Autopsy of a Fairytale (Autopsy of a Fairytale, #1) by Nicole Scarano

Autopsy of a Fairytale (Autopsy of a Fairytale, #1) Reviews

• 
  Victoria

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
  0🌶 (Adult content but no spice)
  
  **I was sent this ARC in exchange for my honest review**
  
  I go back and forth on loving some crime procedural shows and hating others, so when I got this book I was hopeful it would be the former. Turns out I was right, this was an incredible ride. What always stands out to me in murder mysteries and crime shows is how we the reader / audience are treated. Some books & shows tell us what to think. They make everything black and white, the cops or the vigilantes are the good guys. The murderer is the bad guy. And that just makes us disconnected from the story, and in turn, makes those stories the ones I usually don't like. What GOOD mysteries do is show us the full spectrum of gray and let us decide for ourselves just how "good" or "bad" each aspect is. This is what Nicole did for us in Autopsy of a Fairytale and I loved it.
  
  Bel is our fierce and intuitive detective who survived some serious trauma during her time with NYPD homicide. She decides to move to a small town to escape the horrors of big city crime, but one morning all of that changes as it seems the horror has decided to followed her. What unfolds is a series of murders that had a combined gruesome and artistic nature that had me thinking of the TV show Hannibal (if you loved that show you will love this book!). Nothing is what you think, and nothing is purely black and white.
  
  Garret is Bel's detective partner, and a true small town prince charming. With good looks and a kind heart, he might just be what Bel needs to break back out of her shell and trust someone again. He's also her support as they race against time to solve the increasingly baffling case.
  
  Eamon Stone is a mysterious and reclusive millionaire who is renovating an abandoned castle / mansion on the outskirts of town. He appeared like a ghost and is somehow involved with all of the murders. And yet... there is something drawing Bel to him. His presence practically screams danger, but is he dangerous to Bel or just everyone else?
  
  This story has everything if you love a good murder mystery. Multiple suspects, a conniving and gruesome killer, not to mention twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. I was constantly surprised when my own theories were dashed and new ones had to be formed. By the end we may have solved the case, but we are left with a new mystery (to be explored in the next book). I can't wait for the story to continue and to see how these characters grow!
  
  Last note: a special shout out to Bel's amazing pitbull Cerberus, her fearsome protector and cuddle bug. I always love a doggo companion!!!
• 
  angelpompom

  fairytales x criminal minds…better bet I’m read the entire series😌
• 
  Stephanie

  Great storyline .. but my love for BATB and the hype this has did not live up to any of it.. very sad.
• 
  Samantha

  I listened to this on audio. It’s a beauty & the beast meets criminal minds, easy read. It isn’t as dark as it could be, almost had a cozy vibe? but I really enjoyed the world & it has set up a slow burn romance that I am eager to see how it evolves. I will continue this series on audio
• 
  Cat Bowser

  Amazingly written, engaging and thrilling!
  
  The premise intrigued me and given how much I have enjoyed the author’s other works, I was all too ready to dive in.
  
  The story builds upon itself slowly but this is its brilliance. Much like our main character, it puts us on guard only for us to be caught off guard by the various twists and dips!
  
  You will fall in love with these characters. I wept for one of them. I screamed for another. And Cerebus is the goodest boy ever.
  
  Read it. And buy it. And gift it. But get it out to more readers. It’s a treat for all!
• 
  E.P. Stavs

  Enjoyable read! While the twists were fairly obvious, I didn’t really mind as the writing was so smooth and the story creative. I liked the illustrations the author included, but I know a few members of my book club had trouble with them as they don’t do well with anything graphic, so if you’re sensitive to dark illustrations be ready to flip the page quickly. Lots of grit and emotion, and I loved the pit bull pupper. Not a lot of romance (which is fine) but I expect it’s leading up to more as the series progresses.
• 
  Lulu

  This was a lot better than I expected it be. Lots of action and twist. It feels like a NCIS fan wrote this. lol.
  
  Looking forward to more in the series.
• 
  Sabrina

  Get it here:
  
  Amazon US *
  Amazon UK
  
  I thought this was a unique and interesting story and it held my attention easily. I enjoyed the play on the classic fairytale, while still keeping things modern and fresh feeling. The characters were certainly interesting, especially Eamon who kept me guessing on what exactly was going on with him. But that's also a reason for my three star rating. The ending felt like a dump of information and after the majority of the book had only hints of paranormal, the ending seemed out of place. Maybe that was just me, but it left me feeling like there was a disconnect between the first half of the story and the ending.
  
