BLOODSTONE
A Paranormal Mystery
(The Samantha Nightshade Series)
Book 1

by Cheri Myst

Narrated by: Ash Aarrestad

Production by: Green Belt Books LLC

Swooning, Smitten… and Slightly Drained

Detective Samantha Nightshade’s life flips overnight when her boyfriend reveals he’s a vampire—and turns her into one—just as she’s assigned a high-profile murder case. An art collector is found drained of blood in his gallery, and Samantha must investigate while hiding her new nocturnal cravings and navigating a dangerous underground world where art, crime, and the undead intersect. Racing against time and her own growing thirst, she has to solve the murder and master her powers before her double life destroys everything she’s sworn to protect.

The author, Cheri Myst, takes a steady, deliberate approach to the story, allowing the mystery and characters to develop at a natural pace. The character growth is well timed within the storyline, giving listeners enough insight to understand motivations without slowing the momentum. Dialogue flows smoothly and feels relevant, consistently serving the narrative rather than distracting from it.

The plot twists are thoughtfully placed and arise from the characters and circumstances in believable ways, which keeps the story engaging without feeling overdone. Vivid descriptions and emotionally grounded language help bring the scenes to life, creating clear images and connections to the characters.

The narrator, Ash Aarrestad, delivers a clear, easy-to-follow performance that makes settling into the story effortless. Their cadence is steady and deliberate, giving the narrative a consistent rhythm while still matching the action's energy and the emotional beats as they arise. Nothing feels rushed or overly dramatic—just thoughtfully paced to support the tone of the book.

Character voices are subtle yet distinct, which helps differentiate speakers without becoming distracting or theatrical. The tonal inflections land naturally, and the use of pauses, emphasis, and small bursts of energy adds texture at just the right moments.

Overall, it’s a well-written and performed, engaging listen that effectively balances atmosphere, character, and plot.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-biased, honest review.