standalone novel, and it can be, but I'm warning you now you'll want to keep reading to see what happens next in the characters' lives. Very cool premise, well-developed characters, and well written!

A very easy read.
It moves fast.
Short sentences that rush like water over falls, new characters to keep the steadies from even a whiff of stale, and new incidents that pile on old excitements that haven't finished yet.
Lots of mystery.
And love.
And extra-terrestrial and super-psychological quirkiness. (Here's quirking at you.) But told in a right-here, right-now earthiness.
And lots of I, the POV.
When you see this tale, and you can, you'll understand Andrijeski's success.
Yet, "I" might explain a tad too much, and the connections between surprises might stand a little too loose.
A very big triumph nonetheless.
Bravo, Andrijeski, and thank you.

This had me hooked from the very first chapter and just fid not let go!

Quentin Black, a complex, intriguing and totally HOT antihero that you can't help wanting to know more about is paired beautifully with Miriam Fox, a smart, savvy, strong heroine. With rich, complex characters and a wonderfully developed storyline that dribbles out just enough information to keep you hooked and wondering just WHAT exactly Quentin and Miriam actually are.

Intrigue, murders, deception, betrayal, seduction, sex... Black in White delivers! When I finished reading this, the first thing I did was buy book 2 and start reading!

So relieved to have found this series. After a long long time I've come across a great series that I can delve into. Complex characters, well thought out plot, twists at every turn and such confident writing. And really 'hot' romance. I like JC's otherworldly layered style - love everything about it. I'll be reading every one in this series. This is by far the best series out there when it comes to romance with a twist and a touch of the supernatural. Better than many of those mainstream bestsellers people talk about all the time. If you like to be surprised - read this! And buy the rest in the series.

This my first book by author, and I definitely recommend this if you love tons of sexual tension, a super hot alpha male who has some type of paranormal talents, which he spots right away in the heroine , Mirium, a forensic psychologist. There is a lot of "dialogue-ing " ... but it held my interest. I like Urban Fantasy with interesting alphas, and this series may get me hooked.

This book started out well, then about a third of the way in it goes from being paranormal to sci-fi. There mystery aspect was built up, then it felt like the author had reached his/her word limit and had to finish the book as quickly as possible.
If paranormal is your thing, then dont't read this book. On the other hand if you like aliens with horns in inappropriate places, this could be the book for you.

This book was hard to understand at times and confusing. Otherwise it was a good story. I had a difficult time imagining the scenarios as I read and I think some of that was because I'm not familiar with San Francisco (that is where the story was set, right?). Going to read the next book in the series and see if I like it and the characters.

Wow! This is as exciting as it gets. The mysterious Quintin Black says he is an investigator. Mira has some paranormal senses and feels he is more than he is. They both become embroiled in the case of The Wedding Killer and not in a good way. I love the mystery and suspense of this book it keeps you reading until the end and anxious to read the next in the series. I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

Give me a clever mystery that keeps me guessing until the big reveal and I'm in heaven. Bonus points if I'm still guessing at that point. There is so much going on in this book that it's really easy to lose track of what are the important clues. And the chemistry between Miri and Black is pretty distracting too. I'm thoroughly hooked for the rest of the ride now.

I kind of started this series wrong because I read the 5th book first!
I'm liking the way the characters of Black and Miri are being exposed a little at a time. Too bad Ian got away but I'm sure he'll be back in the mix.
I am really impressed with the story and how it is developing. Great job JC !
I was given the book for a honest review.

When is comes to relationships and career choices, Miriam is at the top of the list for a confusing outcome. From a young age she knew there was something different about her. Having to deal with the loss of both her parents and her beloved sister, she is forced to live a closed off life.

Then she met Ian and everything send to be falling into place. She learned to control herself and her emotions and gained some close friends.

Being brought in to consult on the wedding killer case brings new confusion and turns her life upside down. Quentin Black is not what she expected and she can't quite get a read on him.

But their paths are entwined and they will have to figure out where it all comes to.

This is a brilliantly written mystery. The level of character twists, emotion and feelings expressed during the hunt for what is perceived as a serial killed amazed me and hopefully you. As this is one of the best books that I have read this year. Don't miss it

read 47% through. Prologue was promising. goes down hill after that. there is a lot this book is not! not a police procedural--violates interrogation procedures in chapter 1. not a thriller--not a mystery no action, or clues to support either in the Tedious first half of the book. this book is a romance, a lot of tacit begging for sex.--there's an old ethnic joke about begging and jewelry purchases as foreplay. not sci fi. wasted two hours hoping the book would live up to the prologue.
the writing was good in a bad way. Good-- I felt like I was right there with the hero and heroine, the bad --I was a fly on the wall hoping for a fly swatter to put me out of my misery.

Miri is a psychologist; her diagnostic perception instincts are so on target that her policeman friend Nick sometimes calls her in on tough cases. And when she interviews Quentin Black, who is suspected of being a serial murderer, Miri discovers something unusual about herself; Mr. Black knows something about her that she didn't know. And all the policemen who are watching through the one-way glass cannot tell what is happening. Nick is determined Mr. Black is the killer - Miri does not believe he is. Nick ends up threatening Miri about having any contact with him -he believe Miri knew him before the interview. Nick is wrong

I am so displeased with this series and wanted to catch people before they bought any of them based on the ratings. I have no idea where the high ratings are coming from, because this entire series is so so bad. The premise is actually pretty good, but this author has taken it and turned it into something completely unreadable. Save yourself a ton of frustration, time, and money and take a hard pass on these books.

I really enjoyed this book. The writing was clear and descriptive. The characters were well rounded and well fleshed out. The plot was just twisted enough to keep the reader's interested and flowed well. I kinda got the feeling who the bad guy was towards the end before he was id'ed but this didn't hurt the plot. The book is recommend for those who enjoy a good mystery that's fast paced and written for the mature reader.

This my first book by author, and I definitely recommend this if you love tons of sexual tension, a super hot alpha male who has some type of paranormal talents, which he spots right away in the heroine , Mirium, a forensic psychologist. There is a lot of "dialogue-ing " ... but it held my interest. I like Urban Fantasy with interesting alphas, and this series may get me hooked.