by Gail Z. Martin
Series: Deadly Curiosities #1
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Cassidy Kincaide owns Trifles & Folly, an antique/curio store and high-end pawn shop in Charleston, South Carolina that is more than what it seems. Dangerous magical and supernatural items sometimes find their way into mortal hands or onto the market, and Cassidy is part of a shadowy Alliance of mortals and mages whose job it is to take those deadly curiosities out of circulation. Welcome to Trifles & Folly, an antique and curio shop with a dark secret. Proprietor Cassidy Kincaide continues a family tradition begun in 1670—acquiring and neutralizing dangerous supernatural items. It’s the perfect job for Cassidy, whose psychic gift lets her touch an object and know its history. Together with her business partner Sorren, a 500 year-old vampire and former jewel thief, Cassidy makes it her business to get infernal objects off the market. When mundane antiques suddenly become magically malicious, it’s time for Cassidy and Sorren to get rid of these Deadly Curiosities before the bodies start piling up
Deadly Curiosities set in Charleston, South Carolina is the first in the Deadly Curiosities series by Gail Z. Martin. An old school urban fantasy with a Warehouse 13 vibe, this tale was action packed. Filled with magic, supernatural creatures and possessed objects. I quickly consumed this and look forward to reading more.
Five reasons to grab a cup of coffee and curl up with Deadly Curiosities
1. A great setting makes you Squee! I love Charleston, South Carolina and its wonderful history. Martin makes good use of Charleston’s rich history from historical buildings to its history with pirates, slaves and rogues. Our protagonist owns Trifles & Folly an antique curio shop or high-end pawnshop. Not all of the objects passing through her doors are safe to be resold, and I found the details to be fascinating. Martin does an excellent job of providing history and understanding of the world in this urban fantasy. I loved how she tied supernatural occurrences’ to plagues’, hurricanes and unexplained weather phenomena. It was brilliant.
2. Cool characters and spirits! Cassidy Kincade is the owner of Trifles & Folly. The store has been in her family since 1670 and has a dark secret. They acquire and neutralize dangerous supernatural elements. Cassidy is a psychometric. She possesses a unique gift that allows her to read an object simply by touching it. It is not all giggles though as some objects can cause side effects. Teag is her best friend, and bodyguard. As a Weaver, he handles all the research on objects they acquire. For objects that are too dangerous, they call Sorren, a five hundred year old vampire and former jewel thief. Spirits are present and either, aid, or hinder the investigation.
3. Unique, fresh world building excites you. Cassidy draws power from objects like wooden spoons and quilts. It was all very clever. Martin weaves in different cultures, spells to ward off evil and the power of the moon to draw strength. I loved it, and found myself lost in the pages.
4. Intense, action packed tales are you thing. Deadly Curiosities has it all from possessed objects to vicious murders. The tale was clever, and well crafted. Martin brought the battles, and scenes to life from inanimate objects attacking to minions snarling and clawing. It raised the hair on my arms and had me flipping the pages.
5. You do not need a romance to satisfy you. You can be caught up in the characters and mystery without needed a side of swoon. There is no romance, well Teag is in a relationship with a smexy and handsome lawyer who does not quite understand what Teag’s job entails. Deadly Curiosities read like an old urban fantasy where the focus is on the case and I loved every minute of it. This case deals with mundane objects causing problems and vicious murders that could not have been done by something of this world. It was action packed and exciting.
Deadly Curiosities offered so many elements I enjoy from downtown Charleston to old museums with possessed artifacts..it was creeptastic! I look forward to spending more time with Cassidy, Teag, and Sorren.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
jayd
I love your reviews so much. I must admit I judged this book from the cover a little bit and was expecting something that was a lot heavier on the romance, but from your review I can tell its the action-filled type of book I love. Glad you enjoyed this one!
kimbacaffeinate
A lot of people said the same thing, and some even expected a triangle. This was UF all the way. We may see a romance later, but for now it was all mystery, action and paranormal woo-woo!
Stephanie
I’m thinking I need to give your blog a break. Lol! Every time I come over, I’m adding another book to my wishlist.
Thanks for the great review! This sounds like it was a solid and fun read and I can’t wait to pick it up. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
:blinks: Uh-oh. The problem is this..I read many genres and you my friend like them all too. LOL
Vilia
I liked the sound of it from the blurb but now I’m really excited for its release. Psychometry is a pretty cool skill.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Vilia and overall reviews have been strong for this.
Athena
I read this one and just wrote my review. It seems though that we are not on the same page when it comes to this book 🙂 I agree with the unique setting, powers and a lot of action. Still I had some serious trouble finishing this one :/
kimbacaffeinate
i am sorry Athena. I loved the old school urban fantasy feel of this.
