Assassin by Accident

Carnival of Mysteries

By: E.J. Russell

Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux

Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

If a megalomaniacal earth mage kidnaps your little sister, do you:

A) Kill him

B) Kill him

C) Kill him

D) Magically indenture yourself to him to ensure her safe return

Welsh water horse Nevan Quirke would have happily opted for A, B, or C but had no idea where his sister was hidden—so, option D it is. He’s not a fool, though. He made sure to limit his obligation to a single task.

Unfortunately, he neglected to nail down a few tiny details before the geas brand was seared into his skin, and now:

A) He can’t shift

B) He can’t swim

C) He can’t drink

D) If he fails, he’ll be bound to the mage for eternity

Oh, and that task? Assist in an assassination.

If only he weren’t so thirsty.

And if only his partner for the heinous job weren’t the most appealing man Nevan has seen in his entire thousand-year life.

Assassin by Accident takes place in E.J. Russell’s Mythmatched universe and is part of the multiauthor Carnival of Mysteries series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book features grumpy sunshiny, hurt comfort, mistaken identity, opposites attract, unexpected derring-do, and of course an HEA—no matter how little the men in question think they deserve it.

©2023 E.J. Russell (P)2023 E.J. Russell

This is necessary reading for the universe

First off, this story is enmeshed with the Quest Investigation series and I suggest reading those to have a good foundation for this one.

I also suggest reading all the quest investigation series and this one in audio as Greg B was absolutely fabulous.

In fact, I recommend reading all the books in this world as the people from those showed up at the end and one might be confused.

So in here we meet Nevan the magical water horse who is supposed to meet up with an assassin as he has been bound to an evil mage who kidnapped his sister.

Instead of the assassin, he meets Seb who is a nanny.

Right off the back the shenanigans ensue and these two adorable mcs fall immediately for each other.

I was so happy to get more Jordan time, please please please let me have his HEA.

From the epilogue of this tale, I am going to assume we will have more stories involving Nevan, well at least I hope so.

Also this was closed door sex scenes which I only accept from this writer.

complex and fun

Greg Boudreaux's Nevin is drool- worthy! When I first read it, I could not hear Nevin's accent but this was amazing.
For a book that starts out as practically a comedy of errors.. if a rather dark comedy, the story and characters are very rich, but that is to be expected in this world that Russell has created. This world is complex and flushed out and filled with fascinating and in depth people. If you have read more in this world you may recognize many of the characters Seb and Neven run into but if you haven't you the story is not lessened for it.
Seb and Neven's story was so much fun and filled with action. Neven completely deserves someone who will care and live him as he is.

Magical

As with all of Russell’s books in this wondrous magical universe she’s brought us- this book is fun, romantic and beautifully written. And with Greg’s insane talent and amazing voice it only brings more magic to the series! Love so much! Can’t wait for more ❤️

Fantastic Romp

Assassin by Accident written E.J. Russell and narrated by Greg Boudreaux was a fantastic romp through the Carnival of Mysteries; as well as E.J Russell’s Mythmatched universe. While a standalone story, it made me want to dive into all of past stories I might have missed! Great characters, engaging plot, and superb voice work by Greg Boudreaux.

Fits both the Carnival of Mysteries and the Quest Investigation world.

This made me so happy. I love the worlds Russell has created and found the storyline most satisfying. I would recommend reading the books from this world ( starting with Cutie and the Beast) in order to appreciate all of the layered world building and interconnected characters. A must read for fans of E J Russell.
As always, Greg Boudreaux adds that extra awesomeness that he excels at.
I will repeat the listen in days to
come.

Mistaken identity leads to love and saving the day

E. J. Russell delivers a fun, amusing, endearing couple with an ensemble of side characters - both old favorites and new acquaintances. Greg Boudreaux brings the world to life, with accents, heartstrings and humor. The story is a lighthearted adventure to stop a villain and save a child, with love along the way. Enjoyed every minute of it.

Another fun mythical m/m romance from Russell

I’ve enjoyed every story from E.J Russell and this is no exception. I rate this a 4 of 5 because it is best enjoyed if you’ve read or listened to the 9 other stories which introduce the tertiary characters. Some readers my find it challenging or confusing if they read this as a ‘stand alone’ but then are introduced to something like 20 other characters.

This story is a bit of a love letter to E.J. Russell fans- you get a tiny update on characters you fell in love with in past stories. For new readers, I recommend checking out the authors other stories, starting with ‘Cutie and the Beast’.

Fabulous Folklore Fun!

There is so much intricate mythology and world building in this series. In this one we actually get appearances from some of E.J. Russell's other audibles as well as weaving into the Carnival of Mysteries series. If you get the chance even though you can listen or read this one as a standalone romance, I highly recommend listening to all of the series in order for enhancement of the fun and character understanding. Seb and Nevan are such sweeties, and it is a fun adventure as they grow close and start trust and love each other! Greg as always brought out all the special voices and accents of these unique characters!

Loved it!

I am a huge fan of the Myth-Matched universe already and this one was particularly good. After a case of mistaken identity, Seb and Nevyn have to prevent an assassination attempt and save Nevyn’s sister and have quite the misadventure in the process! This was so good and I loved the cameos by some favorite characters. Go Doop! Greg Boudreaux outdid himself with these voices and really elevated this audiobook to the next level. He is one of the best voice actors out there!!! Highly recommend this romp. It has quite the happy ending too. 🥰

Fabulous continuation of Mythmatched World!

Great book that continues the story of EJ Russell’s Mythmatched/Quest Investigations series *and* is part of the multi-author Carnival series as well. As usual, tons of well-researched mythic and folkloric info woven seamlessly into the storyline, along with Russell’s trademark smart writing, wry humor, and occasional snark. Bonus Jordan and Doop appearances! Greg Boudreaux hits it out of the park (as usual) with his narration and handles the various accents beautifully.