I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Reid Sylver is the best detective the Boston Homicide has ever seen and has no intention of sharing her cases with an ambitious rookie named London Gold (man, I love a good pun!), who is desperate to learn the secret behind her success. Her secret? She can talk to the dead.

I LOVED this book. I don't read enough mystery novels, but when lesbians are involved, I would even read a grocery list if it meant I could get my f/f fix. I really liked the paranormal aspect, it made the book more emotional and Reid's reveal to London more special.

The writing style was hilarious, I loved the banter between London and Reid and their chemistry was off the charts.

Both characters were well-written and they fit together effortlessly. Shoutout to Michelle Larkin for having London look up Reid's birthday so she would know if they were compatible (spoiler alert: they are). I feel like it should be mandatory to mention astrology if you're gonna write queer characters.

I don't usually like the age difference trope, but London being 29 and Reid 41 makes them two fully grown adults, so that didn't bother me too much.

Michelle Larkin managed to create both a suspenseful and humorous book and I'm honored I had the pleasure to read and review it early.

I can't help but mention the character of Mug, the best ugly dog in the literary world. He definitely became one of my favorite characters and I found really sweet the co-parenting between Reid and the lieutenant Boyle.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good queer mystery that can make you both bite your nails and laugh out loud.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an early copy.

I have a question ... why isn't everyone talking about Michelle Larkin? I'd read good reviews about her other three books but don't think of myself as a "mystery" fan. No matter what you think you're a fan of or not, this book is fantastic.

Sylver and Gold (I love everything about this title and the character names) is on the shorter side and only took me about 4 hours to read. In fact, I was sucked in so fast that before I checked the percentage in the first time I was already 25% done. The case was really well thought out, and even at the slightly shorter length, the characters were extremely well developed.

Don't let the "paranormal" aspect worry you, to me it just felt like another aspect to the story. The writing was smooth and readable and I didn't find one single editing/grammar issue. I'm definitely making time to read her back catalog and I can't wait for the next book.

3.5 stars. This was a fun read. This is the first book I have read by Larkin and I had to get used to her writing style. At first I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but after a few chapters, I settled in. I knew this was going to be a romantic mystery thriller about a detective that solves crimes by talking to the dead victims but I didn't expect it to be a comedy also. That through me a bit but then I felt it was an attempt to lighten up the story and since the 2 main characters, Reid and London, were so cute together, it worked.
The mystery was a bit frustrating because the killer was always one step ahead of them and some how had listening devises EVERYWHERE. E V E R Y W H E R E!
And the ending was a bit hard for me to believe the killer would fall for such a play. But suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride. It's imaginative, clever, warm and cute.
I hope there will be a book 2 involving these characters. There is a lot more story to tell.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So no doubt I’ve been missing from around here for a while. I don’t know if you have noticed, but the past few months have been rough...or is it just me? Hmm. I have been so disconnected from reading, that even my absolute favorite author couldn’t get me out of the slump. Thankfully, another favorite of mine accomplished it...thank you Ms Larkin!

Homicide Detective Reid Sylver has a perfect record when it comes to solving cases. The secret to her success is simple, she can talk to the dead. Bring in smart and enthusiastic rookie London Gold. London has idolized Reid and is determined to be trained by the most successful Boston homicide detective in history. Now Reid must find a way to keep her secret safe while London scrutinizes her every step during a serial killer investigation. Things get even more complicated as Reid is obviously part of the killer’s obsessive plans.

I have read and enjoyed all of Ms Larkin’s books and this one was no exception. This story is right about what I expected from this author, a blend of law enforcement with a dash of paranormal and a pinch of animals for good measure. I found all elements to be very good, although the serial killer was a bit on the gruesome side for those that like to avoid those tales. Also beware, the topic of child abuse is woven throughout the story, although no real time abuse is described.

