Claw&Warder: Episode 5 They Ate Gatsby

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The Dead Set defines high society in the Locus of New York. Lavish soirees, formal dinner parties, decadent blood tastings, debutante balls, black-tie charity galas…the vampires do it all.

When socialite J. Gatsby goes missing, only one detective has the background, the breeding, and the poise to go undercover to root out the truth.

Of course, Leery brings Dru along for good measure.

And it's good he did, because when the blood lords grow suspicious of a werewolf's scent on the wind, Dru must use all of her charm to distract those suckers.

Can the two detectives avoid discovery long enough to learn why They Ate Gatsby?

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Critical Acclaim for CLAW & WARDER:

★★★★★ " Vick’s intriguing, ghoulish, fast-paced plot and solid characterization are as entertaining as I expected."

“[T]he 'other world' is swarming with their own problems to keep their side under control in New York. I’m no stranger to Erik Henry Vick’s universe as I’m a fan of The Bloodletter Saga. Vick’s intriguing, ghoulish, fast-paced plot and solid characterization are as entertaining as I expected. There are ample thrills, chills, and fun to satisfy readers' appetites. The dialogue and prose generate the entertaining moments and the degree of tension best suited to launch the next twist…yet more proof of Erik Henry Vick’s storytelling expertise in the supernatural world.”

--Lit Amri, Readers' Favorite Reviews

★★★★★ "I couldn't help but grin at a well-spun conversation..."

“I enjoyed the amalgamation of so many types of supernaturals… The banter between the characters was brilliantly executed, portraying different levels of complex relationships. Sometimes I couldn't help but grin at a well-spun conversation, let alone how the creatures' unique traits or weaknesses are evoked to further the investigation. I enjoyed the third-person narrative and how the high-pressure roles were portrayed… The characters were brilliantly portrayed.“

--K.J. Simmill, Readers' Favorite Reviews

★★★★★ "The writing style is flowing and easy to read."

“The idea that there are two simultaneous types of society working side-by-side was a fascinating premise… The characters are fully overdrawn, as is the nature in this genre, and author Erik Henry Vick has done a fantastic job of giving them real and recognizable emotions and foibles that endear them to the reader... The writing style is flowing and easy to read. If urban fantasy is your thing, this is a book you must read but even if it’s not, this is a book you should read. I did and I’m glad of it – an excellent read.”

--Grant Leishman, Readers' Favorite Reviews

Praise for Claw & Warder: Episode 5 They Ate Gatsby

Jerry Orbach would be pleased with Leery Oriscoe!!

"...I enjoy these stories for many reasons but one of my favorite things about them is Leery. When he's on the page I can almost hear and envision a younger version of Jerry Orbach from Law and Order, he was one of my favorites and it's nice to see him come to life again in a way.
These books are fun, interesting, and witty. I really enjoy them!"

Fantastic!

"Yet another fantastic book in this series! When I say I couldn't put it down, I really didn't......I read it in one sitting, foregoing a nights sleep, but it was worth it! As well as serious(ish) detective work, there is plenty of humour in these pages, fans of Sir Terry Pratchett's work will thoroughly enjoy this series of books."

Ready for the next episode!

"Another great episode of on of the most original series I've read in a long time. Also, an abject lesson in never counting one's eggs before they've hatched."

Fun read

"How can you go wrong with law & Order werewolf style!
Leery and Dru go undercover to find the killer in this case and find so much more.
I love the idea of Leery dressed up and sort of behaved if even for a little while.

Go read the book ... and get me a coffee!"

Sit down with a cup of coffee and read this story.

"This book is so much fun to read. It's exciting! Not a boring read. Always on the move. This is a little bit like Law & Order but funny. A few monsters, ghosts and zombies. Sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy!"

New characters added

"Episode #5 does not disappoint! The one liners and witty banter make this series such a great read. The two new characters of Regina and Bryant are truly "characters" alright. Without giving any major spoilers, I think this was a good opportunity to interject some "humanity" into this supernatural world. Great read during a pandemic or any other time you wish to curl up with a good book and separate yourself from the stresses of real life."

