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The Portlock Paranormal Detective #7

The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid

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Portlock’s secrets are about to explode.

After everything that went down in Chrome Mine, I’m starting to fear that I may never see my Sidnee again because the Sidnee I’ve been left with – well, she’s downright scary.

Just as we try to catch our breath, calamity strikes again: the mayor’s son-in-law is murdered. Suspicion is being thrown around like confetti, and those in the frame include the mayor himself and the usually mild-mannered Sidnee.

To make matters worse, a couple of teenage girls have vanished – no clues, no witnesses and no explanation. And it appears they might not be the first to be snatched.

As if I needed one more thing to juggle, Connor’s father, the Vampire King of America, sends a team to interfere in our investigation. One of the girls is a rare, born vampire and the king has given us an ultimatum: find her … or he’ll come knocking. I am absolutely not ready to meet the in-laws, especially not the terrifying, homicidal sort who sees hybrids like me as something to exterminate.

Connor is falling apart, the case is slipping through my fingers, and our happily-ever-after is looking further away than ever…

Dive into this fast-paced urban fantasy series if you love mystery, humour, found family, and a slow-burn romance.

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2025

606 people are currently reading
220 people want to read

About the author

Heather G. Harris

47 books1,163 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book161 followers
August 12, 2025
The vampire and the case of the malevolent mermaid is part of a series however I’ve read it as a standalone without any hiccups. This is a murder mystery with a great main character. It has a feel of a cozy mystery although the main character is a detective so doesn’t actually fit in that genre.

Two teenage girls have gone missing and Bunny (hybrid vampire) is on the case. As this mystery unravels we realise there’s a little more to this case than meets the eye. Can Bunny find the girls before it’s too late?

I really enjoyed this audiobook and would definitely read more of the series.
Profile Image for Maria Fledgling Author  Park.
921 reviews45 followers
July 5, 2025
Peoplenapping in Portlock

The town of Portlock is in chaos. The Nomo’s office is in full flight mode trying to deal with a thieving shifter and a grieving shifter at each other's throats. Officer Bunny Barrington, aka The Fanged Flopsie, barrels to the rescue of her fellow officer, Sidnee. Knowing that Sidnee’s boyfriend and rock of Gibraltar is still missing, she understands that Sidnee is vulnerable.


When she arrives at the docks, the Mayor is holding a brown skinned man who is shifting into a Mer, while Gunnar, the Nomo, is barely able to contain Sidnee, who is also shifting. Bunny slaps her bestie across the face and she backs down. Gunnar and Bunny can contain the situation.


The Perfect Storm has arrived in Portlock. While the Nomo's office is chasing down the perpetrators of multiple teenage girls being kidnapped, Bunny's beau, the son of the King of the Vampires of the USA, Connor McKenzie, is running scared because his father has threatened to come to Portlock. And, his Father's henchman can tell that Bunny is a hybrid Vampire (and she would be killed), so Bunny has to hide while they are around. Finally, Bunny has to keep Sidnee from breaching the barrier in search of Stan, her lost love.


Between trying to solve her cases, staying away from scary vampire henchmen, and supporting her bestie, Bunny is still trying to encourage Fluffy/Reggie to spend more time in human form. Fluffy is prevailing.


Will the Nomo’s office ever function normally again? Will Connor's Dad take over Portlock? Will the mystery of the missing girls be solved? Grab your copy of The Case of the Vampire and the Malevolent Mermaid and find out today!
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,900 reviews28 followers
August 17, 2025
Bunny and the gang are back for another doozy of a case. This one delved more into Connor’s background and his fear for Bunny’s unique status. The disappearance of two girls, the ongoing search for Thomas and the vampire spies sent in by the King makes for an exciting and intriguing read. Bunny is still trying to get Fluffy to stand on two feet instead of four and it’ll be interesting how that progresses. Overall another great installment.
Profile Image for Mariaan Belinfante.
812 reviews6 followers
June 23, 2025
Big trouble in Portlock, no sign of Thomas yet, so Sidnee is in dire straits, while two teenagers are abducted from their home. To crown it all, Connor's father is sending a team after threatening to come himself after 48 hours. Tensions run high. Bunny's hybrid status has to be kept secret else they'll kill her. Poor Fluffy is struggling with his Reggie side. Sidnee faces a murder trial, the kidnapping points to sex trafficking, the beast behind the barrier, vampire justice is meted due to the heinous crimes, etc, too much to mention without letting the cat out of the bag. Speaking of the cat, Shadow the lynx endeared himself even more. I was totally in awe with the writing and content.
I received an advanced review copy from the authors and I leave this review voluntary Thank you so much
264 reviews8 followers
July 4, 2025
I love Bunny and every trip we take into Portlock. This time not only is our Mermaid bestie unstable, since her man has been kidnapped. But there is also two teenage girls missing. Not to mention visitors that no one wants to see least of all Bunnny and the pages turned themselves. Bunny has really come into her own as an officer, but also as a community member of Portlock. She protects those she loves fiercely, and never back down from trusting her instincts. I really love her sass and her willingness to trust those that others may not. I look forward to learning more of her dreams and perhaps things warned of at the end of this book!

