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Freya Holmes is unique in an already eccentric city.
New Orleans may be a paranormal mecca but even in a world where every type of shifter and witch is commonplace, a vampire-witch hybrid is something to worship … and fear.
Freya has never been interested in her parents’ opulent world. She finds her power in magic, which is why she formed Nightshade Detective Agency in the first place. She’s interested in helping people … even when that help might come at the cost of her life.
Knox Cullen grew up on the poor side of New Orleans. His shifter genes allowed him to climb out of poverty and embrace a certain lifestyle as a paranormal bounty hunter. He can take a punch and throw one. He’s not ready for Freya, though.
When a local mobster ends up dead and the culprit appears to be a supernatural assassin, both Freya and Knox are on the case. Unfortunately, they have no intention of working together and two hard heads don’t make for a soft landing.
Freya has her hands full. In addition to Knox, who is hiding something big, there’s a paranormal investigation unit seeking a partnership that takes advantage of her hard work and their impressive reach. The Legacy Foundation has quite the reputation, as do the two people—Charlie and Jack—who approach her with an offer she might not be able to refuse. Can she trust them? Can she trust anybody?
The clock is ticking. Freya needs to save the French Quarter. Sadly, she might lose herself in the process.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

864 people are currently reading
110 people want to read

About the author

Amanda M. Lee

294 books2,938 followers
When I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.

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5 stars
1,167 (73%)
4 stars
304 (19%)
3 stars
91 (5%)
2 stars
14 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
1,185 reviews18 followers
February 6, 2026
This is a good first book but I felt a lot.of.confusion while.reading it expecting Olivia and Sully

The author has set this new series in New Orleans a city she often places.her characters in but there is already one series set there The Supernatural Speakeasy with Olivia and Sully as the main characters. As a result even though I was.really enjoying this story I kept waiting for Freya to run across them, it never happened. This.book has it's own array of interesting side characters but none that cross overcross which strikes the only wrong note. Surely two super strong witches (in Freya's case a witch vampire hybrid) would know of each other.......... That to me didn't make sense. So anyway loved the characters Freya and Knox are not obviously nice, they hide their nicer side and present the world with a hard abrasive personality but it's a front for the most part and the banter between the two is such fun as is Freya's interactions with her family, her parents are so much fun. Suffice to say bring on book two quickly please. Oh and best of all Charlie Rhodes and the Loa's are back... ..........
2,924 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2026
characters not very well developed, nor is any magic or battle scenes

Rating: 3⭐️

I enjoyed Witches With Benefits (A Nightshade Detective Agency Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Amanda M. Lee but it’s a novel that, once you finish it, you realize, it doesn’t really have a lot of substance to it.

It’s like a bag of diet popcorn. You eat it. You enjoy eating it. You finish the bag. Then you think about the flavor that’s missing, the butter and the salt. All the ingredients, the great “stuff” that’s the reason why you eat popcorn. And then you realize you probably won’t be eating that brand anymore.

This is exactly like that.

It’s moves swiftly along with an interesting plot, on the surface. But then again, there’s no depth to anything. To the characters, the world building, the arc, the battles and especially the magic.

The missing sister aspect of the story? The one that is supposed to be the most traumatic and polarizing? It’s also the most inconsistent. We know nothing about the sister. And to pull the reader into this family’s tragic story,we should be able to see how much that sister and the family dynamic were real and believable. But we get nothing. No understanding of anyone or any kind of relationship other than briefly superficial.

In the following years, the father , parents are understood to have let the sister disappearance go. But Freya is said to both have become a detective to continue looking for her and also considers her sister dead. It’s a 50/50 thing depending upon what page you are on.

The characters around her have no discernible layers. That includes an alligator shifter who works with her , and a rich girl best friend who’s extremely irritating. It’s she’s rich and he’s a good old boy gator shifter from a large New Orleans family. That’s pretty much it. And the main character isn’t better developed.

