Death of a Fairy Tale

The Mari Fable Mysteries, Book 1

By: Emily Fluke

Narrated by: Suzanne T. Fortin

Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Mom life. Mystery. Magic.

Send cheesecake and a lot of coffee, because I swear I just heard a wolf’s howl in the middle of San Francisco.

I was a skeptic about the supernatural…until my baby's birth sparked storybook murders around the city and each body led closer and closer to my grandma’s house.

As an investigative journalist, I’ve solved a lot of mysteries, but now I’m a sleep-deprived mother. I have no clue how to balance my baby in one hand and my job in the other while I hunt a supernatural stalker. Can I find the killer and uncover the truth behind these children’s stories before dark fairy tales determine my daughter's fate?

To-do list:

1. Nurse my baby.
2. Investigate fairytale murders
3. Save our family from the wolf.

Chock-full of classic stories, murder, and sarcasm, Death of a Fairy Tale is a gripping urban fantasy. For fans of The Dresden Files, Once Upon a Time, Supernatural, and Grimm.

©2023 Emily Fluckiger (P)2024 Emily Fluckiger

Intriguing Premise

~Disclaimer: I received a free audio-book copy of this book.~

This book certainly bursts onto the scene with a captivating premise. Mari's journey, beginning with the birth of her daughter and escalating into a whirlwind of odd occurrences, sets the stage for an intriguing exploration. Parenthood, as Mari discovers, is far from what she anticipated, yet her determination to navigate the peculiarities around her, fueled by her journalistic instincts, adds depth to the narrative.

The dynamic between Kai and Mari is a highlight, offering a refreshing portrayal of a couple navigating both the ordinary and the extraordinary. Mari's candid reflections on new motherhood inject authenticity into the storyline, while the sprinkling of humor provides moments of levity amidst the unfolding mysteries.

However, my feelings towards this book are oddly mixed. Despite enjoying certain aspects, I found myself less engrossed than expected. Perhaps my affinity for fairy tales, fantasy, and strong female leads led to heightened expectations. Nonetheless, while the book didn't fully capture my attention, I didn't struggle to reach the conclusion.

The ending, with its promising setup for a sequel, leaves room for further exploration, although I remain uncertain about delving into the next installment. While the book held moments of undeniable intrigue, it ultimately left me with a sense of ambivalence regarding its overall impact.

Unique Twist on Fairy Tales

This was such a unique and captivating twist on fairy tales! I absolutely loved that the main character was a mom (because I can relate, haha), and the whole story was fast-paced and fantastic. It was full of mystery and twists I didn't see coming. I can't wait to read the next book!

Motherhood & Monsters

First to be fair I was given this book to listen to.

I love audiobooks and fantasy so I was all in when given this opportunity. Listening to books while working is the only way I can get through my day. I was able to listen to this one in a day and half. Its a great length and the narrator did an amazing job.

About the story, I will say that I had my moments of confusion, about what was happening and how it got to some spots. Especially in the beginning. BUT... the realness that was brought into this story about being a new mom, was SPOT on. Mom brain is a thing and this mom in the book had it. Which is probably why I was just as confused as the character. She really hit the nail when it came to that. The main character was a scattered brain new mom, in a man's world, but a supportive husband that her is her own mother's favorite... well it can be all too relatable. There are some side stories that were missing, but I am hopeful that we will get the answers we need in the next book(s).
No spoilers, it is a great book to listen to. I will be listening again, I know I missed somethings. There are so many twists and turns that there is a potential to have a long series.

An enchanting read!

This was a very fun story, I easily slipped into chaos the character was feeling.
The husband is great, I love him - I do wish we got deeper into the relationships of the other characters, they’re all very interesting.

Loved this and will absolutely recommend!

This story is not bad

I had to constantly ask myself though, what kind of mother is constantly brining her infant to crime scenes and then using it as bait. That really took me out of the story in every sense, since I could not suspend my disbelief.

A Cozy Fantasy with Mysterious Paranormal Element

I finished Death of a Fairy Tale (Mari Fable Mystery 1), by Emily Fluke and narrated by Suzanne T. Fortin. There are so many ways to describe this book. It doesn't really fit into one genre. I would classify it as a fantasy cozy mystery, but it's also a fairy tale retelling with a paranormal element.

The story got off to a fast start, then slowed down a bit. Then it really picked up and I was fully invested. The main character is a new mom, so it shows how she balances motherhood with sleuthing when strange things begin to happen immediately after her baby is born. I'm not a mom, except to my two cats, but I could still appreciate her perspective. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. If you were a fan of the television series Once Upon a Time, I think you'll enjoy this book. I definitely want to continue the series.

Thank you to Emily Fluke for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.

Great Listen

I was given this book for free,

This is a great listen and narration is good as well.

Nice twist with mystery and fairy tales

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed all the little hints through out of potential other story lines that will be fairy tales. I will say I could see how this may be more relatable for women who have experienced child birth because of all the referencing of breastfeeding and the struggles of a new mother, which I could totally relate! There is mention of wanting to do her job but also wanting to be a good mom, sort of that mom guilt we all go through. I appreciate the modern twist to the old school classic fairy tales and would love to know what’s next for her!

Thrown into the deep

This story isn’t for me alas.
It’s the kind of story that throws you into the deep, letting you figure out everything ‘on the go’.
The story opens with a big chaotic ‘changing event’, but this didn’t land with me at all, because you don’t know what has changed.
You don’t know what the world is like and you don’t know anything about the main character.
No explaining, no time to bond with the main character. Even when things slow down in the story, I didn’t feel invested in the main character, grounded in this world or engaged in the story.
I listened to 2 hours and then had to stop. Nothing about this story or writing style appealed to me (I am a fan of urban fantasy, so that’s not it)
Narration was ok, but not great.

I got this Audio Book for free (thanks!). I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
Opinions and ratings are my own and not influenced by how I got the Audio Book.