'Forewarned is forearmed.’
1,475 reviews84 followers
June 27, 2025
Whoa, great start! Right into the action and a seamless continuation from the previous book. And good golly did this newest edition in this OUTSTANDING series pump me up! Internal strife, hidden agendas, heart stopping action, the beauty of true friendship and found family, the sweetness of a love no one can put a wedge in, it has it all in bucket loads!

A typical day in Bunny-land, Fluffy is out of sorts, Thomas is still missing and Sidnee is losing it, majorly, and there's a missing teen.... which turns into 2, which turns into a much worse revelation but it's Connor's situation that has the bells clanging painfully loudly in her head. Oh and to compound the angst, there's a death. I'm not going to lie, I didn't feel even a twinge of sorrow at the vile Donovan's demise, hell, I was even applauding! But it just complicated things even more. It's bad enough that Connor's father threatens to come to Portlock, which sends Connor into a spin but when daddy dearest sends his goons, heck, that's possibly even worse! For Bunny it is, or could be if her secret is revealed...Oh dear heavens do I ADORE Connor! I love how "human" he is, his fear for Bunny, his love for Bunny is so pure, so all encompassing, so tender, so heartfelt, he just melts the socks off me! In a turn of events that has the potential to put Bunny at huge risk, and after an altercation between them, THESE words, "Don't leave me like this. Please. I'm scared"....yes... definitely sock AND heart melting! Big, strong, burley, always together Conner, showing such vulnerability, shattered me. But good golly was I not expecting what Connor did with the whole vamp court thing, excellently spun!These authors KNOW just which box to tick, they KNOW which string of the violin to pluck, to have me in a puddle.

Characters? Oh geez, you have no idea how magnificent they are! Bunny is kindness, compassion, dedication and loving in a gorgeous package. She captured me, took ME hostage from Inception and I don't want to leave her side! Sidnee, Bunny's bff, who's out of sorts, not only having to deal, or try to, at the uncertainty of Thomas, she lands in the hot seat too. A bad, bad hot seat. Reggie, Bunny's "dog" who's not a dog, wrings my heart like a wet rag, the tighter it twists, the more tears leak. Matilda, the sugar craving hag, is a pure genius insertion and I love everytime she appears. Stan definitely IS the man, from cocky to loving, this gentle fierce teddy bear really makes my heart sing. Then we have Parker, who's gone from awful to awesome by a strange twist of fate. The likes of Liv, Gunnar, Sigrid, all distinct, all add a flavour to this series that I can't seem to get enough of. The fullness, the depth, the "juiciness" of these characters is sumptuous in it's opulence, each have carved a place right into my soul.

Good grief, did these authors do a number on me! I felt as though a rogue wave had caught me in it's clutches, tossing me about like a shell, I had no idea where was up or where was down, unexpected, sudden, luring me into the muddy silt. This fast paced read has got a lot more bite to it, nope, not a pun, it's much more dramatic and tense, more real issues are brought to the surface, highlighted, some are heinous, despicable deeds that are as real as the ground we walk on, even today. But the authors, while bringing up this gory "affliction" that plagues many in our world, they did so with great sensitivity, they did so to illuminate not shock and they succeeded on all accounts. They have me clinging to every word, they had me guessing, they had me in a tailspin when the facts surrounding the girls emerged.

Whereas in the previous book I cried in despair, THIS ending made me want to cry in joy! Well, not the END end, that just whet my appetite for the next book! So mystery; spot on, pacing; spot on, emotions; SPOT ON! I felt them all from Sidnee's distress about Thomas, to Reggie's withdrawal, to Connor's fear. Everything presented beautifully.
Profile Image for Darin Roodman.
113 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2025
**ARC Reader/Listener, all opinions are my own!**

“The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid” is the seventh book in the new “Portlock Paranormal Detective” series co-authored by Heather G. Harris (“Glimmer of the Other” series) and Jilleen Dolbeare (“Splintered Magic” series) and was brought forth as a continued surprise for the MANY fans of the series. Set in Alaska, honestly one of the USA’s most unique settings, it brings lore and mythology, the supernatural, and whodunit mysteries to life with well-rounded characters, delightful humor, gorgeous descriptions, just enough romance, and twists you’ll never see coming! I cannot possibly recommend this book more!! 12/10, highly recommended!

Welcome to Portlock, Alaska. A small town on haunted ground that for all the “peds” (that’s us, the normies) know is a ghost town and completely abandoned. But look deeper, embrace your inner shifter, realize your nascent vampire, summon your waiting witch, and you might just be able to step through The Barrier into Portlock proper! A town where supernats and peds (those in the know, of course) live in harmony, doing their thing day-to-day, living by the moon and by the sun, logging, fishing, and enjoying the life only Alaska can offer.

If you walk around town, you’ll find it really IS a ghost town; well, it has the spirit, so to speak. You might just happen upon the Nomo’s office (he’s like a sheriff, but far more Viking) down the way from the hardware store. If you walk through the door, you might get to meet Sidnee (mer)maiding the desk or Gunnar, the mountain of a man who wears the Nomo’s badge with pride. If you wait a minute, and it’s after dark, you might even run into a recent British transplant to Portlock, a former London high society rich kid and all-around kickass vampire, Officer Bunny Barrington, “The Fanged Flopsy” herself (much to her chagrin).

Despite having only been a part of the supernat world for the last few months, Bunny’s hit the ground running and never looked back! Thomas, human badass extraordinaire has been missing since his kidnapping during the crew’s raid on the splinter MIB group in Matilda’s mine caves. Sidnee is still an absolute wreck with fear for his safety and wanting to DO something about it, but no one knows where he is! Add to that a string of supernat and ped girls going missing, the king of America’s vampires threatening to move in on Connor’s territory, Fluffy’s therapy drama, and vampire black ops sniffing around the Barrier, and nothing’s ever dull in the haunted town of Portlock, Alaska.

Needless to say, Bunny’s got her paws full with all of this… Will things EVER calm down in Portlock?

I received a free copy of this e-book and audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Anaïsu Anaïsu.
173 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2025
Every time I read a new installment in The Portlock Paranormal Detective series by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare, I find myself thinking, “This is the best one yet.” And somehow, every time, the next book raises the bar even higher. The Case of the Malevolent Mermaid is no exception—it's sublime and has officially cemented this series as one of my all-time favorites.

I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a true page-turner that demands your full attention from the very first chapter. I loved everything about it: the compelling case, the rich character dynamics, and the thrilling hints of future characters making their way into our favorite Alaskan town.

What speaks to me most in this series is its heartfelt portrayal of found family (my favorite trope). It’s one of the strongest examples of the trope I’ve come across—beautifully woven, consistent, and emotionally resonant. The core group’s bond, their willingness to step up for one another, to listen, to care—it makes this series feel like home.

It was a joy to see Matilda (from the previous book Hellacious Hag) again—her sweet tooth and sunny eagerness to help added a fun spark, and Bunny’s determination to befriend her was heartwarming. Bunny and Sidnee’s growing friendship is a highlight, as are the continued roles of Sigrid, Gunnar, and even Liv. And of course, Connor remains one of my absolute favorite characters—his relationship with Bunny is endlessly delightful.

Of course, the signature humor these authors infuse into their writing is very much present, sparking plenty of chuckles. And despite a deeply serious storyline running through this book, it's handled with grace and sensitivity. The emotional weight never drags the pace down, thanks to well-placed moments of levity that strike the perfect balance.

There’s still so much to unpack, and I cannot wait to return to Portlock for more.

This series is an easy 5 stars, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves mystery, magic, found family, and unforgettable characters.
1 review1 follower
July 5, 2025
Great mystery, emotional tension — but a big unresolved betrayal

I really enjoyed The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid overall. The mystery was gripping, the pacing sharp, and the world continues to evolve in fun, layered ways. One standout moment was Connor begging Bunny not to leave him after they had altercation — raw, emotional, and vulnerable. His fear and desperation felt real, and I appreciated that glimpse beneath the “perfect vampire prince” exterior.

BUT I was really disappointed by how Connor’s betrayal — keeping the vampire court trial of Cobalt secret — was handled.

He left Bunny with a vague note instead of having a real conversation. His excuse — that he “wasn’t sure what he was going to do” — doesn’t justify the total lack of communication or trust. Worse, when Bunny finds out, Connor flips the script and calls her out for not telling him about the rescue mission and barrier. That really rubbed me the wrong way.

Bunny was acting in a crisis to save lives. Her decisions were tactical and necessary — and yet she’s the one who apologizes? Meanwhile, Connor never really owns the hurt he caused or apologizes for shutting her out. That emotional imbalance contradicts everything that makes Bunny such a compelling, independent, competent character. It honestly felt like a disservice to her growth.

Also, the scene where Connor appears in full “vampire prince” mode — crown and all — and Bunny feels that distance between them? That moment hit, but it never gets explored. Her pain is glossed over, and it left me wishing she had pulled away more, taken space, or even worked with someone like Parker just to reassert her agency.

I really hope the next book lets Bunny address that hurt and gives her the space to make Connor earn her forgiveness — not just passively move on. She deserves more than a half-apology and emotional avoidance.

Still, I’m invested in her journey and hopeful we’ll see this emotional rift truly reckoned with in the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for D K.
528 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2025
ONE OF THE BEST SERIES OUT THERE…I JUST WANT MORE 😍😍😍
This series has became an all-time favorite of mine! Two authors that were unknown to me that decided to combine efforts and write this exciting, CAPTIVATING series that is truly a GEM in the paranormal world! I am now on book seven and all I want is to have a permanent membership to this series and hope that there will be many more books to come. Each book of the series centers around the FMC Bunny (yeah, don’t let the name fool you!), and a new case to be solved. Bunny, is a new made vampire who is hiding from her past life and 100 years of servitude, which brings her to a small Alaskan town filled with other supernatural beings. There, she works in the police department as an investigator, together with her very wise dog “Fluffy” and her mischievous feline pet “Shadow”, as well as other very colorful secondary characters. This installment brings another woozy of a mystery and if that wasn't enough, things are getting iffy for the supernatural folk who are being targeted by a dangerous organization. It is a wild and fun ride seeing Bunny doing her job using her wit, intelligence, humor, determination and all around amazing personality, plus the help of her colleagues, friends and her wonderful mate. This is a light, fun read, filled with mystery, action, humor (that will make you laugh-out-loud), and a bit of romance. Even though the police case gets resolved by the end of each book, there is a progression to the story and to Bunny herself, who is also somewhat of a mystery (more than a regular vampire should be). Trust me when I tell you that this series is a ONE-OF-A-KIND and so worth reading!!! High praise to both authors for their imagination, talent and superb writing skills. As an avid reader of many genres, I don’t get easily impressed anymore, but this new series has me as giddy as a kid in a candy store!!! I really do hope there will be many, many more books to come! Highly Recommended 🧡💜💚
Profile Image for Starr  Perry .
309 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2025
Shock and Awesome

This is shock and awesome at its best. Brit Bunny Barrington Alaskan Nomo detective, her bestie Sidnee, her previous hybrid K-9 Fluffy and her Lynx cat Shadow, as well as her boss Gunnar and the Nomo family are throwing serious shock and awe at the evil that kidnapped two teenagers. As the group hunts for clues, signs point to a potential prostitution ring plan for the young girls so the race is on to find them before it’s too late.

But Bunny, with her Nomo police squad, the town supernatural council support, and of course Bunny’s friends and her vampire life mate Connor have just begun to fight will find these girls, whatever it takes.

There is an unexpected complication when Connor’s dastardly father, who is the U.S. vampire king, and one supervillain in a handmade HugoBoss suit if there ever was one, (we don’t evvvver want to meet him, no no nooooo) sends one of his personal military vampire style teams in to meet with Connor since one of his higher status vampires is involved (his daughter Kate is one of the abducted).

The team is a major probe for potential to take over Nomo - Connor does not want his father anywhere near Bunny or discovering her unusual hybrid status, since his father only believes in pure vampire and might choose to kill Bunny.
So Connor’s dad gives him 2 days or 3 days (a ridiculously short amount of time to find kidnap victims) to find the missing girls. Somehow with everyone involved and in the throwdown racing against time, in the BEST shocked awe ever, they find them. Seriously WHAT A ROCKING MOVIE FRANCHISE THIS WOULD BE!

Thrill readers this is the perfect adventure novel for you. This story reallllly has it all, guns, monsters, true love, broken hearts, passion, lost love, revenge, murder, ground evil,the search for justice,and in the end, finding your real family and an absolutely worthwhile read

Profile Image for Beth.
2,842 reviews23 followers
July 5, 2025
Everyone in stressed in this one!

Everyone is stressed in this book. It starts with Sidnee nearly killing a guy because she is so stressed about Thomas’ kidnapping. Gunnar is stressed because of the shape Sidnee is in which is causing him to be down an officer because he can’t trust Sidnee. Connor is stressed because two teen girls have been kidnapped and one of them is the daughter of his father’s former right hand man and his father has given him 48 hours to solve it or he’s coming to Portlock and that CANNOT happen. Fluffy/Ralph is stressed because his therapy appointments are not going well. Bunny is stressed because of all of the above especially because she needs to find the missing girls, is sure the family is hiding something, and Connor is truly scared if his father comes he will discover Bunny’s hybrid status and kill her immediately. It’s going to be rough few days in Portlock.

The book bogs down a little in points which is pretty amazing given everything that’s going on. But there is a lot of action including another venture outside the barrier and a run in with the beast. Another interesting development is Connor getting Bunny another charm which will hide her heartbeat and make her look more vampire like to cover up her hybrid status. The kidnapping story is frustrating but we do get to see more of the hag which is looking to turn into Bunny getting a new friend. Some parts of the kidnapping story are obvious and we are missing some key information which is frustrating.