Freya Holmes, a witch/vampire woman who has a hugely powerful vampire father (but only because we are told he is, no actual actions or abilities we see) and a powerful witch mother who is largely unknown. She has unique powers ( we’re told) that she “activates” the way that the Power Rangers do. As in “I’m going to be actively using my more powerful vampire powers now”. SMH

Then whoosh or whatever that powers are, it just happens. We don’t know what happens. It’s not written because Freya “blanks “ conveniently out. And any battle scene is over , bad guys are vanquished, and everyone is gazing at Freya in awe. That’s the scene. Everyone gazes at Freya in awe. Gods included.

I kid you not. That’s how all the battles are fought. No real fights. No powers for anyone seen or written out. Not even a KaBam. So poorly done.

On top of no magical abilities designed or written, the local gods and powers are shortchanged as well. It’s all mouth work. I’m gonna tell you how bad I am. Not going to show you anything but I’m definitely going to tell you that I’m pretty darn scary. Boo.
They are there but what they do? Not a clue.

Yes, there is a beginning of a romance. But they don’t have an adult relationship and the dialogue reads like 3 year olds in a sandbox. You did it, no I didn’t, yes you did.

No it’s not intelligent or particularly snarky.

So I’m leaving this here. There’s another book that will be published soon. But I don’t think it’s something I’m interested in.

You be the judge if this is what you want to read.

Nightshade Detective Agency Cozy Mystery :

Witches With Benefits #1
Survival of the Witchiest #2 - Aug 4,2026
Profile Image for Dallass.
2,370 reviews
February 9, 2026
um... what?!

I love this authors works, whether under this name or as Lily Harper Hart, and when I saw this was an upcoming release I put it in my KU Wishlist so I would remember to 'borrow' this. And then it was finally time to get it and start reading. I was excited to see that this would be a detective mystery with characters from her other series popping in now and then. I was happy to see Charlie and Jack pop up in the story, but just like the other series she has with characters from her other witchy series (Midlife series with Rowan, Harper, Maddie and Ivy) it fell flat for the most part. I do love Charlie and Jack, I enjoyed their series, and the new characters in this story, Freya, Lex and Knox, had potential. I liked Freya, although her family were a tad annoying, and Lex and his playboy ways. Knox is a bit of a dark horse, and he seems to have a stick shoved up his rear, but his parents are so quirky and fun. This aside though, there was just something about it (especially that misfire of a final confrontation with the antagonist - I mean, wtf?!) that left me feeling a bit let down. So while this wasn't the best first book in a series I've ever read, I will check out the second book just to see whether or not the things that bug me about the other (Midlife) series aren't repeated here.

Has potential.

3 stars
Profile Image for Melanie Richardson.
130 reviews
February 5, 2026
Yes! You need to read this!

Every single line, every single scene was great! If y it have read the previous works by Amanda M. Lee you will be thrilled at the turn of events and the great crossovers set up here.

Freya is a young vampire witch. Typically she calls on her witch nature to deal with paranormal issues. When Knox, a wolf shifter, begins to show up at crimes she is investigating, her world begins to shift as well. Annoyance at first sight doesn’t keep them apart as Freya digs into odd deaths occurring around New Orleans. Can she get to answers before the darkness destroys the city?
Profile Image for Cindy.
103 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2026
A new series!

Amanda M. Lee (and her Lily Harper Hart alter ego) has become my favorite cozy paranormal mystery writer. Every month, she releases new titles and the characters become new friends. I was so excited to see book one of a brand new series this month, that still featured a couple from a recently finished book series. Old friends, Charlie and Jack, in a new city New Orleans, making new friends and investigating new mysteries. I loved meeting our new heroine, the born vampire/ witch hybrid Freya and her alligator and wolf shifter friends. This was a great start to a new series for me. Looking forward to reading more of Freya’s adventures.
630 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2026
Fabulous Start To A New Series

