Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Last Resort
SERIES: Treasure Trail #3
AUTHOR: Morgan Brice
PUBLISHER: Darkwind Press
LENGTH: 216 Pages
RELEASE DATE: March 6, 2024
BLURB:
Weird things are happening again in Cape May and the ghosts of old mobsters never rest easy.
Erik Mitchell gets a strange delivery of antique poker chips with odd markings tied to a casino that burned a century ago. Ben Nolan finds a dead guy in one of his rental units—turns out the guy’s been missing for twenty years and is linked to a long-lost treasure.
The ghostly energy of the old Commodore Wilson hotel juices up all the town’s spirits, and a stranger shows up with an unhealthy interest in both cases. Ben and Erik have just moved in together, and they’re still navigating the next step as partners and blending their lives.
Murder, missing persons, hidden treasure, and haunted poker chips. Can Ben and Erik put the pieces together to solve the case, or when the cards are dealt, will they be left holding the dead man’s hand?
Last Resort is a suspenseful MM paranormal romance mystery-adventure filled with second chance love, hurt/comfort, true soulmates, old curses, hidden treasure, dangerous secrets, restless ghosts, psychic visions, powerful witches, angry mobsters, and a very haunted hotel.
REVIEW:
When a body is found in one of Ben’s rentals, associations with the MOB are quickly established. And where there’s one relation, it leaves six degrees of separation or less before a connection to Ben or Erik. Add to that some artifacts on Eriks’ desk that link a little-known amusement park to the infamous Commodore Wilson, and life for the intrepid duo involves more adventures than they wanted. But for the mystery to disappear, it must be solved.
Last Resort is the third book in the Treasure Trail series. It has a slightly more relaxed pace than its predecessor but is no less intense. The more leisurely pace leaned towards the investigation and relationship with periods of solid drama. Like the previous book, I settled in with my cup of tea for a good read, forgetting housework until the last page was completed.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Erik and Ben, with elements in the first person written in italics. Local resources are used more in this installment, which was a true highlight. Chief Hendricks of the local PD is definitely a character I’d like to see more of (in every sense of the word). It would be fantastic to see him paired with Sean in the future (pleeeaaasseee). Also, it was good to see Monty, Alessa, and paranormal covens in the district get extra page space. Crossover cameos by characters from other books written by Morgan Brice were minimal.
Erik worries that his past relationship hangups will compromise things with Ben. Ben has similar concerns. A good portion of the story follows their journey from dented past experiences, and inner demons, moving in together through their hopes and fears towards a fulfilling and right relationship for them. It is an understandable journey with one or the other occasionally overthinking things – like, many people do daily.
Regarding the investigation, neither man believes in coincidences. So, with a body and artifacts throwing off some strong juju in the mix – something nefarious is afoot. Investigations of the mortal and supernatural kind are required. However, nothing is ever simple, and those with a vested interest make their feelings known, creating more crime scenes. I greatly enjoyed the mix of paranormal witness’ vs mortal sleuthing – it provided some insight into how life has changed with other elements staying the same.
Last Resort provided a well-balanced story between plot, personal, and investigation with some exciting times, and cool characters that were alive and dead. Nicely done.
RATING: 
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