  Overall, I thought this was a fun story to read, even with the murder, and I'll definitely be coming back to catch up with these characters soon.
• 
  Brutally Honest Cat =^.^=

  🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫
• 
  Logan

  3.5 🌟 this was a good book but it's definitely a read for the vibes and the writing style. Police procedures in the story are not accurate but the author puts a disclaimer at the beging saying she wrote this story in a fiction setting so that she could write her on procedures. Overall I enjoyed it and I think I will be continuing with the next book.
• 
  Jocelyn

  Not what I thought it was. DNF at 54%
• 
  Jenn K

  3.5 🌟 I want to give it 4, but I'm not sure how I feel about this retelling. I'm torn because I love a good beauty and the beast story.
• 
  Kevin Donato

  "Autopsy of a Fairytale" is a book that held promise but ultimately left me with mixed feelings. The concept of dissecting and deconstructing familiar fairytales intrigued me, and the author's approach to storytelling was undoubtedly unique. However, I couldn't help but find the ending somewhat predictable. It seemed to follow a well-trodden path I've encountered in similar narratives. This predictability did take away some of the excitement I was hoping for.
  
  That said, the book does have its merits. The writing style is engaging, and the author's analysis of the fairytales is thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless stories. In summary, "Autopsy of a Fairytale" presents an exciting and well-written premise, but the predictable ending left me wishing for a bit more originality in the execution. If you're a fan of fairytale analysis, it's worth a read, but be prepared for an ending that might not surprise you.
• 
  Siobhan

  ARC REVIEW
  
  The promise of “beauty and the beast” meets “criminal minds” was definitely fulfilled. The crime scenes were definitely something out of an insub’s playbook. I liked the subtle nods to Beauty and the beast characters along the way. I’m not huge into READING mystery as I am watching it but it had a very nice flow, a very nice whodunit? Type vibe.
  If you didn’t tell me there was a paranormal/magic aspect involved I would’ve had no idea. And this book could’ve been written completely without the witch/magic angle and it would’ve faired just fine. I got a little bit of a disconnect when the baddie was as revealed. I don’t want to use the word cop out but it almost didn’t need it. Or if we really wanted to go magic then maybe sprinkle more of it throughout the first half.
  
  Thank you for the opportunity!
• 
  Anna Trently

  Most of the book was written like a murder mystery which was really good! What I didn’t like was the last couple chapters, how are you going to have the majority of the book be based solely on a “normal” murder story and then all of a sudden like the last 4 chapters introduce magic??? Like??? What??? It feels almost like a cop out, like “how should I end this book?? I know! Magic!” Even though there have been no hints of magic.
• 
  Rachel

  So fun! If you are a fan of Criminal Minds you will love this book! It’s a murder mystery beauty and the beast retelling and it delivers. The murders are gruesome but not overly horror. The story was great and I enjoyed it the whole way through. Love Bel and her little beasty pupper! Also the parts from Eamon’s pov are delicious and I want more! Can’t wait for the next book!
• 
  Bella Rodrigues

  maybe i just read this in the dead of night on an edible because it was free online but why did this kinda eat?
• 
  Nadia

  Wow! That was one unexpected twist of plot! I have not expected that despite stage scene's of crimes and strange behavior of Stone while in presence of Bel. Right after the middle of the book the plot just went crazy and I couldn't put down the book for the love of it. I just had to know how it ends. And author haven't disappointed. Of course relationship question is very much open and not even in his prime however we can see the unquestionable pull of heroes. I was wondering how author will solve triangle with Garrett in it but haven't expected this kind of solution to it. No fireworks also was a huge hint. :) There usually no future in the fictional relationship without firework present.
  Heroine felt alive and well written. With all her nightmares, insecurities and PTSD she was very likable and I liked her father a lot even though we see him in some memories and one phone call. But it was a very distinctive phone call :)
  What I didn't like is how author shoved Vera into our faces right from the start. But I appreciate letting reader solve the crime (at least partially - if not how then at least who and partially why). But it could have been maybe done a little more subtle. Or maybe I just have read one too many detectives and others won't find it so.
  All the magical stuff left me numb. I was totally not expecting this and was wondering how a fragile woman could have made all those heavy liftings and killings w/o struggle. But you can't stay it was not artistic. Even if overly cruel. But I like that besides the secondary reasons there was no real reason to kill any of them - the true serial killer's trope - victims were never the ones to blame or give reason to the violence. They are just means to an end.
  Definitely will be reading following parts. And rooting for the "couple".
• 
  Ellie Alexandra

  I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump, so when a book was marketed to me as ‘Criminal Minds meets Beauty and the Beast’, I just couldn’t resist. And this ended up being a decent read overall. But I was expecting more of the Dr Spencer Reid, Derek Morgan, and Penelope Garcia character vibes - unfortunately this wasn’t the case. Instead, it was more of a police procedural featuring a detective recovering from trauma while trying to solve some weird murders. I did like the FMC (the Beauty) and the way the author portrayed and dealt with her trauma/mental health journey. The the writing was actually pretty good too - one of my highlighted quotes: “There was no mistaking the evil defiling the air. Mankind harbored some of the world’s most savage monsters, and as she drifted closer, Bel knew one such terror had entered her town.” I was pleasantly surprised by some of the little plot twists during the story, especially considering it was such a short book. But adding the magic in right at the end when there wasn’t much magic hinted at throughout the rest of the story was a bit odd. I’ll probs read the next one though lol mostly because the intense, protective MMC (the Beast) has me intrigued.
• 
  Liv

  ⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩
  
  Such a unique premise and I’m so glad I got to read this one finally!
  
  The plot - this is a fairytale inspired romance. There’s a bit of enemies to lovers, small town, ‘starting over’ kind of vibes. It’s got a couple triggers for gore and violence, so CHECK YA TRIGGERS PEOPLE.
  This book is definitely unusual. It’s not your typical romance, it’s not your typical murder mystery, it’s really unique actually (and the book art?? Are you kidding me?!) No smut in this one, no HEA either, it’s interconnected standalones.
  This has been on my TBR for years and I’m so glad I finally got to read it. I may actually go onto read the other 2 books in the series because this was EVERYTHING.
  
  The characters - Bel is our traumatised FMC. She’s moved to Bajka as a police officer after her accident to start over. What she gets? A story worth telling ;) i am so funny lmaooo okay be serious.
  Eamon/Garrett I’d say are the two MMCs, but it’s not a reverse harem.
  Garrett is your classic prince charming type, also a police officer in Bajka ~ Bel’s partner to be precise.
  Eamon is the villain. Straight up, he’s the villain and he’s hot and dangerous and ooooh I liked him!
• 
  T Divine’s Reading Corner

  This book was good, thrilling, enthralling, a definite slow burn and even oddly satisfying, it had me guessing each and every step of the way!
  
  What kind of beast is 1 of the characters exactly? Is he a vampire perhaps? You have to read to find out. But the who is the beast responsible for all of the strange crimes in Bajka? Detective Isobel Emerson searches for the answers since she is a homicide detective... but is she on the right track of finding the right person responsible despite whom she thinks the killer could be.
  
  Fantasy & Fairy Tale combined with a mash-up of the hit ABC show Once Upon A Time meets the show Castle are the vibes that this book gave me.
  
  Spice- 0 Spice but there are some spicy thoughts between the main characters.
  
  Tropes: Dark yearning/slow burn romance, mystery, murder, small town.
• 
  Garima Dhanawat ^♡^

  A detective with dark past. A series of poetic murders. And a reclusive millionaire who becomes a suspect. Isobel knows deep in her heart that she should stay away from him. He'll only prove to be a threat to her life. But there is a dark magnetic pull that she can't resist and damn his sexy seductive voice. Will Bel succeed to prove him guilty or get entangled in a dangerous web of paranormalcy.
  
  This is a fairytale inspired beauty and beast crimes with a touch of paranormal. The murder scenes were described so precisely and artfully that you can see it in the back of your eyes. And as a bonus there are scene arts included in the book. I really enjoyed how everything came together beautifully and there's gonna be a second book too someday. Yayyyy.
• 
  Audra Campbell

  This book kept me on my toes, I can usually figure out who the killer is early on in most books, and while I did figure it out, I was well into the book. This retelling of Beauty and the Beast as a modern murder mystery was fantastic. The characters were interesting and well developed, the plot was well thought and timed, and the author stuck to the heart of the traditional fairy tale while enlightening the reader to new concepts of what ifs. If you like cops and fairy tales, give this one a try.
• 
  Jessie Prince

  ⭐️4/5
  This one was very different from the types of books I normally read, but I've been in such a slump lately that I decided I needed to change things up. I absolutely loved this book. The murder/mystery aspect combined with the Beauty and the Beast vibes were incredible. Although I'm not a big fan of the 3rd person POV, Nicole's writing made it so easy for me to follow along. I loved the characters, especially Isobel, the FMC. I spent the whole book trying to figure out who the suspect was and everyone was a suspect. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and follow along with Isobel as she navigates the next crime.
• 
  Rissa

  Hannibal vibes
  
  4.5
  I love a gruesome tale and it was graphic our killer is turing its victims into furniture. We get sketches throughout the book so you can see what it looks like and those were greatly appreciated. Bels investigation was interwoven with suspense and heart. And a death I literally gasped at. I gasped.
  This was so good. I cant wait for book two!
• 
  Antonina

  Fairytale retelling, murder mystery, thriller.
  
  The best way I can describe this is a non-spicy dark romance. I went into this thinking it would be more of a cozy murder mystery but it was not. I’m a sucker for any type of retelling and this was definitely an interesting take!
  Also CERBERUS 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
• 
  Marina

  Criminal minds meets Beauty and the beast. this was a really fun and quick read. i did not know this was fantasy until the last 50 pages which was a huge surprise but regardless im excited to read the next book and see what happens heheh
  
  
  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRcppGuX/
• 
  Valerie

  This is a fun twist on a fairy tale. Loosely based on Beauty and the Beast mashed with a bit of Criminal Minds and throw in a smidge of Picket Fences. (remember that show?)
  
  If you need a quick fun read, check this out. I’ll definitely be reading the rest.
  
  
• 
  Andréa

  This was not what I was expecting but super creative and entertaining
• 
  Marquerette

  3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
  
  A quick palate cleanser read