I should have known that I would love the first book of this new series, because Amanda M. Lee is an incredible author! She knows her audience well. Freya is a witch/vampire hybrid living in New Orleans, and due to a traumatic experience, when she was 12, she is now a private investigator. I immediately liked Freya and her surly attitude. She is curious, smart, a bit grumpy and she loves her family fiercely. I loved seeing the array of characters (both new and old ones who have been in other series) that popped up, and I absolutely can’t wait to watch how things unfold between Freya and Knox.
Profile Image for Regina Reyes.
197 reviews
March 23, 2026
Freya Holmes is half witch and half vampire. She feels responsible for the loss of her older sister when she was a minor, so now she runs a dectective agency. Her father is a scary vampire with a booming bar business in New Orleans and her mother is a former witch turned vampire. She has a brother who works with her father. Charlie Rhodes has come to town to set up shop and possibly work with Freya. Now Shades have come to town and are killing all the bad guys in New Orleans, but there doesn’t seem to be a reason. Freya must figure out who to trust and quickly before she becomes the next target.
Profile Image for Marsha.
171 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2026
First book in a new series, was enjoyable and a promising start to a new series.
Fun and kinda cozy, with hints of future romance.
I like this author because while they aren't always the best books or the most well written, they are almost always enjoyable, particularly when you don't want something dark and gloomy that takes itself too seriously. Most her books are in the paranormal mystery vein, and almost always include a sweet romance that continues through the whole series.
I look forward to the next in this series.
Profile Image for Joe McGowan.
326 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2026
nice start to a new series

nice start to a new series, combining new characters with established characters is a great introduction. All the characters are likable in their own ways. New Orleans holds a fascination with Ms Lee. Freya is a strong character with a steel spine, who channels her personal loss, into a need to spare others of what she loss. Charlie has always been a fun character, pairing these two and their associates together looks to be yet another grand adventure.
Profile Image for She Who Shall Remain Nameless .
293 reviews
February 15, 2026
Overall, this was an entertaining start to a new series. It is highly connected to the Charlie Rhodes series by this author which is also connected to all of the other series by her. This can be a bit much if I’m being honest. I have only read the Winchester Witches and Charlie Rhodes series as there are just too many other books in this universe which all seem to have the same snarky heroine lead and the same buff, longhaired male love interest. Don’t get me wrong, these can be fun reads, but my enjoyment would be increased if the books weren’t quite so formulaic.
Profile Image for Perry Owler.
Author 4 books2 followers
February 23, 2026
I am giving this 5 stars, because as always, Amanda leaves me wanting more... but, I don't know, the side stories when trying to provide the back story confused me some (and maybe it is just me). Wasn't a big fan of the childish banter between Freya and Knox - they were acting more like brother and sister then potential love interests... we shall see how the series goes as to if my heart opens to them. I did love how she worked Charlie and Jack into the story line and cannot wait to see more of them and the Legacy Foundation.
25 reviews
February 5, 2026
Keep reading, I almost stopped until Charlie Rhodes arrived

It was a slow start and I didn't like any of the characters originally. I was ready to just stop reading when suddenly Charlie arrived ( one of my favs from your books) so I kept reading. The book was still slow to develop the storyline and introduce the characters more fully but worth it by the end. So I'm ready to read book 2!
Profile Image for Starla.
958 reviews
February 7, 2026
Excited for this new series

This new series is exciting. The new lead female character is as special as her paranormal powers. She also has a couple from a past series that has been completed for a bit. Very excited to see how they are progressing. There may even been a romance blossoming for the lead character or was it just a teaser. I guess time will tell. Excited to read the next book in this new series!
Profile Image for Paula.
802 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2026
Amazing start to a new series

I wasn't sure New Orleans is big enough for 2 series and visitors when I first heard about this new series. However, once I started reading I didn't not want to stop. Amanda M. Lee has started this one with a bang and I can not wait to read more! Old favorites are back and new favorites are starting. Lots of what will happen next thoughts through out!
Profile Image for Mari.
3,202 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2026
I had high expectations for this first book in a new series and I wasn’t disappointed at all. I enjoyed the new characters and the setting is interesting as well. Meeting Charlie and Jack again was just a bonus. The story is interesting and has just enough open ends to make it a complete book without cliffhangers, but leaves enough questions for me to look forward to the next one. I loved it. 5 stars.
Profile Image for  BookwormMomma7.
999 reviews
February 12, 2026
Witches with Benefits

A good start to the series, there is Freya, the Vamp-Witch hybrid her family and the missing family member no one knows what happened to. NOLA is being attacked and things are not what they seem. Freya has been invited to be part of an exclusive group but right she wants to focus on her detective agency. Can wait to read the origin stories for some of the other characters.
46 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2026
Awesome new series

This was a great start to the new series. I understand we needed to get to know the new characters but I do hope Charlie and Jack are a little more prominent in the series. I absolutely love the chemistry between Freya and Knox. The character are are snarky without being obnoxious. I'm going to enjoy the help out of this series. But then you haven't written a thing I haven't read and loved as Amanda and Lily. Here's to hoping you never get tired of writing!!
4 reviews
February 16, 2026
A great start to another fun series

So fun to read the start to another mystery series with crossover to multiple of Amanda's other successful series. I loved the banter between Freya and Knox and can't wait to see when that relationship will heat up. Amanda always has the best paranormal stories and this one doesn't disappoint. I'm sad I have to wait until August for the next book but will be reading that as soon as it's available!
Profile Image for Kate.
2 reviews
February 8, 2026
Excellent new series

It's always exciting when your favourite authors starts a new series, and I loved the first installment. I can't wait to see what Freya and the crew get up to next. To have Charlie and Jack involved as well is fab, I've missed them since Charlie's series ended.
Profile Image for Karen  Brennan.
7 reviews
February 17, 2026
Love books based in New Orleans. It had a good structure for New Orleans lore with a supernatural twist and Love that she brought some characters back from a book series that had ended already, but we get to see how other think of them as they are now secondary characters and no longer main characters in the series. Really fun read as always
70 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2026
Interesting To say the least !

I will presume this is the 1st of the series I've never seen it before. Amanda M. Lee is a phenomenal Supernatural mystery writer. I read numerous other series of hers,And thought I would give this one a shot,Did not disappoint. The characters are well developed And the storyline interesting.
Well done. Looking forward to book 2!
12 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2026
More great characters in her universe

I choose this book because I enjoy the authors stories. These are many new characters in the world of mystic circus, etc and they are great. The story is good, bringing some other stories to the post credit scene, what comes after and the stories are not over. Definitely worth the read
36 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2026
paranormal sin the big easy - lots of them!

The usual wolf shifters but gator and snake shifters too? And witches and vampires and several I haven’t encountered before as well. And they all mix it up around Frey’s, the witch/vampire hybrid. Is that even a thing? I’m going to go looking for the next in the series!
1 review
March 4, 2026
stick with it

I am a fan of some of Ms Lee’s series but not all. When I was a couple of chapters in I thought this was not going to be one of my favourites, however I had to give it a chance so persevered. I am glad I did as I started to engage with the lead characters and enjoyed the story immensely. Very much looking forward to reading the next in the series.
5 reviews
March 9, 2026
unexpectedly amazing

You know when you’re reading a book and you suddenly realise you’re hooked?
Yep. This book does that, and so well. I love that my attachment to the characters snuck up on me, once the threads converged and made a wonderful kind of sense.
This is gorgeous, layered and intriguing world building. I also laughed a lot.
165 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2026
Another great book!

I enjoyed this book. What an adventure with lots of moving parts. The introduction of Charlie and Jack into the series was seamless. I look forward to the future endeavors of these characters. It will be interesting to see the interaction with the Legacy Foundation, the Loas, Harley, Poet and her crew.
7 reviews
February 4, 2026
a new series and it is awesome

Amanda has kicked this series off with a bang. Freya is an interesting character and the story was definitely a fun read. Can’t wait till the next book.
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,646 reviews25 followers
February 6, 2026
Great New Series

It’s been a long time since we got a new series. I’m looking forward to learning more about the characters.

It is great to have Charlie part of this new series as well as other favorites that look like they will be part of future storylines.
508 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2026
Great new series

Really enjoyed this book and meeting a new set of characters. It’s going to be so much fun as Freya and Knox’s relationship develops. Lex is fun! Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Dianna Cook.
103 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2026
great start to a new series

A new type of paranormal, old favourites and set in New Orleans. Freya, is a P.I. Investigating the murders of local mob bosses and the worst type of criminals. A vigilante with magic? Really enjoyed the start to this new series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews