A placement away from making detective, Emma is horrified to be assigned the Supernatural Squad. It is a place that cops careers go to die. Emma wasnt expecting that it wasn't just her career that would die. Thankfully, she was resurrected. Now she has her murder solve, to figure out what she is, and solve a few other murders along the way. With the help of an oh so friendly (and hot) vampire, she is hot on the trail of a killer who isnt afraid to murder cops and werewolves. Will she make it in time to prevent another death?
I enjoyed this book. It offers a fresh take on vampire and shifter relations. I also like that we dont know what the make of Emma's abilities. At times, the boom was a bit predictable but that did not stop me from enjoying the book. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

It's been a while since I read any Urban Fantasy, and Brimstone Bound was a great re-introduction to the genre. Harper handled the world building aspects well; I always had enough information when I needed it, to understand how the fantasy elements functioned. Emma Bellamy is a great UF heroine--gutsy yet relatable--and I enjoyed followed her story as she plunged into the world of supernatural investigation. Lukas is a perfect counter for her, and I am keen to see how that relationship will develop during future books. All up, this was a fun and imaginative read that ticked all the UF trope boxes while still feeling fresh and original, and I would certainly be keen to read future installments in the series. A solid 4.5-star rating from me.

This was an excellent paranormal murder mystery. Emma, a Detective in training, is assigned to the dregs Supe Squad. Werewolve deaths, vampire lord, and Emma is murdered on the first day on the job and comes alive 12 hours later. No being a vampire for her, nope. Unknown non human and now looking for her own killer. This was really good. Twisty's galore. I would recommend this new series to anyone. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

I really enjoyed reading this book.I loved the world that has been created and the main character is fab as are some of the other characters.I couldn't read it fast enough,and can only hope the author writes fast as I can't wait for the next book in the series. Best urban fantasy I have read in a while.I love reading thrillers and throw in some supes and you are onto a winner for me for sure. Loved it.

This book is, in a word, riveting. Such a smooth read with a great plot. The characters were well developed. I read this book in a few hours because I couldn't put it down. I loved it. It was beyond intriguing reading about Emma and trying to figure out how she could do what she does. Highly recommend this book.

I was not ready for this to end. If you are a fan of Anita Blake and any of the Darynda Jones novels, you will ABSOLUTELY LOVE this book. The story builds with twists that you do not see coming. I hope to learn more about Lukas and Emma. There are so many ways this series can go so I'm committed to the ride. Just amazing you will not be disappointed.

Emma is a young detective-in-training with the London Police, just entering her last rotation before the final exam. She is assigned to the 'Supe Squad' for two weeks instead of her coveted Cyber Crime, but she overcomes her disappointment and goes to report to DC Anthony Brown. And she gets herself killed that same night.... only to awake the next morning in the morgue!

Determined to find out who killed her Emma starts her own investigation. Not easy in the territory of werewolves, vampires and other supernaturals but fortunately she is assisted in her quest by vampire Lukas.

The book reads like a cozy mystery but then with supernaturals. We follow Emma when she uncovers clues and we get some (minor) world building and explanation.
I had an inkling who was behind it all, but the story was quite enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next in the series and getting to know more about Emma and how she will fare!

You can’t beat a good murder mystery!

I was a bit iffy with this one for the first 2 or 3 chapters. It was pretty much nothing but world building that I found pretty boring to read. I even contemplated dropping it but I’m so happy I stuck it out cause this book was so good! Once I got to chapter 5 the ball was rolling and I was well and truly invested in the story.

It’s one of those unputdownable whodunnit stories with vampires, werewolves and mystery beings thrown in. It’s a lot of fun and it’s refreshing to read an urban fantasy not set in the US.

*Review will be posted on blog www.elainehowlin.com on September 1st

Before I begin my review for Brimstone Bound by Helen Harper I would like to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest opinion.


An incredible and intriguing tale of a trainee detective as she works with a venerable vampire to solve her own murder in the supernatural London of Brimstone Bound by Helen Harper. Prepare for a shockingly exciting murder mystery as we become acquainted with Harpers’ supernatural world in the introduction to The Firebrand Series.


Brimstone Bound features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Paranormal London
○ Vampires and werewolves
○ Supernatural creatures
○ Murder mystery
○ Detectives
○ Supernatural detectives


My overall rating for Brimstone Bound is…

4.5 stars!

