Diabolical Sword: An Urban Fantasy Mystery

Melissa Erin Jackson

Nov 2021 · Ringtail Press

About this ebook

Enjoy the first book in this fun, mystery-focused urban fantasy series today

A sentient sword. An artifact collector. A whole world of trouble.

My name is Harlow Fletcher, and I’m a charm collector.

As the daughter of bounty hunters, I know more about the criminal underbelly than the average citizen of Luma, California. But when Dad’s work got him killed, and Mom went on the lam, I swore off the profession for myself. Instead, I use my knack for finding rare artifacts—namely illegal magic-laced weapons—to sneak into criminals’ homes after the police have carted them off for their latest infractions. Once I’ve helped myself to the contraband, I sell it to the highest bidder.

While looting my latest victim, I find a gorgeous sword. I immediately regret my decision to steal it. The weapon is alive. It’s lightning-quick, has an anger management problem, and refuses to be left behind. Days later, I count my lucky stars when it takes off on its own.

In less than twenty-four hours, the police are at my door accusing me of murder. While pleading my case, the diabolical sword floats into my apartment, covered in blood. Now we’re on the run, with bounty hunters and government-trained feline shifters hot on our trail. Proving my innocence is going to be a hell of a lot harder with the sentient murder weapon by my side—especially when I might be next on its hit list …

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Content Warning: Adult language

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KEYWORDS: urban fantasy, contemporary fantasy, elves, elf, vampires, vampire fiction, magic, paranormal mystery, hidden city, magical sword, sentient sword, fantasy mystery, amateur sleuth, female protagonist, woman of color, supernatural suspense, paranormal suspense, supernatural mystery, supernatural thriller, supernatural mystery, fantasy series, mystery series, urban fantasy series, first book, series starter, sorcerers, witches, goblins, urban fantasy series

Ratings and reviews

The author spent time building this world for the reader. It took a bit of time to get there, I must say, but it helps considering all the magical creatures thrown in and the connectedness of them all in that world. Harlow Fletcher is our charm collector (thief of magical objects) in question and on a job one night she picks a sword - or the sword picks her - and her life goes sideways from there! I liked Harlow. Just a regular chick trying to keep it going in a world where she was all alone, except for her bestie, Kayda. Loved all the supporting characters, in particular Caspian and Welsh. A decent job was done with dialogue in general, but especially between Caspian, Welsh and Harlow. And that sword, it was every bit as strong a character as everyone else. It had a fiery personality that really came through. So did its affection for Harlow, and hers for it. I soooo enjoyed when it made its feelings known. Kayda found that out...haha! Again, there's a fair amount going on here, but care was taken to build the story, so it wasn't overwhelming. Overall, an entertaining read. Looking forward to the next phase in the story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

a sword that can kill of its own accord. is there any safe path with the sword along? intriguing action and drama I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This book is so worth the read. I could not put this book down. The characters are absolutely wonderfully created along with a well crafted storyline. It is amazing all that a sword can create such havoc not only on the town, but also on an individual's life. Most importantly this book features a person of color as the main character. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

About the author

Melissa lives in Northern California with her boyfriend and way too many pets. She divides her time between operating a dog walking business and writing. She (mostly) writes paranormal mysteries. Some of them are very cute and some of them are very creepy. You can find all of her books in ebook, paperback, and audio formats.

You can get in touch with her at the following sites:

Website/Mailing list: https://melissajacksonbooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterMsJackson

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-erin-jackson

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/inkscape