Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Point Blank
SERIES: Badlands #6
AUTHOR: Morgan Brice
PUBLISHER: Darkwind Press
LENGTH: 220 Pages
RELEASE DATE: June 7, 2023
BLURB:
Sexy psychic Simon Kincaide and skeptical homicide detective Vic D’Amato are getting married–if the ghost of a murderous magician doesn’t get them first!
Simon and Vic’s wedding is just a few weeks away, and they’re hoping for a little peace and quiet to wrap up work before their honeymoon, but nothing ever goes that smoothly.
Strange circumstances around the death of a retired stage magician suggest supernatural involvement, bringing Simon in on the case. The dark secrets of a long-ago resort hotel lead to a trail of unsolved cold cases that have a chilling similarity. Old scandals, malicious magic, and vengeful spirits expose a web of lies, deceit, and death that is headed for a reckoning.
Can Simon and Vic solve the murders, stop the ghosts, keep Simon’s mother from crashing the party, dodge last-minute wedding disasters, and still make it to the altar on time? Or will the shadows of Myrtle Beach’s haunted past ruin everything?
Point Blank is a fast-paced thrill ride MM paranormal romance packed with supernatural suspense, sinister sleight-of-hand, mysterious monsters, psychic visions, hot men, hurt/comfort, loyal friends, wedding planning, found family, ghosts galore, dark magic, and an evolving, established romantic relationship with all the feels.
REVIEW:
Years ago, a swanky hotel for the rich and famous went bust. With its anniversary approaching and associated antique items appearing all over the place – ghosts are disturbed. All is not well, and the extra activity is doing a number on Simon’s psychic abilities. When a former magician dies under suspicious circumstances, Simon is brought in to help his fiancée, Vic, with the case. The question is whether Vic and Simon can solve all the mysteries before their wedding – will they even survive that long?
Point Blank is book 6 in the Badlands series and can be read as a standalone. I am a fan of Morgan Brice’s writing. I like it because the stories take me into a world of the supernatural, where logic and mystery work together, providing an engaging tale that keeps me eagerly turning the page.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Vic and Simon. Worldbuilding gave me sufficient imagery to picture the scene without going OTT, which suited my reading tastes. I also enjoyed how enough backstory was provided for the emotions displayed while not losing the story focus on the main arc or going off on a tangent.
I felt as though I journeyed with the characters because I was taken through the investigation process, theorizing, visits, revelations, actions, and dangers associated with solving the case. Vic and Simon’s loving established relationship came through in every activity – including their wedding jitters and organizational hazards. The author’s vision for the wedding also came over nicely, too.
The extended cast complimented the story without overshadowing the main characters. I particularly liked Vic’s police partner, Ross, and the D’Amato brothers – they were a riot.
I think the paranormal danger could have gone up an extra notch. What can I say? I love angsty drama. Nevertheless, I still found Point Blank a grassroots investigative pleasure to read and a worthy addition to my Morgan Brice library.
RATING: 
BUY LINK: