Vamps and Victims: A Scary Harry Private Detective Cozy Mystery, #1

By Crystal Dawn

Harry on her first case and it has been given to her by a close friend. A vampire is suspected of killing his girlfriend. Harry's friend is that boyfriend, but he didn't do it and he's willing to hire Harry to prove that he didn't.
The case becomes complicated and leads to the trail of a serial killer. Now Harry and her friends have to find that serial killer before the next victim falls.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crystal Dawn
• Release date: Jun 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223782162

Book preview

Prologue

Tyne Wolf had known Harry since she was a little girl. She had always been a wild thing, both in behavior and with her magic. But lately, she settled down and had come into her own where magic was concerned. Tyne's mate, Moe, was a white wolf, and all white wolves loved Harry. His mate had been working with him to do something really special for Harry because she had been so reliable and helpful with his business for the last few years. He decided it was finally time and knew she would be pleased.

They would be going into business together, with her handling the magical investigations. It would be a partnership, something Tyne had been doing a lot of lately. No one else could handle that type of investigation like Harry. As far as Tyne knew, she would be the first magical detective offering any service. He was sure some detectives had magic. However, none of them advertised their magic for use on cases as he planned to do for Harry.

Witches got into a lot of trouble and needed someone to use magic to help them - and not just witches, but all kinds of magical creatures. Tyne was sure they would have all the cases they could handle and more. Once things were figured out, his intent was to get Harry someone to train. That way, they could take on more cases. He had yet to start advertising but was sure clients would come pouring in when he did.

That's why he was surprised when Harry called. He was shocked to hear from her so soon. She was on vacation. Tyne, I have a friend. He wants me to work on his case. I told him to talk to you first, so I could get your assistance. He's a vampire but insists he's been framed. I have to get everything I need together, then I'll be at your office.

Tyne didn't even have time to reply before Harry was gone. It could be good because it would give Harry her first review as long as everything worked out. Hopefully, the vampire was really innocent because if he was guilty, they would have to turn that information over to the wardens, the supernatural police.

Chapter 1

Death comes Calling

What the hell is that creature you are holding? Moe asked.

Harry was burdened with a notebook, a weapon, and a snow-white mongoose. This is Havoc. He’s my familiar.

Moe moved closer to get a better look. If he doesn't stop hissing at me, I will break his neck and toss him out the window.

Havoc was smart. He immediately shut up and gave Harry a baleful look. People have treated him poorly, and he's scared. He'll get used to you, and everything will be just fine, Harry explained.

He better, or it won't go well for him, Moe observed.

Tyne walked in. Why are you carrying around a mongoose?

He's my familiar. I've never had one, so it will be a learning process, Harry explained.

He doesn't have rabies, does he? That's a mean look he's got on him, Tyne warily commented.

Havoc is his name, and he's just a little bit protective. That should be helpful if I run into somebody who tries to cause harm, Harry optimistically mentioned.

You better make sure he doesn't harm the clients, Tyne warned. Now, who is this client you mentioned, and what occurred? He asked.

I explained before that he is a vampire. His name is Jameson, and he's been seeing a witch. He went to visit her and found her dead and drained. Now he's afraid they will blame him, and I'm sure he's right. You may know the witch because I do. Her name is Elsbeth. It's so sad. She was always good even though she had very little power. They had been seeing each other for several months and talked about getting more serious. He has not called the wardens yet because he knows they will immediately become suspicious that he found the body, Harry explained.

I can see why. Are you sure this vampire didn't do it and is just trying to cover up the crime? Moe asked.

I've known him since I was a child. He's never done anything violent or had any issues with controlling his appetites. I think it would be good for us to investigate and find the truth, Harry offered. There was a knock on the door then she added, I believe that's him now.

Moe opened the door, letting in a tall attractive vampire. He walked forward, stopping next to Harry and Tyne.

Hello, Harry. I wish this visit was under better circumstances.

Jameson, come into my office. We can talk privately, and you can tell us what happened, Tyne invited. The four of them headed into the office. After everyone was seated, he added, Why don't you begin?

I've been seeing Elsbeth for several months, and we had become quite close. Last night I went to see her. When I got there, I found her lying on the floor, drained of all her blood. It was obvious there was no life left in her. I was devastated. We were about to move in together, to become a couple. I can't imagine anyone wanting to hurt. She was the sweetest lady I ever met, Jameson sadly admitted.

What about the rumor that drinking from a witch can give a vampire magic? Tyne asked.

I've never seen any proof of it, and Elsbeth had little magic. Sometimes she could not even get the candles lit for a romantic evening and had to resort to a match. If someone sought power, Elsbeth would not be the source they would select. I chose her because she was a sweet and wonderful female. I thought, eventually, we might have children. While some might think she was a little older, I sensed we could have still had a family, Jameson explained.

I thought changed vampires could not reproduce, Tyne mentioned.

There are changed vampires who can reproduce and have. They can only have children with certain females. So far, it has been with their fated mates. That is one reason I delayed a mating. It is just so hard to be sure if someone is your fated mate.

Tyne cast a glance at Moe. If you were unsure, I guess that meant Elsbeth wasn't your fated mate. Perhaps you wanted it so badly that you saw things that were not there.

It doesn't matter now. She is gone. I wish to know who did this so they can be punished appropriately. There is no reason to drain someone dry. Unless they are a youngling. They did this on purpose, and it was probably aimed at me. If this is the case, I may never forgive myself for having a relationship that could be tracked. Jameson was devastated.

Why would anyone do this to get to you? Moe wondered aloud.

Most vampires don't believe in mating witches. We have our own version of pure blooders. Many famous vampire couples cannot be touched. They have such good security, but we had none. I didn't believe we were important enough to get the attention of anyone. We weren't leaders. We were quiet, the kind to hide in the background.

I'm sure you realize we will have to report her death. I plan to go over there with Harry to look for evidence before we call Cage. He will not be happy about it, but we will keep your name out of it right now. You must also fill out a report with your contact information. Give it to Moe. I'm sure you will want to know if we find anything. Tyne gave him a stern look.

If you're not a vampire, you cannot compel one. So don't look at me like that. Nevertheless, I will do as you ask. I want this handled carefully and wish to know whatever you find. Whether Elsbeth was my fated mate or not, I loved her. Jameson seemed utterly broken at this point.

He and Moe stayed in the office while Harry flashed Tyne to the house in question. It was warm inside, and a smell had already started