The book is setting up a future confrontation between Connor’s father and Portlock which will not be good for anyone. Connor is really becoming one of my favorite fictional MCs. The authors have really fleshed him out in this book and I’m looking forward to what more we learn in the next book.
2,756 reviews3 followers
July 6, 2025
Just amazing with an incredible plot or multiple plots, tons of suspense and the potential for heartbreak

Rating: 5✨

Another great story in The Portlock Paranormal Detective series! Bunny and her found family of supernatural characters in this small town in Alaska are getting closer to the end of the series. And the authors still have plenty of mysteries, drama, and dark cases to unravel before that happens.

There’s an emotional case of missing teenagers that’s hitting the small town police department of supernaturals hard, especially since it looks like both girls are from the supernatural world.

Bunny is dealing with the investigation, while Connor is facing his father threatening to come to town. With all the drama and fear that comes with it.

And always their friend, mer Sidnee kidnapped boyfriend is on their minds. As well as Reggie, who spends most of his time as Fluffy.

Just amazing with an incredible plot or multiple plots, tons of suspense and the potential for heartbreak. And my fav hag, Matilda’s role is growing.

So hard to wait for that penultimate book to come this winter. Another fantastic book and recommendation.

Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.

The Portlock Paranormal Detective series:

The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death, a prequel.
The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf, Book 1.
The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren, Book 2.
The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee, Book 3.
The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine, Book 4.
The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergiest, Book 5
The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas, Book #5.5
The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag #6
The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid #7
The Vampire and the Case of the Ghastly Golem #8 - Jan 29,2026
Profile Image for Em (Diversify Your Shelf).
236 reviews29 followers
July 4, 2025
*I got an arc*

CW: children that have been kidnapped, drugged, killed & SA (these two in the past); child trafficking, dead bodies in barrels (not the children), abusive parents, some copaganda, implied DV

~ While I would say a lot of the book isn't super dark, there are absolutely some dark themes regarding children so please make sure to prioritise your mental health! Happy to give anyone a TLDR that wants spoilers but isn't comfortable reading about children being harmed. ~

Uh oh... Thomas isn't the only one missing. While Bunny & co have been searching for Thomas for weeks, they have another missing person's case: two kids having a sleepover have been kidnapped. Worse, one of the kids is the daughter of a former lieutenant of the Vampire King (and Connor's dad). Connor has given an ultimatum: find the girls in the next 48 hours or the king will descend upon Portlock: and there is no guarantee he will leave. Not only does Bunny have to worry about finding three missing people, Reggie/Fluffy has refused to be in human form in over a week and Sidnee was found next to a dead body with no memory of how she got there. Can Bunny rescue Thomas & the girls, help Reggie & Sidnee, hide her hybrid status from the king's minions, and stop a possible trafficking ring?

I do quite enjoy these books but as I said above please be aware of the heavy themes that are present in this one. One of my favourite things about these books is always the compassionate duo of Gunnar and Sigrid. The two of them love each other and their adopted daughters so much and it feels as if they are reaching through the book to hug and calm its readers (kudos to Heather and Jill for this!). I would love a book centring them (maybe even from when they got together?).

It was excellent seeing Matilda again and I love seeing Bunny embrace the many skills of the Portlock community in ways that were not previously successful.
Profile Image for Shelley.
77 reviews
July 3, 2025
It's no secret that I'm a Heather G Harris fan, and I absolutely devour her books, including this series which she's co-authored with Jilleen Dolbeare. Malevolent Mermaid is another slam Dunk hit for me!

Poor Sidnee is having anger management issues brought on by the stress of her boyfriend having been kidnapped by the shady Knight Stalkers. Bunny and Gunnar are trying to keep her calm, but at the same time, are dealing with two missing girls, one being the daughter of the Vampire King's close ally. Connor knows that if the King visits Portlock, hybrid vampire Bunny is in serious danger. As they desperately search for the missing girls, Sidnee calls. She doesn't remember doing it, but there's a dead body in front of her and blood on her hands. Are the two cases related? And can Bunny and Gunnar prove Sidnee's innocence?

One thing I adore about this series is that storylines from previous instalments aren't just forgotten, they all weave together into the wider plot of the Bunnyverse. Characters continue to pop up, things you thought might be resolved are not. It's clever work and wonderfully done. Bunny, as our British expat, is written beautifully and retains her Britishness in a very Alaskan setting, which I love. Her relationships with Connor, Gunnar, Sigrid, Sidnee and Reggie continue to develop and warm the heart. The long running plots continue to simmer away, and the immediate plot of this book, as with the others in this series, is well thought out and thrilling to read. Another fantastic instalment in an excellent series!
Profile Image for Caprice.
162 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2025
Fast-Paced, Addictive, and Full of Supernatural Intrigue

These series were my first introduction to both Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare—and what a discovery! I’ve since devoured every book in Heather G. Harris’s library since then, which tells you just how hooked I became.