The main characters are all likable, including the third partner, a dog named Mugshot. There is definitely chemistry between the mains and the banter is great. However, the romance is the weakest part of the story. By the time that became an issue, I was engrossed in the rest of the story and I simply rolled my eyes and kept reading. Yes, yes, I know I seldom roll my eyes, but really it was no big deal ;) A pure romance reader is not Ms Larkin’s target audience anyway. All other mortals will enjoy.

Overall an entertaining thriller with paranormal elements. The rating is a bit complicated for me because pure story-wise, it is probably closer to a 4. However, the story as a whole kept me reading at a time I truly thought I had quit. So I guess for me, this is overall closer to a 5. Happy reading!

Great Read. Ms Larkin has again given us a book that is full of suspense and two leading ladies who know how to keep closing in on a killer regardless of the dangers he keeps bringing into their homes.
London Gold wanted to become a police detective, so after cutting her teeth on the streets of Boston, she finally got her call to begin her training in the homicide department. Learning how to solve and capture killers and to make the job even sweeter for her, her trainor is none other than the most successful homicide detective in all of Boston, Reid Sylver.
The last thing Reid wants or needs is someone following her around, getting underfoot while she tries to do her job. The reason she has been so successful is really quite simple, she can and does talk with the dead. Who other than the victim would be better able to lead her to the person responsible for murdering them.
Reid and London led very different lives, or so they think until they open up and start talking about their past history. London grew up in a house that had loads of money while Reid grew up in a home that had considerably less. Each in their own way has survived less then wholesome childhoods. How will London react to the ‘talent’ Reid has and will she still be able to work alongside her. It doesn’t help or perhaps it does when she reveals her crush on Detective Reid.
As I said earlier Ms Larkin’s book is simply a great read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

This is an excellent book with great characters and in Reid Sylver, Ms Larkin has created an excellent hero who I would love to see in a series. Sylver has the best record of closing homicide cases and her colleagues all wonder how she does it. What is her secret? Well - she speaks to dead people... or dead people speak to her so she has an insight into the circumstances of a murder that no other detective can have because she interviews the victim! But Reid struggles to write up her cases as there are huge leaps and “intuitions” that don’t make sense. Her captain knows her secret and helps with the paperwork. But then Reid gets a rookie detective to train - London Gold. London has always wanted to be a detective and wants to learn from the best - Reid Sylver. She also has a secret crush on the broody awkward older woman.

Along with Mug the ugly dog, the partners stumble through a complex case as Reid tries to protect her secret while still solving the case which starts to get a bit too personal.

There is a depth to this with the characters and the relationships throughout the station and I really enjoyed it. The answers weren’t obvious but were satisfying in the setting and the ending seemed fitting and appropriate.

Recommended if you want a bit of paranormal, a dark brooding hero, a comical dog, and a plot which will grip you.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review

Well written paranormal crime-romance with a fast paced plot.

Reid: Can speak to the dead, and uses it to solve homicides. Reid hides this part from everyone but her direct supervisor, who helps her writing her reports to cover up her ability. Due to her fear of her power being outed she prefers to work alone.

London: London is competent and hard working. She’s rookie who has had a crush on Riley for years and is thrilled to finally being able to not only meet her, but also work with her.

Pro:
Good premise – The characters and the world is well described and feels real. I like that the paranormal is a major part of the story, but not a major part of the world. It’s not the ability which defines Reid, but how she uses it.
Thrilling plot with some angst – The plot was well balanced and balanced mystery, romance and paranormal perfectly. The angst is not focused on the romance, but on the other parts of the plot, which I feel was the right decision for this story.
Captures the hunt for a serial killer – The taunting and thrill of the hunt makes me think of Criminal minds, which is a favorite show of mine. I like the focus on the less gory details of the crime.

Con:
-

This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.