Can you get away with murder?

"As usual, Erik Henry Vick continues to entertain us with his quirky humor in telling stories that keep us not wanting to put the book down. I enjoyed his twists and turns during his murder investigation. He includes characters based on people we may know. It is captivating and fun to see what he has done with these new characters. The trial reflects opinions that many may have of the legal system, but it is written in a way that is positively amusing. Yes, the book has scary moments, intrigue, machinations, and conflict between species. In the end, who will die, who will win, who will be defeated? It is up to you, the reader, to experience and find out."

Really liked this!

"Great novel!"

1

Doreen Fernandes pushed the stroller with one hand, half-turning to watch her four-year-old tottering behind her. “Raf, please keep up,” she said, giving him a snap of her fingers to get his attention. It was a pleasant spring morning, and Doreen wanted to get a full walk in before she had to put Rafael down for his pre-lunch nap.

“Mommy, why can’t we go in the grass?”

“Because we have your sister along, and the stroller is hard to push in the grass.”

“Oh. Well, why did we bring her then?”

Doreen fought the urge to sigh. “Because, Raf, she needs to be outside as much as we do. She likes walks in the park.”

“She does? How can you tell?” her son asked, trotting to catch up so he could peek in at his sister.

“Because she’s not crying, Raf.”

“Oh.” His attention wandered away from his sister, and he veered toward the edge of the path, eyes wide with excitement.

“Raf, I’ve asked you to stay with me.”

“Yeah. I am, Mommy. I’m just looking at this bush. It’s got bugs all in it.”

 

“Then come away from there. You don’t want bugs all over you, do you?”

Raf’s small shoulders pumped up and down, and instead of coming back to her side, he squatted on his hunkers and grabbed a stick.

This time, Doreen couldn’t stop herself from sighing, but she tempered it with a smile. “Rafy, don’t get the bugs mad, okay?”

“Sure,” he said, eyeing the bush with a little more caution than he had before. “Will they sting?”

“I don’t know. What kind of bugs are they, baby boy?”

Again, Raf’s shoulders pumped up and down.

“Well, what color are they? Black and yellow? Red? Brownish-yellow?”

“No,” he said, drawing the word out. “Most of them are just black, but some of them are kind of all-colored.”

“All-colored, are they?” she asked with a smile as she turned the stroller around and headed back to him.

“Yeah. Red and gold and green and purple and orange.” Raf shrugged again. “All-colored.”

Doreen rolled to his side, then, after a quick glance at the baby, she squatted beside him and looked at the flies and blow flies swarming in the bush. “Umm,” she said, looking at the base of the bush, but seeing nothing.

“Mommy?”

“Yes, dear.”

“Why’s that man sleeping back there? And why’s he all gray?”

Doreen followed her son’s gaze, then snatched him up and hurried away as fast as she could go.

2

Sam swiveled on his heel, looking at the gallery door with an expectant expression. The bailiff had disappeared through the door five minutes before, and Sam found it strange that he had not returned with his witness.

Bailiff Ketchum came through the door, glanced at Judge Cayce, and shook his head. Cayce looked at Sam and quirked an eyebrow. “Your witness seems to be missing, Mr. McCoy.”

Sam gave a slow shake of his head. “He was instructed, Your Honor. He sat through the proceedings yesterday.”

“Yes, but not, it seems, today. Wesley, did he sign in this morning?”

Ketchum shook his head. “No, Your Honor.”

Cayce turned back to McCoy. “Can we proceed without him, Mr. Prosecutor?”

“No, Judge Cayce. Mr. Gatsby’s testimony is pivotal to my case. I fear that without his testimony as foundation, the testimony of the following witnesses may be misconstrued. And I fear something untoward may have kept him from his duty this morning.”

Cayce fixed him with a stern glance. “Then I’d suggest you find him, Mr. McCoy.” He glanced at the large clock over the jury box. “It is already nearly noon. We shall break early for lunch, and you may take the afternoon to put your house in order, McCoy.”

“Most generous, Your Honor.”

“Court is dismissed,” said Cayce. With a wan smile, he pointed at his gavel and said, “Bang!”

Sam returned to the prosecution table and leaned down to whisper in Angie’s ear. “Find him, Angie, and make sure he’s here tomorrow.”

“I don’t understand it, Sam. He knows how important his testimony is.”

Sam shook his head and shrugged. “Witnesses.”

They gathered their belongings, but as they turned to stride through the bar, Leery Oriscoe came into the gallery, followed by Dru Nogan. The two detectives bee-lined straight for the two prosecutors.

Sam arched an eyebrow. “Problem, Detectives?”

“You could say that,” said Oriscoe. “We just took a call about a body in Battery Park. Seems his ID names him as one J. Gatsby.”

Sam grimaced and looked at Angie. “Our J. Gatsby?”

“He’s not here,” she said with a shrug.

“Let’s go,” Sam said, turning to Leery.

3

Sam and Angie climbed out of the Crown Vic, and Sam grimaced at Oriscoe. “You might need a refresher course at driving school, Detective.”

“What? We’re here, aren’t we?” He glanced down at his bare wrist as though he wore a watch. “And in record time.”

Angie grinned and patted Sam on the shoulder. “You’ll get used to it, boss. And Leery’s faster than the best cabby in the city.”

“Feels like he was faster than my stomach,” said McCoy.

“Cup of coffee will settle you right down,” said Leery. “My treat. I think there’s a cart around here…” He craned his neck, looking hither and yon.

“Maybe another time, Detective,” Sam said after an acidic burp. “Let’s get this done.”

“Right.” Leery led them in past the SeaGlass Carousel, down the path past the East Coast Memorial, then to the second path in the Battery proper. “The sarge should be standing… Ah! There he is.” Leery pointed to a young policeman with three stripes on his sleeve. “Hey, Silvers!” he shouted. “Down that way?”

Sergeant Shayne Silvers pointed into the bushes to his left. “Right in there, Oriscoe.”

“How’s that unicorn of yours?” he asked.

“Still murdering rainbows,” Silvers said.

“Good, good,” said Oriscoe.

Silvers turned to the two magisters. “Mr. McCoy. Ms. Carmichael.”

“Sergeant,” said Angie with a smile.

Leery stepped through the bushes. “Oh boy,” he said.

“What is it?” asked Sam.

“This guy’s drained. Dru?”

She grimaced but stepped into the bushes. “Vampires,” she said. “Four or five of them.”

“You’re sure?” asked Carmichael.

“Absolutely. The wounds are‍—‍”

“This makes no sense,” said McCoy. “He was our star witness in the Gerald Tarrant case.”

Leery pushed out of the bushes. “One of you should lay eyes on him. IDs can be faked.” He shook his head. “But I don’t get it. Tarrant was a vampire, right? The one that coven of witches murdered?”

Sam nodded. “The same.” He jerked his chin at the bushes. “Show me.”

Leery led him back into the bushes and then stood back to give the prosecutor room. “Look familiar, Counselor?”

“Yes,” said Sam with a deep sigh. “That’s Gatsby.” He sucked his teeth and shook his head once. “It just doesn’t make sense for vampires to kill him. He was on their side in all this.”

“Oh, goody,” said Leery. “A mystery. I get all shivery when we have an exciting mystery to solve.”

“Well, let’s get this one solved as soon as possible, shivery or not. I’ll file for a continuance, but it won’t last forever.”

“We’ll get right on it. Like always.”

“I know,” said Sam. “Mea culpa.”

“Let me get Hinton in here to do her voodoo. See what Mr. Gatsby has to say.”

Sam nodded. “Think he’ll talk?”

Leery shrugged. “I would if someone gnawed on my neck like that.”

Sam returned his gaze to the multitude of bite wounds on Gatsby’s neck, then sucked his teeth again.

Pick up Claw & Warder: Episode 5 They Ate Gatsby today!

BUY NOW
amazon
free on ku