Let it be known here and now that I don’t typically do the whole murder mystery shenanigans, but holy vampire babies this book was incredible! Prepare to be sucked in from the get go with this fast paced story of vampires, werewolves and other supernatural beings living in a paranormal London. The journey to solve the case was exciting and shocking and I can’t wait to continue with this series. I believe we may even see some heated vampire romance on the horizon.


Brimstone Bound will be available on Amazon from 3 September 2020. The author has also promised all pre-order proceeds will be donated to the following charities:
○ Refuge (Domestic Violence in Uk)
○ Medecins Sans Fontieres AKA Doctors Without Borders (international humanitarian medical organisation)
First Book (USA education inequality)

I really enjoyed reading this book. For me, the paranormal aspects took a backseat to an interesting, well written mystery.

I have read much of Ms. Harper's work and find she is an adept writer in all the genres she writes.

This was a solid, well written book and I anxiously await the next one.

I am glad I had the opportunity to receive an ARC. I am leaving my honest review.

A different twist on the typical murder mystery. Non sparkling vampires, not so friendly werewolves and lots of red tape.

This was a lot of fun to read! I see that the author has several other books out and I’m going to have to read something else by her.
The story is a fairly straightforward one of solving a murder. The main character is new to the supernatural world and you see everything fresh through her eyes. She’s a sympathetic and likable character. The strength of the book is in its fast pace and interesting characters. If you like your urban fantasy light and without too much romance (there’s certainly romantic possibilities hinted at though) this would definitely be one to try.
My only regret is not having tried this author sooner!

I am not really into Supernatural series but this cover screamed read me!! Yes I do judge a book by their covers at first glance.

Sorry. But hey I am honest back to the review!

Helen Harper creates feisty, likable characters have a need to fight for what is right no matter what and a desire to be normal. Emma Bellamy was normal until something happened changing her forever!

I will be honest this would be a 5 star review but the ends had me scratching my head because it didn't match with the actions though out the series even when Emma spells it out for readers it still doesn't make since.

I love the author decision that using a persons name as the power to control another person. It was a interesting twist!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance copy of Helen Harper Brimstone Bound

Well I liked that this was set in London as so many paranormal stories seem to be set in the US. Whilst the author does mention certain London landmarks she didn't make the mistake of trying too hard to create a contemporary London and rather just set her story there. Emma is so close to being made a detective and her final placement puts her in the run down, often overlooked supe squad but from her first day things go from bad (brawling Werewolves) to worse when someone slits her throat !
I liked Emma and enjoyed the mysteries that helped to shape this story. I won't go into what actually happens too much but will say it was a wholly unique take on Werewolves and Vampires living amongst Humans. I did have my suspicions which proved to be correct but as to the motivation in play here that was a huge surprise. I did however feel that Lukas the Vampire who keeps popping up didn't really strike me as particularly menacing and I hope that in the next book we get a lot more of his dark side. So if you fancy reading something a little different than this new series might just surprise and hopefully delight you.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

I received a copy of this book to review from Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.
This book was great! It pulled me out of a reading slump with its fast paced action and interesting characters. It is full of twists and turns with sharp writing and dialogue. The action continues to the last page.
I can't wait to read the second book in the series later in the year

Interesting new series. The characters are appealing and I enjoyed the plot. Can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the series. I've already picked up more books by this author.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of BRIMSTONE BOUND (Book 1 of the Firebrand series) by Helen Harper in exchange for an honest review. Meet Emma Bellamy. Emma’s just been switched to her last intern rotation as a probationary law enforcement officer. Emma’s at the top of her class and fully expects to be transferred to the elite Cyber Crimes Division, which is where she hopes to be permanently placed upon her qualification. Surprise! Emma is now a probationary officer with the Supernatural Squad, which is the department’s dumping ground for misfits and screw ups. Emma’s first day ends with her supervising officer blowing up at her for trying to actually do her job, so, when he sends her an apologetic message asking her to meet after hours, Emma, eager to make amends, goes to meet him. This gets Emma murdered. After she resurrects (again, Surprise!), Emma’s first step in locating her killer is to find her supervisor. This step is more challenging than expected and, once accomplished, raises only more questions. Emma’s mission to find her killer will introduce her to the supernatural community and their leaders. As she braves the strange and dangerous new cultures, Emma must learn to distinguish friend from foe and merely different from monstrous.

I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to all fans of regular (non-erotic) urban fantasy. Reader’s note, Emma is a complete neophyte to the paranormal; she’s deliberately kept herself completely ignorant in the expectation she would rarely interact with supernaturals. As such, the reader will figure out something important about Emma way before she does.

#BrimstoneBound #NetGalley