Portlock may be a small town, but it’s never short on supernatural drama, danger, and mystery. This instalment is no exception. The story launches straight into action with the urgent case of two missing girls. As the investigation unfolds, it quickly becomes clear that this isn't an isolated incident. The search exposes a far more sinister undercurrent—linking to a string of past disappearances and darker secrets that have haunted the town for years.

The writing is sharp and immersive, with a fast pace that never lets up. The blend of action, supernatural elements, and emotional stakes keeps you fully engaged from the first page to the last. Both authors have crafted a world that feels rich and alive, with compelling characters and a strong sense of momentum throughout the narrative.

I absolutely loved this book and the dynamic storytelling behind it. I can’t wait to return to Portlock and see what kind of magical mayhem the next case brings.

The narrator possesses a captivating voice that is both pleasant and capable of projecting sarcasm effectively.

Highly recommended for fans of fast-paced urban fantasy with a strong investigative thread and memorable characters.

P.S. ARC listener.
Profile Image for Ellen.
172 reviews15 followers
July 2, 2025
It's a welcome return to Portlock, Alaska, a town mostly comprised of paranormals, and a place where most of them can live their lives as normally as possible. And for Bunny, as usual, the Nomo's office where she's a detective, isn't at all boring. Sidnee, her colleague and the titular mermaid, is unhappy. Her boyfriend, Thomas, a human, is missing. And when the Nomo has to deal with case of two missing paranormal teenagers, one a shifter, the other a vampire, it initially seems as if Sidnee's worry and anger concerning Thomas may just land her in jail. Will Bunny stand for that? Of course not. Sidnee is her best friend, and although the evidence may seemed stacked against Sidnee, Bunny knows that her bestie is innocent.
To make matters worse, the missing teen vamp is the daughter of a vampire opposed to Connor, who not only is Bunny's boyfriend and mate, but he's also in charge of the Portlock vampires -- and the son of the vampire king. If this case isn't solved quickly, Connor's father himself -- or at least his represenatives, will travel to Portlock to take care of it. Bunny and Connor can't have that. Connor is nothing like his father, and his father will not take to Bunny's hybrid status at all. He'll want her dead.
What to do? Well, solve the crime quickly. Is that too much to ask? Read to find out how Bunny's detectivee skills -- and her new police academy fighting training -- helps in her attempt to beat the clock.
260 reviews7 followers
July 7, 2025
📚 Book Review by R.M. Campbell 📚
The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid
By
Heather G. Harris & Jilleen Dolbeare
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


This is book 7 in the Porlock Paranormal Detective Series and proves, once again, that the authors are excellent at creating a story that is not only captivating but masterfully infused with elements of mystery, suspense, action, paranormal intrigue, and deception. The FMC, Nomo officer Bunny Barrington, is thrust into a case of the kidnapping of two girls, which may be the act of a sex trafficking ring. The King of the Vampires has taken a special interest in the case and set a time limit for Bunny and Connor to find the girls; otherwise, he will personally intervene, which would lead to dire consequences for Bunny, being a hybrid vampire. The story is packed full of supernatural characters, including vampires, shifters, mermaids, and others.
The authors did an extraordinary job of weaving a story packed full of action, suspense, mystery, unpredictable twists, bizarre characters, and ominous phenomena that will keep their readers glued to the pages in anticipation of what’s to come. The story was a page-turner for me, with its fast pace and action-packed storyline that was both spellbinding and riveting. The character interactions were well written, and the reader could feel the emotional grip that was apparent with each turn of the page. I would recommend this book and series to everyone interested in reading a captivating, paranormal saga.


Profile Image for Marci.
965 reviews
July 28, 2025
I really like this series but I want more world building please. We actually find out in this book that born vampires are rare, yet there was no clarification of whether this means. Do they have different powers, more strength? So, okay, thanks for that tidbit, but what does it mean?!?! Now that we know there ARE born vampires, I’m even more annoyed that we have no idea if Conor is born or made. We know he has a father who is the King of North America’s vampires, and Conor is the Prince, but with this new info why didn’t you clarify for us?!?! This story point was the perfect way to introduce us to this information. Now I’m just annoyed. I would have normally deducted a star on the rating, but I like this world enough that I didn’t. I may change my mind and move from 3 to 2.

Please, Ms Harris and Ms Stone, I would greatly appreciate you filling in the gaps of this world. It’s getting really old hearing that people don’t like to share what kind of supernat they are, but that doesn’t give you a blank check to not explain things to your readers about our main characters, it’s tiresome and lazy, in my opinion.

I did enjoy the little nugget of info about the beast that came to us via a dream Bunny had, but I think it’s time to focus on the mysteries we already have going like the Fish Eye drugs, capturing Christopher, and definitely more time should have been spent rescuing Thomas and MIB. It is absolutely high time to finally add more info about the beast and the dome/ward around portlock and whether it’s unique to portlock and WHY. That doesn’t mean I am not enjoying the mysteries in the books, but a bit more balance or tying up one or two things before you drop it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Maria.
188 reviews4 followers
June 22, 2025
I love this series and love that each book is completely individual, unlike some series, which can become quite ‘samey’ over time.

The story kicks off with a bang and the stakes are high right from the start. Thomas is still missing, which obviously causes Sidnee to be off kilter, but just how much is that unsettling her mer side? Could she really have murdered someone?

The case of two missing girls hits hard, with everyone doing all they can to find them, but there seems to be much more going on than first suspected and there are just no signs of them. As things aren’t bad enough, Connor is stressed to the max by having a vampire team from his father in Portlock and the possible consequences of that for Bunny.

Over the course of the book, the tension builds and the stakes get higher, leaving you desperate to find out if the girls are found alive, whether Bunny will be kept safe from the Vampire King and if there is any chance of Thomas being rescued.

These authors have a real knack for giving you characters that you become totally invested in, stories that keep you gripped and that tantalising mystery element that just keeps you guessing until the end. There is so much to explore in this story that, like me, you will almost certainly find yourself reading it all one sitting!

244 reviews6 followers
June 26, 2025
Ms Harris and Ms Dolbeare have written another sublime story. I can never speak highly enough of their creative brilliance and the phenomenal way they are able to pen astounding stories, time after successful time. They really deserve those orange best-seller tags!

This series speaks to my heart because of the consistent use of a wonderful found family trope. It is one of the very best examples of it that I have read. I adore the way the central group interact and are always ready to lend a hand or caring ear.

The humour these ladies sprinkle into their work is again present and was the cause of many chuckles! There is an extremely serious storyline running through this book and while it is always treated sensitively, it never slows the pacing because the mood is always balanced with appropriately placed levity.

It is fun to see Matilda (from Hellacious Hag) again. Love her sweet tooth, her happiness to be able to help and Bunny's determination to befriend her.

I am so glad there are more books coming in this series - it is one of my absolute favourites! Recommendation shouted from rooftops and shining from figurative illuminated billboards!
18 reviews
June 25, 2025
Wow ... this latest addition has pushed The Portlock Paranormal Detective series into my top five series ever! Could not put this book down and it has been a while since I dropped everything until I finished reading a book. If you haven't started this series yet I really envy you getting to read all the books so far back-to-back, which you will end up doing once you start and get hooked on Bunny and her new life in Portlock!

Yet again we have amazing writing with more expansion on the relationships between all the characters including the further development of a new trusted helper for Bunny. The pace provides a perfect balance between action and story development. I loved that we had a new central story but the carried over story from the previous book relating to Thomas was not neglected either. The new central story related to two missing teen girls brought an additional level of peril for Bunny and Connor and the suspense related to whether the missing teen situation would be resolved positively kept you guessing and on the edge of your seat.
26 reviews
June 30, 2025
A kidnapping of a prominent vampire lord’s daughter prompts the Vampire King of America’s men to show up in town. The mayor’s son-in-law is murdered. More cold cases turn up about runaway/kidnapped girls. Thomas is still at large causing Sidnee to be unstable, and Bunny and Connor must stay apart to keep Bunny safe from the king’s men who’d want to exterminate a hybrid. Will Bunnny be able to find the girls in time or will the King’s men report badly on Connor and take the town? Can Bunny find the real killer to set Sidnee free?
While this is book 7 in the series it stands well on its own (although I highly recommend all the others as well). Love all the supportive characters in the town and the love shown to Sidnee in the face of a murder charge. Quite the page tuner with exciting twists and turns. Such strong loveable characters I hope they have more than the 8 planned books! The adventure is a thrilling read and it was interesting to see how Bunny solves the case with no initial clues. Can’t wait for the next one to see what happens!
6 reviews
July 2, 2025
The Case of the Malevolent Mermaid, by Heather G Harris and Jilleen Dollbeare. (ARC reader…public release date is July 3rd.)

Bunny and her crew are faced with another set of dilemmas in Portlock, where every day brings wildly unexpected challenges. Officer Bunny is growing in confidence in her role as law enforcer, and putting her recent training to good use. Her instincts and ability to seek help as needed means she has a team of highly adapted supernaturals on her side, plus some slightly unorthodox assistance too!

On the home front, her life partner’s father (Vampire King) is up to something, and it’s probably not pretty. Her best friend is shattered by the kidnapping of her boyfriend, and wants revenge. And as for the Beast at the Boundary…it’s an infinitely threatening issue, and complicates everything.

