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Treasure Trail #1
Treasure Trail
Erik Mitchell traveled the world uncovering art fraud and relic theft, which pitted him against spoiled billionaires, unscrupulous collectors, mobsters, and cartels. He worked with law enforcement across the U.S. and Europe, but then a sting goes wrong, Erik ends up injured and returns to find his partner cheating. He decides to stop globetrotting and buy an antique shop in scenic Cape May, NJ, rebuild his life, and nurse his broken heart.
Undercover Newark cop Ben Nolan went down in a hail of bullets when a bust went sideways, after a tip-off from a traitor inside the department. When he recovers, he spends a couple of years as a private investigator, only to tire of seeing the worst of human nature. So when his aunt offers him the chance to take over her rental real estate business in Cape May, it seems too good to be true. Now if he could just believe he could ever be lucky again in love.
Sparks fly when Erik and Ben meet. But when a cursed hotel’s long-ago scandals resurface, the two men are pulled into a web of lies, danger, and deception that will test their bond—and might make them Cape May’s newest ghosts!
Treasure Trail contains sexually explicit material intended for adults 18 and over. This is book #1 in the Treasure Trail series.
Undercover Newark cop Ben Nolan went down in a hail of bullets when a bust went sideways, after a tip-off from a traitor inside the department. When he recovers, he spends a couple of years as a private investigator, only to tire of seeing the worst of human nature. So when his aunt offers him the chance to take over her rental real estate business in Cape May, it seems too good to be true. Now if he could just believe he could ever be lucky again in love.
Sparks fly when Erik and Ben meet. But when a cursed hotel’s long-ago scandals resurface, the two men are pulled into a web of lies, danger, and deception that will test their bond—and might make them Cape May’s newest ghosts!
Treasure Trail contains sexually explicit material intended for adults 18 and over. This is book #1 in the Treasure Trail series.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2019
About the author
Morgan Brice
47 books382 followersMorgan Brice writes Urban Fantasy M/M Paranormal Romance with lots of magic, spooky stuff, and sexy men.
Pen name of author Gail Z. Martin.
Pen name of author Gail Z. Martin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
July 8, 2019
Another excellent paranormal/urban fantasy opener to a new series set within the expanded worlds of Morgan Brice.
This one links into both the Badlands series, and into two of the series' written under her Gail Z Martin name and it has just enough of a faint hint of there being more to come to leave me desperate for more.
Lightly paranormal in the majority of the book, the mystery is anchored in an investigation into corruption decades past in a small shoreside town where ghosts aren't just things that go bump in the night but very much actively seen and spoken about and included in the town's tourist selling points.
I loved Erik and Ben, their relationship sparked very quickly into love but there's definitely an element of soulmates which made it a bit more workable within the timeframe for me.
The suspense itself is similar to those which take part in the Badlands series, involving mystery objects, ghostly encounters and long cold police investigations and I really liked the vibe of this new setting.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
This one links into both the Badlands series, and into two of the series' written under her Gail Z Martin name and it has just enough of a faint hint of there being more to come to leave me desperate for more.
Lightly paranormal in the majority of the book, the mystery is anchored in an investigation into corruption decades past in a small shoreside town where ghosts aren't just things that go bump in the night but very much actively seen and spoken about and included in the town's tourist selling points.
I loved Erik and Ben, their relationship sparked very quickly into love but there's definitely an element of soulmates which made it a bit more workable within the timeframe for me.
The suspense itself is similar to those which take part in the Badlands series, involving mystery objects, ghostly encounters and long cold police investigations and I really liked the vibe of this new setting.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
January 9, 2021
Treasure Trail by Morgan Brice
1st book in the Treasure Trail series. Paranormal M-M romantic mystery. Cross-over with other series (Badlands and Witchbane) by the author and links under Gail Z Martin. You don’t need to read those series to enjoy this book.
An antique shop, a box of items from an auction, an old clock, and a bit of psychic ability stir up potential danger for shop owner Erik Mitchell in Cape May, NJ. Erik and his new boyfriend Ben find themselves involved with cold case files because of their similar former law enforcement backgrounds and strange events around the local old hotel.
An intriguing paranormal ability and an instant love connection make this read steamy and captivating.
1st book in the Treasure Trail series. Paranormal M-M romantic mystery. Cross-over with other series (Badlands and Witchbane) by the author and links under Gail Z Martin. You don’t need to read those series to enjoy this book.
An antique shop, a box of items from an auction, an old clock, and a bit of psychic ability stir up potential danger for shop owner Erik Mitchell in Cape May, NJ. Erik and his new boyfriend Ben find themselves involved with cold case files because of their similar former law enforcement backgrounds and strange events around the local old hotel.
An intriguing paranormal ability and an instant love connection make this read steamy and captivating.
May 26, 2022
Morgan Brice has a new paranormal mystery series, and Treasure Trail proves to be just as entertaining as the rest of her novels! Fans of Ms. Brice’s Badlands series are going to be happy to see a few familiar characters pop up, but you definitely don’t need to read those books to fully enjoy Treasure Trail.
Both these main characters have recently relocated to Cape May, New Jersey, and they share way more in common than just being newbies in town. Not only do Erik and Ben both have prior experience in law enforcement, each man has supernatural abilities as well! Throughout the entire story these characters’ skills come into play, which puts them on an even playing field and adds an element to their relationship I really enjoy.
Morgan Brice also has a new narrator on board for the Treasure Trail series, and what a great match John Solo is for this style of story! In addition to his skills in the romance genre, Mr. Solo sure knows how to build the tension in a thriller like this one. The pace builds steadily in Treasure Trail, and the climax of the mystery is almost as great as the final (and much anticipated) romantic scene between Erik and Ben.
Ms. Brice always includes interesting tid-bits about the physical locations in her novels, and expertly explores the lore surrounding historic Cape May peninsula. Between notable landmarks, charming tourist haunts, and the quirky townies, we get a real sense of the flavor of this unique and exceptional area.
There are some intriguing supporting characters introduced in Treasure Trail and I hope we see more of them. Plus, I’ve got my fingers crossed we’ll get continual contributions from several of the characters from the Badlands novels. I’m enjoying the direction this series is headed and I’m looking forward to wherever it takes us.
Both these main characters have recently relocated to Cape May, New Jersey, and they share way more in common than just being newbies in town. Not only do Erik and Ben both have prior experience in law enforcement, each man has supernatural abilities as well! Throughout the entire story these characters’ skills come into play, which puts them on an even playing field and adds an element to their relationship I really enjoy.
Morgan Brice also has a new narrator on board for the Treasure Trail series, and what a great match John Solo is for this style of story! In addition to his skills in the romance genre, Mr. Solo sure knows how to build the tension in a thriller like this one. The pace builds steadily in Treasure Trail, and the climax of the mystery is almost as great as the final (and much anticipated) romantic scene between Erik and Ben.
Ms. Brice always includes interesting tid-bits about the physical locations in her novels, and expertly explores the lore surrounding historic Cape May peninsula. Between notable landmarks, charming tourist haunts, and the quirky townies, we get a real sense of the flavor of this unique and exceptional area.
There are some intriguing supporting characters introduced in Treasure Trail and I hope we see more of them. Plus, I’ve got my fingers crossed we’ll get continual contributions from several of the characters from the Badlands novels. I’m enjoying the direction this series is headed and I’m looking forward to wherever it takes us.
July 11, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Treasure Trail is the first book in Morgan Brice’s new series and it is off to a great start. This first book introduces us not only to Ben and Erik, but also to the unique town of Cape May and a host of interesting side characters. Brice always does such a wonderful job in her books of making the setting such a key part of the story, and this book is no exception. I could totally feel the atmosphere and picture details of Cape May that really made it come alive. The mystery slowly unfolds as Ben and Erik dig more into the story behind the clock, the cursed hotel, and the various murders that took place years ago. But the more they dig, they more they realize that all of the mystery isn’t in the past and there are dangers everywhere. The story is clever and kept me engaged throughout as these guys try to discover what really happened all those years ago and to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Treasure Trail is the first book in Morgan Brice’s new series and it is off to a great start. This first book introduces us not only to Ben and Erik, but also to the unique town of Cape May and a host of interesting side characters. Brice always does such a wonderful job in her books of making the setting such a key part of the story, and this book is no exception. I could totally feel the atmosphere and picture details of Cape May that really made it come alive. The mystery slowly unfolds as Ben and Erik dig more into the story behind the clock, the cursed hotel, and the various murders that took place years ago. But the more they dig, they more they realize that all of the mystery isn’t in the past and there are dangers everywhere. The story is clever and kept me engaged throughout as these guys try to discover what really happened all those years ago and to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 20, 2019
4.5 stars rounded down to 4...full review to follow soonish!
It may not be the yellow brick road but there's still a witch or two on the trail...
In ‘Treasure Trail’ Ms Brice takes us to the vacation town of Port May where we meet Simon Kincaide’s best friend Erik as he starts his life over as the blogger for the Treasure Trail Blog and the new owner of ‘Trinkets’ antique store. We met Erik briefly via the phone in ‘Badlands’ the series that started all these ghostly adventures and in fact if you read the authors notes at the end of this book you’ll discover that as well as Erik and his best friend Simon, who were first introduced to us in ‘Badlands’, we are introduced to a few other characters from previous books by Morgan Brice/Gail Z. Martin.
I’m a total fan of having characters cross over into other series. I just love the challenge of reading a story and spotting a character or an event that connects one book or series to another it’s just one of those quirky things that I enjoy.
So far I’ve really enjoyed both the ‘Badlands’ and ‘Witchbane’ series but ‘Treasure Trail’ for me was just even more enjoyable than either of those first two series…make no mistake I have every intention of continuing to read both of those series, I just liked this one even better.
I loved Erik and Ben. It’s not that often that we get two characters with such similar backgrounds as they have and yet with enough differences to keep them each unique as well. Erik’s looking to escape the life he’s been leading for years travelling the world uncovering art frauds and relic thefts dealing with society’s worst…the wealthy side of it but still not the kind of people you’d want to have over for dinner. While Ben’s leaving behind a life as an undercover cop turned P.I. after leaving the police force after nearly getting killed when an assignment ended badly. Both men have also been burned by their life partners as well so they’re both guarding their heart’s but fates brought them both to Port May.
It doesn’t take long for Erik and Ben to suddenly find themselves with their hands full between trying to get settled into their individual lives in Port May, suddenly finding themselves at the center of 3 cold cases that seem to be heating up and trying to start a new relationship to see where their mutual attraction will take them it’s a small wonder that both men become frustrated at the number of rain checks they keep finding they owe each other…I’m pretty sure that it’s going to be one torrential down pour when they finally get to cash them in.
I absolutely loved this book from the minute I started reading the story had me hooked. As much as I enjoyed the interactions between Erik and Ben, I was also thoroughly enchanted with the town of Port May and it’s citizens…from Erik’s neighbor, Susan to the lighthouse keeper to the local constabulary and more than a few residents who all seem to have their own unique psychic abilities they all came together to create a reading experience that I can’t wait to get more of.
While I’m not usually a fan of paranormal stories and these stories definitely fall under that umbrella I don’t find them to be overly dark and depressing which makes them the kind of paranormal story that I enjoy reading.
*************************
An ARC of ‘Treasure Trail’ was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It may not be the yellow brick road but there's still a witch or two on the trail...
In ‘Treasure Trail’ Ms Brice takes us to the vacation town of Port May where we meet Simon Kincaide’s best friend Erik as he starts his life over as the blogger for the Treasure Trail Blog and the new owner of ‘Trinkets’ antique store. We met Erik briefly via the phone in ‘Badlands’ the series that started all these ghostly adventures and in fact if you read the authors notes at the end of this book you’ll discover that as well as Erik and his best friend Simon, who were first introduced to us in ‘Badlands’, we are introduced to a few other characters from previous books by Morgan Brice/Gail Z. Martin.
I’m a total fan of having characters cross over into other series. I just love the challenge of reading a story and spotting a character or an event that connects one book or series to another it’s just one of those quirky things that I enjoy.
So far I’ve really enjoyed both the ‘Badlands’ and ‘Witchbane’ series but ‘Treasure Trail’ for me was just even more enjoyable than either of those first two series…make no mistake I have every intention of continuing to read both of those series, I just liked this one even better.
I loved Erik and Ben. It’s not that often that we get two characters with such similar backgrounds as they have and yet with enough differences to keep them each unique as well. Erik’s looking to escape the life he’s been leading for years travelling the world uncovering art frauds and relic thefts dealing with society’s worst…the wealthy side of it but still not the kind of people you’d want to have over for dinner. While Ben’s leaving behind a life as an undercover cop turned P.I. after leaving the police force after nearly getting killed when an assignment ended badly. Both men have also been burned by their life partners as well so they’re both guarding their heart’s but fates brought them both to Port May.
It doesn’t take long for Erik and Ben to suddenly find themselves with their hands full between trying to get settled into their individual lives in Port May, suddenly finding themselves at the center of 3 cold cases that seem to be heating up and trying to start a new relationship to see where their mutual attraction will take them it’s a small wonder that both men become frustrated at the number of rain checks they keep finding they owe each other…I’m pretty sure that it’s going to be one torrential down pour when they finally get to cash them in.
I absolutely loved this book from the minute I started reading the story had me hooked. As much as I enjoyed the interactions between Erik and Ben, I was also thoroughly enchanted with the town of Port May and it’s citizens…from Erik’s neighbor, Susan to the lighthouse keeper to the local constabulary and more than a few residents who all seem to have their own unique psychic abilities they all came together to create a reading experience that I can’t wait to get more of.
While I’m not usually a fan of paranormal stories and these stories definitely fall under that umbrella I don’t find them to be overly dark and depressing which makes them the kind of paranormal story that I enjoy reading.
*************************
An ARC of ‘Treasure Trail’ was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2019
Oh, this was *SO* frustrating. I really, really wanted to like this. I liked the Badlands books about the gay medium in Myrtle Beach and his cop boyfriend, so when I saw that the author was doing a connected book/series about a gay psychic antique dealer (who's an ex law enforcement type who stopped art frauds) and his ex-cop boyfriend, I would've been there anyway, but this is set in... Cape May, NJ.
One of my favorite places on earth. I grew up in central Jersey, and my family used to go down the shore to Avalon and Wildwood and Cape May every summer. I miss going there dreadfully since moving up to Massachusetts. My dad's family had owned a house in Cape May Point, so we're talking a generational connection here. I loved the way the author portrayed Myrtle Beach (a place I've never been), so when I read that this was in a place I already know and love? Instabuy.
Well, maybe I should've previewed.
I'm not sure the author has ever even been to Cape May. If she has, she sure doesn't know anything else about NJ.
Let's start with the ex-cop boyfriend. So, he used to spend summers with his aunt and uncle in Cape May, and now he's come to run their vacation rental house business. Okay, good so far. He's available to help them out because he's left the police force in... Newark. Weird, I said, wonder how he ended up in Newark? Apparently because he... grew up there. He's supposed to be mid-thirties, meaning he would have grown up there in the 90s. In what is described as a super Irish-Catholic family (they kicked him out for being gay). And... demographically, that's just off. Why would an Irish Catholic family still be living in Newark in the 90s? With children? It's such a strange choice that it should be part of their story; not white-flighting it out of Newark long before then is a deliberate thing. (Wikipedia says that in 1990 less than 17% of Newark's population was white non-Hispanic.) And why would one of his parents' siblings own a huge real estate business in Cape May, which takes a lot of money (if the family has money, why were they still in Newark) and makes NO geographical sense...
Because point 2, Cape May is a LONG way from Newark. It's the end of NJ, the end of the Parkway, all the way at the bottom, as far south as you can go without taking the ferry to Delaware. It is not historically tied to North Jersey (where NYC and Newark are) but to SOUTH Jersey (Camden/Philly). Yes, some of us from North Jersey would vacation there, but it wasn't really common -- people from North/Central Jersey generally go to LBI, Seaside, maybe Asbury Park; I only knew of one other person in my class whose family went all the way down to Cape May. Yes, Cape May was one of America's first resorts, but it was a resort for people escaping Philadelphia, not NYC. NJ has a huge divide between north and south, and that divide is echoed down the shore; when you say "the city" (as the book does several times), which city you're talking about changes from North to South (NYC to Philly). What it never, ever means is Newark. And yet, I think the author maybe thought it could? (What, because the airport is there? Because Cory Booker is nationally known?) It is not a destination (although the gentrification efforts have indeed had some [limited] success). It is not anyone's point of reference, even in North Jersey; in South Jersey, Newark would be hardly even thought of (you'd fly out of Philly!).
Now, I keep saying "north" and "south" (although obviously one must also go east to get to the shore), but what we really say when we're going to the shore is that we're going "DOWN." One both "goes down the shore" and "is down the shore." What you never, ever do (it's geographically impossible) is go "up" to the shore. And yet, the characters in this book, both the transplant and the native, repeatedly say they're going "up" to Cape May (including from Newark... and WILDWOOD. Which is NORTH along the ocean from Cape May???). Nails on a blackboard, that. Also, please note, it is the "Shore," not the "Coast" -- the title of that show was not random. Surely now everyone knows that?
Other petty cavils (I'm sorry, but they bugged me!): you don't eat lobster rolls down the shore; that's a New England food. (I'd never heard of one before moving here to MA, but they ate them TWICE in this book). PhD students do not generally hang out with people from other departments (like the MC had with Simon, the dude from the Badlands books), because PhD departments are so insular; and even if you did make friends outside your department (Folklore, Simon's field, is fairly interdisciplinary, so it's *conceivable* Erik took some sort of class on folkways or folk art, I suppose, in his art history program), you do NOT sit around and commiserate about your "bad grades" -- because if you've gotten a "bad grade" in a PhD program, you've got problems well beyond what your friends can sympathize with; a B is the equivalent of failing. Ben and Erik go to a restaurant at "the marina" -- which one??? There is no single marina that I am familiar with in Cape May (lots of small ones, though). They also go to a Greek restaurant somewhere in the historic district (in walking district from Erik's store) that serves... "diner style" food??? Yes, diners are owned by Greek people and often serve Greek food, but the whole point of diners is that they serve all kinds of food besides the Greek specialties (whereas they were only given a two page menu that apparently only had Greek food on it). Given that this book turned a lot on the history of mob involvement in Cape May, why was Atlantic City absent?
Finally, to conclude my jeremiad of pettiness: so Ben's cousin Sean lives in Wildwood. Fine. But the author does not seem to understand how *close* that is to Cape May. Yes, sure, there could be traffic or something (there can always be traffic in NJ, particularly down the shore), but in general, it is no big deal to go back and forth between Wildwood and Cape May. We certainly did when I was a kid. And yet Ben and Sean act like he's having to go back to... IDK, Newark or something. Sigh.
Mostly, what was missing was any mention of any actual Cape May things: where was the actual beach? Where was the boardwalk? Congress Hall? They did go to the lighthouse, but nothing about it felt specific (also, it doesn't have an actual lighthouse keeper and the park rangers interact with people all the time, that's their job?). All the food they ate, and yet no one had taffy? Or fudge? No boardwalk fries? No one looked for any Cape May Diamonds?
The actual story was fine. It wasn't much of a mystery, but it was fine, and I liked the characters enough. I just wanted *place*, and that, I didn't get.
[edit: Okay, just one more complaint: Ben's tattoo reads 'non tiembo mala' -- it should say 'non timebo mala'. Poor Ben, stuck with bad Latin FOREVER.]
One of my favorite places on earth. I grew up in central Jersey, and my family used to go down the shore to Avalon and Wildwood and Cape May every summer. I miss going there dreadfully since moving up to Massachusetts. My dad's family had owned a house in Cape May Point, so we're talking a generational connection here. I loved the way the author portrayed Myrtle Beach (a place I've never been), so when I read that this was in a place I already know and love? Instabuy.
Well, maybe I should've previewed.
I'm not sure the author has ever even been to Cape May. If she has, she sure doesn't know anything else about NJ.
Let's start with the ex-cop boyfriend. So, he used to spend summers with his aunt and uncle in Cape May, and now he's come to run their vacation rental house business. Okay, good so far. He's available to help them out because he's left the police force in... Newark. Weird, I said, wonder how he ended up in Newark? Apparently because he... grew up there. He's supposed to be mid-thirties, meaning he would have grown up there in the 90s. In what is described as a super Irish-Catholic family (they kicked him out for being gay). And... demographically, that's just off. Why would an Irish Catholic family still be living in Newark in the 90s? With children? It's such a strange choice that it should be part of their story; not white-flighting it out of Newark long before then is a deliberate thing. (Wikipedia says that in 1990 less than 17% of Newark's population was white non-Hispanic.) And why would one of his parents' siblings own a huge real estate business in Cape May, which takes a lot of money (if the family has money, why were they still in Newark) and makes NO geographical sense...
Because point 2, Cape May is a LONG way from Newark. It's the end of NJ, the end of the Parkway, all the way at the bottom, as far south as you can go without taking the ferry to Delaware. It is not historically tied to North Jersey (where NYC and Newark are) but to SOUTH Jersey (Camden/Philly). Yes, some of us from North Jersey would vacation there, but it wasn't really common -- people from North/Central Jersey generally go to LBI, Seaside, maybe Asbury Park; I only knew of one other person in my class whose family went all the way down to Cape May. Yes, Cape May was one of America's first resorts, but it was a resort for people escaping Philadelphia, not NYC. NJ has a huge divide between north and south, and that divide is echoed down the shore; when you say "the city" (as the book does several times), which city you're talking about changes from North to South (NYC to Philly). What it never, ever means is Newark. And yet, I think the author maybe thought it could? (What, because the airport is there? Because Cory Booker is nationally known?) It is not a destination (although the gentrification efforts have indeed had some [limited] success). It is not anyone's point of reference, even in North Jersey; in South Jersey, Newark would be hardly even thought of (you'd fly out of Philly!).
Now, I keep saying "north" and "south" (although obviously one must also go east to get to the shore), but what we really say when we're going to the shore is that we're going "DOWN." One both "goes down the shore" and "is down the shore." What you never, ever do (it's geographically impossible) is go "up" to the shore. And yet, the characters in this book, both the transplant and the native, repeatedly say they're going "up" to Cape May (including from Newark... and WILDWOOD. Which is NORTH along the ocean from Cape May???). Nails on a blackboard, that. Also, please note, it is the "Shore," not the "Coast" -- the title of that show was not random. Surely now everyone knows that?
Other petty cavils (I'm sorry, but they bugged me!): you don't eat lobster rolls down the shore; that's a New England food. (I'd never heard of one before moving here to MA, but they ate them TWICE in this book). PhD students do not generally hang out with people from other departments (like the MC had with Simon, the dude from the Badlands books), because PhD departments are so insular; and even if you did make friends outside your department (Folklore, Simon's field, is fairly interdisciplinary, so it's *conceivable* Erik took some sort of class on folkways or folk art, I suppose, in his art history program), you do NOT sit around and commiserate about your "bad grades" -- because if you've gotten a "bad grade" in a PhD program, you've got problems well beyond what your friends can sympathize with; a B is the equivalent of failing. Ben and Erik go to a restaurant at "the marina" -- which one??? There is no single marina that I am familiar with in Cape May (lots of small ones, though). They also go to a Greek restaurant somewhere in the historic district (in walking district from Erik's store) that serves... "diner style" food??? Yes, diners are owned by Greek people and often serve Greek food, but the whole point of diners is that they serve all kinds of food besides the Greek specialties (whereas they were only given a two page menu that apparently only had Greek food on it). Given that this book turned a lot on the history of mob involvement in Cape May, why was Atlantic City absent?
Finally, to conclude my jeremiad of pettiness: so Ben's cousin Sean lives in Wildwood. Fine. But the author does not seem to understand how *close* that is to Cape May. Yes, sure, there could be traffic or something (there can always be traffic in NJ, particularly down the shore), but in general, it is no big deal to go back and forth between Wildwood and Cape May. We certainly did when I was a kid. And yet Ben and Sean act like he's having to go back to... IDK, Newark or something. Sigh.
Mostly, what was missing was any mention of any actual Cape May things: where was the actual beach? Where was the boardwalk? Congress Hall? They did go to the lighthouse, but nothing about it felt specific (also, it doesn't have an actual lighthouse keeper and the park rangers interact with people all the time, that's their job?). All the food they ate, and yet no one had taffy? Or fudge? No boardwalk fries? No one looked for any Cape May Diamonds?
The actual story was fine. It wasn't much of a mystery, but it was fine, and I liked the characters enough. I just wanted *place*, and that, I didn't get.
[edit: Okay, just one more complaint: Ben's tattoo reads 'non tiembo mala' -- it should say 'non timebo mala'. Poor Ben, stuck with bad Latin FOREVER.]
June 30, 2019
Set in the same universe as Badlands, this book features antiques shop owner who is not what he seems and ex-cop who is open to believe in unbelievable. The story is set in Cape May, a charming tourist town full of quirky residents who are more than meets the eye and 40 years worth of mysteries and corruption that someone will do everything possible to hide.
Erik is an adventurer, at least he used to be until a brush with death and something otherworldly he can't explain put things into perspective. He decides it's time for a quieter life, but coming home has never been this bitter since the man who he thought he loved betrayed him with his assistant. Wounded and hurt, he jumps at the offer of owning his own antiques shop and a house filled with old charm. After all, nothing ever happens in small tourist friendly towns, right? Yet, a box bought sight unseen and an old clock open up a can of worms that brings danger to his door step.
Ben Nolan had it all. A career in law enforcement, a boyfriend and undercover job that was about to bust a crime ring, but a tip from a dirty cop, two bullets and skedaddled boyfriend later finds him disillusioned, lonely and seeking a new path in life. So that's how he ends up in Cape May managing his aunt's rental business - just a stepping stone to something better. But first night, he sees an attractive s*exy man, and so starts the love story of Erik and Ben.
Their initial meetings are a little bit awkward and rather sweet, but both men can't deny their mutual attraction and the thrill of solving decades worth of mysteries. The more they delve in, the faster they get close both suddenly in love and in terrible danger. But Erik has secrets of his own that might turn the tide of the case and their budding relationship.
I loved Cape May and its peculiar residents. I loved the mystery that was steeped in local history of Commodore Wilson Hotel, magic and old-fashioned gossip. It was a riveting story filled with both extraordinary beings and mundane corrupt cops, with two men falling in love and hoping for a future together, with ghosts and curses better left alone. I loved the story and characters, and I can't wait to find out how Erik and Ben fall deeper in love and build a life in Cape May! Outstanding book! I highly recommend it! Copy provided for my honest and unbiased review
Erik is an adventurer, at least he used to be until a brush with death and something otherworldly he can't explain put things into perspective. He decides it's time for a quieter life, but coming home has never been this bitter since the man who he thought he loved betrayed him with his assistant. Wounded and hurt, he jumps at the offer of owning his own antiques shop and a house filled with old charm. After all, nothing ever happens in small tourist friendly towns, right? Yet, a box bought sight unseen and an old clock open up a can of worms that brings danger to his door step.
Ben Nolan had it all. A career in law enforcement, a boyfriend and undercover job that was about to bust a crime ring, but a tip from a dirty cop, two bullets and skedaddled boyfriend later finds him disillusioned, lonely and seeking a new path in life. So that's how he ends up in Cape May managing his aunt's rental business - just a stepping stone to something better. But first night, he sees an attractive s*exy man, and so starts the love story of Erik and Ben.
Their initial meetings are a little bit awkward and rather sweet, but both men can't deny their mutual attraction and the thrill of solving decades worth of mysteries. The more they delve in, the faster they get close both suddenly in love and in terrible danger. But Erik has secrets of his own that might turn the tide of the case and their budding relationship.
I loved Cape May and its peculiar residents. I loved the mystery that was steeped in local history of Commodore Wilson Hotel, magic and old-fashioned gossip. It was a riveting story filled with both extraordinary beings and mundane corrupt cops, with two men falling in love and hoping for a future together, with ghosts and curses better left alone. I loved the story and characters, and I can't wait to find out how Erik and Ben fall deeper in love and build a life in Cape May! Outstanding book! I highly recommend it! Copy provided for my honest and unbiased review
August 19, 2021
This is the third series I have read by Morgan Brice. Love her characters and how she brings each new part of the series together to create a first-rate story. Not surprising that she is off to a great start of doing the same thing with this series as she did with Witchbane and Badlands...give us well written, well thought out plots and wonderful, lovable, warm characters that we will hate to say goodbye to at the end of the series. Erik Mitchell decides to settle down after an exciting career as an art fraud investigator and buy an antique store in Cape May, New Jersey. His attraction is to undercover cop Ben Nolan. Together they navigate a new relationship while dodging enemies from both their pasts as well as a few ghosts. The “ghost story junkie” loved every word of this as well as the growing romance between the two guys.
February 21, 2023
Reread 02/2023 review- 2〜2.5 stars?? I still really don’t like Insta love, but it didn’t bother me quite as much this time around.
Original 03/2021 review- 1.2〜1.4 stars ★. Did not like, and do not recommend. Hella insta love (less than a week till “I love yous” 😤😡😒🤯😠). The only thing I liked was Ben’s reaction to Eric’s flashback. I was not planning to read the next book, but the last chapter annoyingly made me curious. 😬
Original 03/2021 review- 1.2〜1.4 stars ★. Did not like, and do not recommend. Hella insta love (less than a week till “I love yous” 😤😡😒🤯😠). The only thing I liked was Ben’s reaction to Eric’s flashback. I was not planning to read the next book, but the last chapter annoyingly made me curious. 😬
February 15, 2021
2.5 Stars.
Insta love
OTT romance
Too many internal monologues
Simplistic mystery/plot
Disclaimer: I’m cranky AF, so maybe it’s me and not the book, but it took me 4 days to finish this and I didn’t wallow in a 4 day cranky fest.
My rec? Go in with low expectations and all May be well.
Insta love
OTT romance
Too many internal monologues
Simplistic mystery/plot
Disclaimer: I’m cranky AF, so maybe it’s me and not the book, but it took me 4 days to finish this and I didn’t wallow in a 4 day cranky fest.
My rec? Go in with low expectations and all May be well.
October 12, 2020
2,5 stars rounded up.
Erik and Ben where but really well fleshed characters. Damn I needed Erik safe.
I liked the beginning and end but was a bit bored (aka skimmed) in the middle. Many things reminded me of Badlands. And, it ended on a huge cliff hanger. Ugh. Where is that second book?
Erik and Ben where but really well fleshed characters. Damn I needed Erik safe.
I liked the beginning and end but was a bit bored (aka skimmed) in the middle. Many things reminded me of Badlands. And, it ended on a huge cliff hanger. Ugh. Where is that second book?
April 6, 2024
This is a good one. Somehow the book gives the feel that we're setting up the tone and then suddenly you notice you're at the peak of the action and the book is at 80%. So it is definitely one of those that grab you in
June 5, 2023
Dnf @ 71%
No. Just, no.
No. Just, no.
July 17, 2019
I was already a fan of this author’s Witchbane and Badlands series and enjoy her writing style and the interconnected worlds she’s already built, so I was eager to get started on Treasure Trail when I heard about it. I like the new setting in Cape May (gotta love real places that have a haunted reputation!), and the main characters’ backgrounds set the stage for a lot of interesting ways for the series to go.
The intrigue behind the old hotel and the mystery that’s brought up surrounding the strange happenings that occurred there—particularly the deaths of its high profile previous owners—were enough on their own to catch my interest.
The romance that kicks off between Erik and Ben adds to the excitement, though for me it did feel like things were a bit on the side of insta-love. I can usually brush that off when it comes to paranormal aspects of things since there’s usually a reason behind the quick attraction and advancement of the relationship; this time it just felt a little too quick given the time frame in which the story takes place (I know something like this is a matter of personal tolerance within the genre, so the pace of the romance may work just fine for others).
I do like the matchup of Erik and Ben though, they seem to fit well together and given their pasts I look forward to seeing how they continue to interact in the series and how their relationship develops.
I also really liked having characters from the author’s other series popping up here in supporting roles—it’s always great to see my favorites showing up like this, and just entrenches me in the world the author has created even more. There are also some other supporting characters who help give this story depth and contribute to the world building, in particular Erik’s neighbor, Ben’s cousin, and a couple of quirky others with whom Erik comes into contact that promise to add to the series as a whole.
Overall, Treasure Trail was a 4-star read for me, and I think fans of the author’s prior works will enjoy the start of this new series. If you haven’t read her other series, the supporting characters you meet here will probably have you adding those books to your reading list—you’ll definitely want to know more (trust me!). This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
The intrigue behind the old hotel and the mystery that’s brought up surrounding the strange happenings that occurred there—particularly the deaths of its high profile previous owners—were enough on their own to catch my interest.
The romance that kicks off between Erik and Ben adds to the excitement, though for me it did feel like things were a bit on the side of insta-love. I can usually brush that off when it comes to paranormal aspects of things since there’s usually a reason behind the quick attraction and advancement of the relationship; this time it just felt a little too quick given the time frame in which the story takes place (I know something like this is a matter of personal tolerance within the genre, so the pace of the romance may work just fine for others).
I do like the matchup of Erik and Ben though, they seem to fit well together and given their pasts I look forward to seeing how they continue to interact in the series and how their relationship develops.
I also really liked having characters from the author’s other series popping up here in supporting roles—it’s always great to see my favorites showing up like this, and just entrenches me in the world the author has created even more. There are also some other supporting characters who help give this story depth and contribute to the world building, in particular Erik’s neighbor, Ben’s cousin, and a couple of quirky others with whom Erik comes into contact that promise to add to the series as a whole.
Overall, Treasure Trail was a 4-star read for me, and I think fans of the author’s prior works will enjoy the start of this new series. If you haven’t read her other series, the supporting characters you meet here will probably have you adding those books to your reading list—you’ll definitely want to know more (trust me!). This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
August 23, 2020
An ok story. I didnt think there was much of a mystery.
However, I liked Ben and Erik together
However, I liked Ben and Erik together
October 2, 2020
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2020/10/02/...
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
January 11, 2022
Nice start to a paranormal, mystery series. i liked Ben and Eric, they were a lust at first sight and then after truly meeting and talking that developed quickly into more. The mystery was well done and i enjoyed the supernatural aspect. I originally started this out as an audiobook but stopped halfway through because the narrator was terrible. His voice and inflections were all over the place and he would emphasize words in the wrong parts of the sentence. All i could think of was Shaggy from scooby doo and that made me realize that he sounded like Casey kasem, if you are old enough to remember him (he was the original voice of Shaggy in the old cartoons and a DJ). After i stopped the audio and picked up the ebook it was much better. I can't wait to see how their 'gifts' develop through the next book.
Read
December 8, 2020This has a reasonably solid mystery, while setting up a supernatural world for future adventures.
At first I thought the insta-attraction and some plot elements seemed like too much coincidence, but after the supernatural elements started I realized that was paranormal in action. So don't be put off early on by the two grown ex-law enforcement men being weirdly crushy and swoony over each other. It is Fate. I liked Ben and Eric, although I don't think they're characters that are going to linger in my memory or heart.
At first I thought the insta-attraction and some plot elements seemed like too much coincidence, but after the supernatural elements started I realized that was paranormal in action. So don't be put off early on by the two grown ex-law enforcement men being weirdly crushy and swoony over each other. It is Fate. I liked Ben and Eric, although I don't think they're characters that are going to linger in my memory or heart.
March 10, 2023
Bookish Books Reading Challenge
August 26, 2020
I liked the book because of Ben and Erik. Their relationship was very instant which is why I forgave Ben for being a dumb ass. It is a well crafted book with over the top villains. The paranormal aspects are not overdone but a nice seasoning throughout the book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
July 13, 2019
4.5 stars
“Treasure Trail” by Morgan Brice introduces Erik Mitchell, who is the new owner of a unique antique shop, and Ben Nolan, who is temporarily managing his relatives’ real estate rental business. Each man has had experiences with the paranormal world, which means they’ll fit right in to their new town. However, neither expects to become embroiled in several cold cases that may be life-threatening to solve.
This adult gay paranormal mystery story is the first book in a new series and definitely starts things off with plenty of eerie elements to pique one’s interest. The small-town feel juxtaposed with the casual acceptance of ghosts and “other” is vividly depicted and convinced me that this is NOT somewhere I want to visit, lol. I love this author’s world-building and ability to create realistic, likable characters who accept their abilities with equanimity and a sense of responsibility.
I was drawn in to the story immediately and sympathetic to each of the main characters as their pasts are gradually revealed. I love that this is a mystery story with that unique twist of the paranormal (including ghosts demanding justice) that enhances the mystery and investigation. The tension mounts even as the two guys gradually accept their burgeoning relationship and reveal their respective painful pasts and dangerous past professions.
It was even better to have several cameos by folks from the other series penned by this prolific and talented author. I delight in the opportunity to get a glimpse of them and look forward to some of them getting their time in the spotlight again. Those in search of an exciting mystery story with a paranormal twist will enjoy this tale—but beware, once captivated, nothing else will get done!
A copy of this title was provided for review
“Treasure Trail” by Morgan Brice introduces Erik Mitchell, who is the new owner of a unique antique shop, and Ben Nolan, who is temporarily managing his relatives’ real estate rental business. Each man has had experiences with the paranormal world, which means they’ll fit right in to their new town. However, neither expects to become embroiled in several cold cases that may be life-threatening to solve.
This adult gay paranormal mystery story is the first book in a new series and definitely starts things off with plenty of eerie elements to pique one’s interest. The small-town feel juxtaposed with the casual acceptance of ghosts and “other” is vividly depicted and convinced me that this is NOT somewhere I want to visit, lol. I love this author’s world-building and ability to create realistic, likable characters who accept their abilities with equanimity and a sense of responsibility.
I was drawn in to the story immediately and sympathetic to each of the main characters as their pasts are gradually revealed. I love that this is a mystery story with that unique twist of the paranormal (including ghosts demanding justice) that enhances the mystery and investigation. The tension mounts even as the two guys gradually accept their burgeoning relationship and reveal their respective painful pasts and dangerous past professions.
It was even better to have several cameos by folks from the other series penned by this prolific and talented author. I delight in the opportunity to get a glimpse of them and look forward to some of them getting their time in the spotlight again. Those in search of an exciting mystery story with a paranormal twist will enjoy this tale—but beware, once captivated, nothing else will get done!
A copy of this title was provided for review
July 25, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. Erik and Ben really had the “soulmate” instant connection that allowed them to build a quick connection.
I was actually a little surprised that Erik seemed like the more vulnerable of the two, I hadn’t gotten that vibe from him as much as I did Ben. I didn’t like how quickly Ben began to doubt Erik but I guess Erik did so, it’s okay? It was just one little point that bugged me.
I liked getting to know these characters and seeing the story from both of their points of view helped me understand them just a bit more. There were a few unanswered questions for me but I can see that this will be a continuing series so hopefully some of that will be answered as their story continues. I also recognize that this is a spin-off of another of the author’s series so there could be little things that I could have gleaned from those books if I had read them.
Cover art by Lou Harper is great and I love the visuals of the characters and the Commodore Wilson.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. Erik and Ben really had the “soulmate” instant connection that allowed them to build a quick connection.
I was actually a little surprised that Erik seemed like the more vulnerable of the two, I hadn’t gotten that vibe from him as much as I did Ben. I didn’t like how quickly Ben began to doubt Erik but I guess Erik did so, it’s okay? It was just one little point that bugged me.
I liked getting to know these characters and seeing the story from both of their points of view helped me understand them just a bit more. There were a few unanswered questions for me but I can see that this will be a continuing series so hopefully some of that will be answered as their story continues. I also recognize that this is a spin-off of another of the author’s series so there could be little things that I could have gleaned from those books if I had read them.
Cover art by Lou Harper is great and I love the visuals of the characters and the Commodore Wilson.
September 28, 2021
Fun story, and we thought law enforcement was hard. Erik, traveled the globe uncovering fraud and skulduggery in the art world. He suffered an on the job injury, lost his mojo and his love. He buys an antique shop in Cape May trying to regroup and recover his balance. Ben, undercover cop was injured on the job after a colleague betrayed the operation and him. His Aunt offeres him to take over her rental real estate business. He accepts while recovering and licking his wounds in Cape May. When they meet, life is neither boring nor vanilla. Their previous professions along with a bit of psychic ability, make them absolutely prepared for the challenges coming their way. The past is not forgotten, nor left behind. Can they team up to help solve each other's problems? Can they be who they need to be for each other? Do the extra paranormal characters help? Good fun with special abilities. Nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2022
I'm pretty much going to read anything Morgan Brice writes.
But, I don't always like everything about all of the books.
Dislikes
I'm just not a fan of insta-love. Intsta-attraction, and insta-lust I get, but love? That's a much harder sell for me.
Ok, now that I got that out of the way.
Likes
I enjoy the lore in this world that Morgan Brice has created. I really enjoy the mystery and amateur and not-so-amateur sleuthing in this book.
I like the tie-ins with the other series.
And I absolutely LOVE the cameo by that one character from that one series at the end there.
I'm not saying who, so you'll just have to read it to find out.
Also, the audiobook was good. John Solo does well.
But, I don't always like everything about all of the books.
Dislikes
I'm just not a fan of insta-love. Intsta-attraction, and insta-lust I get, but love? That's a much harder sell for me.
Ok, now that I got that out of the way.
Likes
I enjoy the lore in this world that Morgan Brice has created. I really enjoy the mystery and amateur and not-so-amateur sleuthing in this book.
I like the tie-ins with the other series.
And I absolutely LOVE the cameo by that one character from that one series at the end there.
I'm not saying who, so you'll just have to read it to find out.
Also, the audiobook was good. John Solo does well.
August 4, 2019
I love stories that are set in an unusual curio shop or antique store: “Needful Things” by Stephen King, or “Things You Need” by Kevin Lucia, or the 1974 Peter Cushing film “From Beyond the Grave” – or the Deadly Curiosities series by Gail Z. Martin (Morgan Brice’s other name). In “Treasure Trail,” Erik Mitchell decides to settle down after an exciting career as an art fraud investigator and buy an antique store in Cape May, New Jersey. He finds himself attracted to undercover cop Ben Nolan, and together the two men navigate a new relationship while dodging enemies from their past. And ghosts. This is a great ghost story as well as a captivating male/male romance. Readers of other series by Brice/Martin will love the cameos by characters from those novels. This is the first novel in a new series, and it’s a great place to start with this awesome author!
March 2, 2020
Good introductory story that could use some tightening up so as avoid page skimming. I liked the feel of Cape May and having been there as a teen made it feel more real. I'm a sucker for the paranormal and mystery so when combined I find them irresistible. I'd recommend this book.
September 27, 2021
3,5 Stars for this first book in a very promising paranormal series.
This is not my first book by Morgan Brice and I always enjoy them and I am happy yo report that this one was no different.
I like the paranormal aspect and think it was very well done. although we get throughout the book the feeling that seeing ghosts is normal, this is even in this world not true.
I really liked Erik and Ben, and although this is a kind of love-at-first- sight story, I liked how it developed.
The mystery is nice but for most of the story a bit ob the back-burner.
And here comes my major complaint with this book: The pacing.
This feels in done parts as a setup for books to come, which is a shame as this book deserved its own dedication.
We get a lot of information in the first half, even a bit told and not experienced.
And then suddenly there is a lot of trouble, danger, and a definite book ... and as soon as it came, it is over.
In my opinion, the epilogue would have served better as part of a story... but that I'd just a minor detail regarding the world h7
Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this book and I am very happy that the next book is already
Am ARV was provided in exchange for an honest review
This is not my first book by Morgan Brice and I always enjoy them and I am happy yo report that this one was no different.
I like the paranormal aspect and think it was very well done. although we get throughout the book the feeling that seeing ghosts is normal, this is even in this world not true.
I really liked Erik and Ben, and although this is a kind of love-at-first- sight story, I liked how it developed.
The mystery is nice but for most of the story a bit ob the back-burner.
And here comes my major complaint with this book: The pacing.
This feels in done parts as a setup for books to come, which is a shame as this book deserved its own dedication.
We get a lot of information in the first half, even a bit told and not experienced.
And then suddenly there is a lot of trouble, danger, and a definite book ... and as soon as it came, it is over.
In my opinion, the epilogue would have served better as part of a story... but that I'd just a minor detail regarding the world h7
Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this book and I am very happy that the next book is already
Am ARV was provided in exchange for an honest review
September 15, 2021
I loved this book. Morgan creates such vivid worlds, always so well written. The characters are fully developed individuals.
The plot has just enough peril to keep things moving, but not enough to feel oppressive. Erik and Ben are great together, with complimentary likes and skills.
I also like that many of the side characters are from other series. It’s very satisfying when someone you recognize from another book shows up and gives you just a little bit more of themselves!
I love Morgan’s books, no lie. And this is one of my favorites!
The plot has just enough peril to keep things moving, but not enough to feel oppressive. Erik and Ben are great together, with complimentary likes and skills.
I also like that many of the side characters are from other series. It’s very satisfying when someone you recognize from another book shows up and gives you just a little bit more of themselves!
I love Morgan’s books, no lie. And this is one of my favorites!
June 2, 2024
This could have been really good. But, there are too many edit fails. They drag down the intent and make the prose amateurish, which is alarming at this point in the author's career. This will probably be the last time I try anything by this author.
All of the quotes and notes are about edit failures. It isn't even all the ones I noticed, just the ones I found irritating or too stupid to ignore.
But worst of all is, early on I had trouble identifying which character was which, which is never a good sign. I'm not even sure how the author managed that one.
All of the quotes and notes are about edit failures. It isn't even all the ones I noticed, just the ones I found irritating or too stupid to ignore.
But worst of all is, early on I had trouble identifying which character was which, which is never a good sign. I'm not even sure how the author managed that one.
January 11, 2021
Loved the book, loved the audio even more!
Treasure Trail was the first book I read by Morgan Brice and the first (as far as I can remember anyway) urban fantasy book I read – that was back in June 2019 and I haven’t missed a Morgan Brice book since. I was thrilled when I found out that Treasure Trail was coming to audio and being performed by one of my favorite audiobook performers, John Solo. I loved the audio!
Treasure Trail was the first book I read by Morgan Brice and the first (as far as I can remember anyway) urban fantasy book I read – that was back in June 2019 and I haven’t missed a Morgan Brice book since. I was thrilled when I found out that Treasure Trail was coming to audio and being performed by one of my favorite audiobook performers, John Solo. I loved the audio!
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