Berls
I had to wait until I’d written my review (just finished this book 2 days ago) to read yours – but I wrote it yesterday – and I really agree! I loved the setting! And it totally worked for me in the creepy factor. I have to admit it lulled for me at points, but overall I really enjoyed it. Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
So glad you enjoyed this too. I think it was a great start.
Michelle
First time coming across this book. I want to try reading a book without romance! That’s your point number 5 there. I’m definitely curious.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, no romance and it allows the plot and characters to develop differently. Personally I do not need one in Urban fantasy, thrillers, horror or mystery.
Jessica
I love Charleston too, and as much as I like romance, if the characters and the story are enough without it, I can get by just fine. REALLY looking forward to this one. I think I’m finally going to read it this weekend 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I can wait on the romance, and who knows maybe further into the series we will see on develop but this was solid and interesting!
sherry fundin
Great review and it sounds like a great book!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Sherry I was pleased and excited for more!
Paij Slater
What a great review. I cannot wait to read it!
kimbacaffeinate
Squee! I look forward to your thoughts on it Paij
Christy
This is adult, yes? It looks good. And I actually really like this type of book without romance. I just need good chemistry between the characters regardless of their relationship.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes adult and fantastic my friend!
ShootingStarsMag
Oh, this sounds great!! I really want to read more urban fantasy, and I love that this book doesn’t focus on romance. I don’t mind a good romance, but it’s nice to get books that focus on other aspects of the plot too.
kimbacaffeinate
I really enjoy Urban Fantasy and need more of it in my book diet, so I was excited. Hope you pick it up Lauren 🙂
Cyn
I’m always looking for awesome urban fantasy with cool settings! I am a little sad that there isn’t much for romance, haha, but I’m glad to hear it’s so action packed that you don’t really need it! Thanks for the review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I actually welcomed the no-romance, but would be ok if something developed further down the line.
laura thomas
You sold me on this one 5 times!
I’ve not been receiving email notifications for your posts. Yours and a bunch of others. I’ve missed so much! I hear this is happening to a lot of bloggers. I’m making a list of blogs I follow so I can hop over to comment and catch up.
kimbacaffeinate
I know that people with yahoo and hotmail had issues, and need to change preferences in their mailbox settings. I am not sure about smaller email systems. gmail accounts haven’t been impacted. I follow blogs with bloglovin and visit it daily.
laura thomas
That’s what I’m doing now! I get a bulk email with bloglovin and just click away to go visit !
Franny
Oh, this sounds like an exciting read! I love a mystery every once in a while, and your review surely makes me want to get this book!
kimbacaffeinate
This was so good from the setting to the woo-woo Franny!
blodeuedd
I like her fantasy books so I would try this one 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I can totally see her writing fantasy, she can build a world and flesh it out.
Katherine
This sounds fun! I love books set in Charleston and I love the idea of the curio shop with the supernatural twist.
kimbacaffeinate
The shop was cool, and so was the investigating aspect
Melissa (Books and Things)
There is no part of this review I don’t like. This is so calling me. I need to pick up this series ASAP. I always need a good UF. I don’t need romance all the time. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Neither do I Melissa, and I loved everything about this!
Kimberly
I’ve been hearing such awesome things about this one too, I think I might just have to convince the mister to buy it for me lol. Glad you loved it and found a new series to enjoy
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Kimberly, I am excited to read more!
emaginette
Oh! I’m looking forward to this 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy it was fantastic
Lily
Okay i immedinately loved the cover when i saw this one but your review makes me really want to give it a go. LOVE LOVE LOVE how theres an actual plot to this book and how there’s plenty of action! I also love that the romance isn’t the focal point of the story either but you can still enjoy it! GREAT review Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Lily, this was cool!
Kimberlybuggie
This sounds awesome! I like it that there’s not a lot of romance in it and the plot can focus on the action. I’ve heard good things about this book from multiple readers so I may give it a try. I’m not sure if I really want to start a new series right now (I have so many to finish!) but you make it sound good!! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did Kimberly!
Nick
I looked at that cover and was ready to dismiss the book because I thought it had a love triangle, but your last point about the romance calmed me down. This sounds like a fun UF read, Kim. I especially like that the romance is not the focal point of the story.
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
Nope no triangle.
kindlemom1
Ooo a new UF to check out! I like the sound of this one Kim.
kimbacaffeinate
Glad you are interested, I enjoyed it Ali:)
Dre
I can’t remember the title of the book I read a few years back, where the female main character can control the weather, and the male has powers, too. It was in the middle of Arizona, I think..GAH, I can’t remember. But this reminds me of that story. I am not a huge reader of UF, but I like discovering new ones to read. It makes me deadly curious 😛
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo that sounds cool.
Stephanie Faris
Charleston has to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed it is beautiful!
Debbie Haupt
Ooh Kimba this is going on my list and straight to the top
Thanks for the GREAT review.
Plus Love Lowcountry novels whether they’re supernatural or not
thanks
deb
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Debbie!
kim { Book Swoon }
Yay, I’m excited that you liked this one so well! Warehouse 13 vibe sounds like something I would love, and the Charleston setting and magical objects are exactly what I was hoping for in this book. Thanks Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Kim, I hope you get a chance to read it!
Chene Sterckx
Oooh this one sounds awesome and right up my ally 🙂 I’ll be adding this on goodreads for sure! Great review Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Chene!
Livia
Iiiih, Warehouse 13!! I loved it!! This sounds like a really interesting read for sure, a series I’ll keep my eye on. I mean, I don’t always wanna read a romance, though okay, I mostly do 😀
Loved the 5 reasons!
kimbacaffeinate
We love the show too Livia enjoy!
Jenea
A Warehouse 13 vibe, you got my attention for sure. Love that show! Just went and added this one and there is also a giveaway on Goodreads. Maybe I will win! 😉 Wonerful review!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, good luck on the giveaway!
Shy
I loved this one too Kim. As I am a Charleston native I think she did a great job on describing the city. I can’t wait until next year for the next one.
kimbacaffeinate
So glad you loved it Shy and felt she did Charleston justice!
tonyalee
I love the sound of this one! As for the romance, I am okay with no swoon in urban fantasy, because there is so much else going on! Def adding this one 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I totally agree about the romance..and this plot is action packed!
Mary
The setting’s the reason I was first drawn to this story — I love Charleston! Of course, Gail Martin’s a wonderful writer. And I’m okay with no romance, as long as the story keeps me interested.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Mary, I think you will enjoy this one based on reviews I have read of yours.
Amir
I love the fact that there is no romance, a big reason why I adore Anne Bishop’s Written in Red is the lack of it because you don’t need romance to make a book interesting, often times it even takes away from the book’s main premise. This sounds intriguing and the first in the series woohoo, I don’t read UF much but I would definitely check this one out! Awesome review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you give it a try and gads I love Written in Red!
Anya
I’m so excited for this one! I picked it up at BEA and keep seeing great reviews, score!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, and I am delighted to hear others liked it.
Rashika
SOLD!
Although admittedly I am worried.. so long as she remains in a relationship with said handsome lawyer, I don’t think I should have any problems though!
Yay for the great setting though! 😀 I am pretty sure I read and enjoyed another book that was set in Charleston so I am definitely excited to see how this one will turn out.
Fantastic review, Kimba!! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo now she isn’t in any relationship. Teag is. He is dating a very sexy and handsome lawyer.
Red Iza
It looks absolutely great, thanks for the review (one more on my list !) 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Happy to feed your book addiction 🙂
miki
i really hope i will get to read this one because it’s on my radar since i heard of it and from your review i won’t be disappointed
kimbacaffeinate
I was pleased Miki, and look forward to the next book 🙂 Enjoy!
Maddy
I’m glad you enjoyed the world building and the characters! Its just amazing to have a breath of fresh air come by you in the form of a good and smoldering novel. I’m glad the romance was not a huge deal and the mystery was taking centre stage here, and so happy that you enjoyed it!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, no romance for our protagonist 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
I love that Cassidy’s ability is so unique. Now that is something worth reading. This is the fourth awesome review of this book I have seen. yay.
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet Jennifer, I haven’t read any reviews and I am glad to hear others loved it too!
Siiri
I love fascinating settings too so yay for this 🙂 “She possesses a unique gift that allows her to read an object simply by touching it.” Oh, well, this reminds me of um. Gwen from the Mythos Academy series (as well as Gin from The Elemental Assassin series) by Jennifer Estep. Lol! I totally thought based on the cover that there’d be a love triangle or something. Glad to hear that there is not 😀 Thanks for a great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I am glad you have come across similar abilities. I quite enjoyed this Siiri
kate
This sounds intriguing and unique, just my type of urban fantasy. A psychometric as the main character, I think I haven’t read that one before, looking forward to reading this. Great review, I’m always on the look out for new ones to read, I’m going to add this in my tbr pile.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Kate, I always enjoy UF, and this is well done
Melliane
Everyone is loving this one and now I’m so sad I didn’t ask for it. I don’t know why but I thought it wouldn’t be for me and as I have many ebooks to read I just passed. *sigh* I want it now!!!!
kimbacaffeinate
I have been there done that. Hopefully you will snag a copy and enjoy it as much as I did.