I loved this book! It had just the right balance of romance, paranormal, mystery and gore. One damaged but loveable main character delivers some witty one liners and another who is patient and tenacious despite personal tragedy creats the perfect collaboration. Add in the story of Mug and it's just perfection. Every book from this author gets better and better. I absolutely recommend this book! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fun police procedural with a bit of the paranormal thrown in

Boston Homicide Detective Reid Sylver has been solving cases - 100% of them - for twenty years. She works alone except for her rescue dog Mug. Almost no one knows about her tragic past or the reason she's able to solve all her cases.

Then events change at her police station and she has to work with a human partner for the first time - rookie Homicide Detective London Gold - and she has to figure out a way to do that while keeping her secrets.

This was an engaging story about two opposites working together. There's a hunt for a serial killer, funny moments, sad moments, and definite chemistry between the two women.

Be warned that there are some trigger moments in the book involving physical and sexual abuse. And this IS a serial killer story so there are some gruesome parts also.

This was a fast read and I enjoyed it.

I received this book from Bold Stroke Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

Reid Sylver has the best success rate in the BPD homicide division. She also has a secret known only to her Captain. She can speak with the dead. When her new boss saddles Sylver with rookie detective London Gold, she tries to rebel and ditch Gold knowing her solve rate has more to do with her psychic gift than her intuition and experience. London has wanted to be a detective her whole life and training with Reid Sylver is a dream come true. Sylver’s curmudgeon behaviour is not going to stop her from learning from the best.

I loved Larkin’s first two books, Mercy and Unexpected Partners. Mercy was a paranormal thriller and Unexpected Partners was more of a police procedural thriller with two women on the run from a psychopath. Sylver and Gold is a police procedural with a paranormal twist and it’s a lot of fun trying to solve the crime along with the detectives and Sylver’s trusty sidekick Mugshot the dog.

I enjoyed watching the interactions between Reid and London. Sylver is rude, arrogant and can’t be bothered with this rookie. When it becomes clear the killer knows more about Reid than she wants to admit, she comes to rely on London’s help to solve the case. Gold is a talented detective and more than a match for Reid. She is bright and a natural problem solver. She relies on logic and planning, like a good detective should and soon becomes Sylver’s equal rather than an annoying trainee. Gold is attracted to Sylver from the beginning and as the two gel as partners the feelings become mutual.

My overall take from this book? Fun, romantic, crime without too much violence for squeamish romance readers, paranormal lite for those of us who get annoyed with the woowoo. A pleasure to read.

ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.

This book was so much fun to read! I loved Detective Reid Sylver and her newly assigned rookie London Gold. They have the kind of chemistry I like a lot. I don't really remember when I last had so much fun with a book. The dialogues had me laughing all the time and they allowed more serious topics of this story to be sad but not depressing. There is a serial killer on the loose who takes a special interest an Sylver and almost all of the characters involved had something traumatic happening to them in their past. I think it made them feel like real people.

Sylver and Gold was the first book by Michelle Larkin I read but it won't be my last.

*** Many thanks to NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books who provided me with an arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.***

I was a bit hesitant because of the talking to the dead thing, but luckily it didn't bother me. It's a big part of the story, but certainly not the main point.

Detective Reid Sylver has always been a loner, she has her dog and that's all she needs. She has the best track record of solving murder cases in the Boston PD, every case that lands on her desk gets solved. Her secret? She talks to the dead. Now she gets a rookie assigned to her, detective London Gold, she is young, eager, and smart. London is remarkably resilient, Reid tries to dump her on multiple occasions but she doesn't really fall for her tricks. On their first run out together, Read sees a ghost who points her to her body. It's an older woman and she didn't see her killer. With London on her heels, Reid can't solve this case the same way she usually does. This case turns out to be personal, the killer is after Reid, not to kill necessarily, maybe for kinship. When visiting one of the neighbours of the murdered lady this person isn't nice to Reid because London told her Reid tried to ditch her (again). The killer overhears and murders this lady and drops her on Reid's porch. When the killer abducts Reid's dog Mug the story is accelerated as are the murders in gruesome detail. London and Reid really connect after the dognapping. Both women are aware of their attraction towards the other, but when there is this mich tension something needs to be said (and done), this I what London does. Now all they need is to get Mug back and apprehend the killer.

The murders/ bodies are described in some gruesome detail, which suits the story perfectly. And yes, it is detailed (and nasty) to read, but it adds a certain depth to the story. Both London and Reid carry big secrets from their past, I think that is why they connect so well. I like that this is more of a thriller than a romance, the romance is there, but the most important is the police work. The story is well written and the built up to the final case is well done. The ending is a bit over the top for me, but I won't mention it in detail because I don't want to spoil it. I think it's too unrealistic. Also the title, I get it, it's sorta funny. But when they work at the BPD you'd think they'd be on the receiving end of more puns.

This was my first Michelle Larkin book and I wasn't disappointed. I'd read a number of positive reviews for this book before I started and I have to say I agree with them all wholeheartedly - I loved reading this. I'm not normally one for anything to do with the paranormal in the books I read, but I found this to be a really good way of adding this element to a cop story in order to make it different.

I probably shouldn't have made the decision to read this in the dark late at night - it is a bit creepy at times, but the thing that pleasantly surprised me was that although the book has lots of murder and other dark moments shared between the main characters, I was always left with a positive light feeling whilst reading.

I loved the interactions between Sylver and Gold, Mug the dog had real personality and I enjoyed the secondary characters. I thought the spirits were well written and meaningful and were used really effectively to continue the story moving forwards. I thought Sylver's interactions with the spirits might get boring and repetitive but this wasn't the case.

This one is definitely heading to my read again pile.

I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! It was fast-paced, funny and so well written! The bant between Sylver and Gold was truly amazing, their chemistry on point. The only thing that kinda disappointed me was the lack of details of the hot part, but that didn't make the book bad, it was just a detail that I like in books about the couples I love.
Reid Sylver is a detective for thirteen years and can talk to the dead. Her first experience was with her parents that died in an accident when she was a kid. She was raised by her grandmother, but she carries traumas from the past. London Gold is a newbie (rookie) and starts working with Sylver, but Sylver makes everything difficult for Gold, she carries scars from the past too, and I think that made them feel that they could understand each other. The mystery was very good, it kept me guessing, and well, I don't want to spoil the story,
Both women are so strong, intelligent and badass, It's so good to read about their resilience, I hope that Sylver and Gold turn into a series, I'd read it in a heartbeat. 4.70 stars!!

The premise of this book is really well done. The book had good mystery, humour and romance. What's not to like? Most of all, I loved the relationship between the main characters, Sylver and Gold. Sylver's connection with Mug had me emotional.
While I liked the quick pace of the book for the most part, near the end it went a little too quick. I would've liked for Gold to be more involved, especially in the last fight which in my opinion was resolved a bit too easily. Overall I liked it and look forward to reading more from the author.

Who knew a book about detective with special skills would be so fun to read. I really liked this story. The constant guessing , the dailog between both characters is really funny. I guess that's what you get when you out two smart people together. I liked the drama around the cases and constant chase....when you think you are behind but suddenly you are not.
Of course I was happy with the ending. Exactly what I was looking for.

Reid Silver is a homicide detective who has the ability to talk to the dead, thus she has managed to solve every single case that has come across her desk in all her thirteen years in the force. Rookie homicide detective, London Gold, has had a crush on Reid for years, now she's partnering Reid and Reid's not happy as she's been working solo for many years and that's the way she likes it. How is she going to hide her psychic abilities from the astute London?
This was a really enjoyable read. I loved the characters, particularly Reid who had a tough exterior but a good heart. London's character was intelligent and persistent and the chemistry between Reid and London just worked. They also had witty dialogue and bounced off each other. Definitely recommend this book.

A mystery/thriller book with a dash of paranormal thrown in there and a lesbian romance. What more could you want? This book just ticked all the boxes for me, an interesting case with a tech savy killer, a dog is thrown in the mix and 2 leading ladies who had me laughing at their interactions at times. There is a good balance between the fun intermezzos and the serious content that is also present in this book. The writing is solid and Ms Larkin is definitely a writer I will be on the lookout for from now on.

*** An ARC was provdided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***

This was just a really great thriller with a little romance and supernatural stuff thrown in. You have your curmudgeonly older cop in Reid Sylver. She's a loner with good reasons - mostly its because she can see dead people and they help her find their killers. But there are darker, more personal reasons that she only lets her dog, Mug be her partner. Of course with the arrival of the beautiful, smart Gold (first name London) as a trainee under Reid, she knows she's in for some trouble. Then there's a new killer that shows a fixation on Reid and may know all her secrets...

I really enjoyed this one, even with a couple of nitpicky things that would have annoyed me more in a book that was not as good as this one. I liked that it had no problem setting up Reid and London somewhat adversarial, especially since Reid is such a loner. London is interesting to me, she seems very socially competent, but has a pretty direct way of speaking. I wish that we had more access to what was going on in her head rather than the mostly short sequences that marked the start of new chapters. Also, Reid is a little on the childish side, but that could be chalked up to her being a hermit. Their relationship accelerated a little fast for me, but I get it - they were hunting down a smart killer and they were both letting themselves be more open than usual. I think without the circumstances, it wouldn't have worked out as well.

The cat and mouse game between our leads and the killer was one of the better ones I have seen in lesfic thrillers - I enjoyed the inclusion of the ghosts especially since they were more like messengers or clue givers. Reid and London had to do most of the heavy lifting. The serial killer was menacing and almost sympathetic enough to feel sorry for him if he weren't such a monster. Oh, and I appreciated that the book didn't shy away from how bad this man was - there are some pretty gruesome scenes that edge more towards horror, but it got the point across as to how depraved this person was.

Overall this is a wonderful book, and I am happy that it went a lot darker than what I thought it would. With its fast pacing and engaging characters, you really can't go wrong with this one.

Reid Sylver is a Boston Homicide Detective who has a secret. She can talk to the dead and utilizes the information provided by spirits to aid in solving cases. London Gold was a cop for eight years and she dreamed for the day when she she would become a homicide detective and work along side Sylver. She gets her wish when Sylver's Captain pairs the rookie detective with Sylver, forming the Sylver and Gold team.

The newly formed team is immediately put to the test when a killer/tech hacker begins to leave signature calling cards in the form of bodies with their organs removed, blood drained, eyes removed and sewn shut, and sexually assaulted. After each murder occurs the ghosts return to help Sylver in the investigation. But her partner does not know that Sylver can communicate with the dead. In the midst of all of this, Sylver and Gold grow closer.

This was the first book that I've read by Michelle Larkin. It was a quick read for me. The plot line kept me engrossed in the story from start to finish. The characters were interesting and although Gold was twelve years younger than Sylver and less experienced as a homicide detective she gave as good as she received in her dealings with Sylver. She definitely did not let Sylver run over her as the rookie.

This was a paranormal thriller, but I really enjoyed the humor that was evident throughout the majority of the story. One prime example is when Sylver and Gold go to a children's home for information on the potential killer and have to interact with the lady who runs the facility. Years ago Sylver brought them four apple pies that she claimed to have made, however, they actually were given to Sylver by a person just released from jail. Unknown to her the pies contained laxative. Now Sylver is afraid to return to talk to the lady who runs the facility because she never apologized, but they sorely need her help. Sylver hopes she has forgotten about the apple pie incident. During the visit Sylver comes to find out that they have a special room at the facility where people can go to take out their aggression on punching bags. Her picture is on every one!

My only issue with the book is the relationship between Sylver and Gold seemed to go from zero to sixty very quickly, followed by sex, and declarations of love. 4 stars

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.