A fast paced, intriguing storyline with multiple paths that engage reader interest. Characters who will have you cheering them on, or hoping for justice to be swiftly served. Another great read from this amazing duo!
1,182 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2025
I really, really, really love this series. There is not a main character that I’m not a fan of and the setting is perfect.
Things have sort of calmed down since the mine troubles although Thomas is still missing, making Sidnee on the verge of losing control. Then two girls are reported missing, a natural born vampire and her best friend shifter, both only sixteen.
The vampire father is not co-operative and because he is a good friend of Connor’s father, vampire investigators are coming with the threat if this is not solved shortly, Connor’s father will come to town. To top off the problems, the mayor’s son-in-law is found murdered during the search and Sidnee is the prime suspect.
Bunny, along with her fuzzy companions – Shadow and Fluffy are right in the middle of the investigation.
This has a great mystery, some action, suspense, surprises and of course humour.
The characters interact so well together it’s like you’re a part of the world.
There is absolutely nothing I dislike about this series, a great, quick read.
I will recommend this series always.
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70 reviews
June 24, 2025
Phew!!! I'm exhausted after that read!!
Heather G Harris & Jilleen Dolbeare REALLY know how to keep you on the edge of your seat!!

This is book seven & if you don't already know about the "Fanged Flopsy," you need to reevaluate your reading material! Stat!

Bunny & Co are still reeling from their last adventure. Sidnee is struggling not knowing where & how Thomas is & it's starting to affect her N.O.M.O work & with the disappearance of two supernat girls' emotions are high!!

If you love a bit of fast-paced action & adventure, then you've come to the right authors! These books (& their characters) are the perfect escape from the real world I needed.
Full of wonderful characters, an amazing array of mythical beings, thrills, mysteries, suspense, friendship, love, humour, banter, doughnuts, more " Why Bunny?" explanations & this wonderfully diverse "found family" that keeps this old girls heart from being a size too small
Profile Image for Marcia - itsabookthing2021 .
727 reviews18 followers
June 29, 2025
I really loved reading Malevolent Mermaid, I loved the direction it went in and I was surprised by some outcomes. I love The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series it's my favourite and I always look forward to a new book release and I am never disappointed.
I felt Malevolent Mermaid was different from the others, we saw key characters come into their own, Sidnee showed how fierce she can be when you take a love one away and we saw a different side to Connor.
I really enjoyed the murder mystery aspect, the kidnappings and revelations were brutal but not as brutal as the outcome. W
The beast beyond the border still fascinates me and I have questions. I love Shadow and Fluffy. I feel we still have a lot to uncover with Reggie.
I love Heather and Jilleen's writing, they pull you into the story with great ease and still leave you wanting more at the end. Speaking of Endings.. I absolutely loved it!
Profile Image for Sydney.
90 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2025
Devoured this book - it was insanely good! The characters are so good they're gonna be living in your head rent-free.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I knew going in this would be great, but the latest installment is AMAZING and really got my adrenaline pumping. So much happens! Dealing with the aftermath of Thomas being taken. A scary new plot surfaces, a mystery is solved, and we're teased with more awesome stuff to come.

This is a great series and I'm always excited for a new one because they're so well written. Solid plot, full of action without feeling rushed, incredible world building.

With internal conflicts, secret motives, thrilling action, found family, and realistic slow-burn romances, these books offer everything you'd want in an urban fantasy!

I love Portlock and I can't wait for the next book!

✔️ Great world building
✔️ Easy-to-read
✔️ Entertaining / Funny
✔️ Original / Witty
✔️ Action-packed / Unpredictable
✔️ Page-turner
✔️ Wonderful characters
15 reviews
July 2, 2025
What a wonderful installment of the Portlock series. It continues with the reappearance of your favorite characters; Bunny a recently turned vampire graduating from the police academy along with her bestie, Sidnee, a partial mermaid with a vicious side who is also at the end of her rope worrying about Thomas, her kidnapped human ex-MIB boyfriend! Bunny teams up with her handsome vampire boyfriend Connor to search for two missing teenage girls, one of which is a rare vampire born. Time is of the essence as Connor’s father, the King of all the vampires has sent a team to Portlock. Is this team sent to spy on Connor and Bunny? Will they find out Bunny is a hybrid rarity herself and in danger of being exterminated? Bunny, Connor and Sidnee must hurry and solve this mystery as well as find Sidnees boyfriend before Sidnee loses control and takes matters into her own hands. There will be bloodshed before the day is done.
85 reviews
July 5, 2025
Couldn't put this one down it was so good. Without giving anything away it was very upsetting and exciting at the same time. The girls problem made Bunny realize her parents weren't the only ones doing bad things to their children. I know things in the world can be dark and scary but it was brought to light and solved in a very satisfying manner. We know Vampires can be deadly. Connor, because he is the prince was the judge and jury of the trial. The final decision was his even though Bunny said she would stake the guilty if necessary. I was surprised Gunner nodded his head in agreement when it was decided. Will Fluffy decide he is happy as Reggie? Sidnee and Thomas such a wonderful love story! What does the Vampire King of America want with Portlock, will we find out in the next book? Could Connor be the next King and Bunny his Queen? Just wondering!!
Now on the the next book in the series.
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