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Evil wears many faces…

When Emmy Black, director of Special Projects for Blackwood Security, takes a trip to Edinburgh to collect DNA samples in a long-running cold case, a favour for a friend soon leads her to Glendoon Hall, a crumbling castle on the edge of the Highlands. Locals say a legendary beast walks the land, and Emmy’s sidekick Sky wants to catch it.

Crazy.

Emmy’s not one to pass up a challenge—or a bet—but the Beast of Glendoon definitely doesn’t exist…does it?


Chimera is a shorter romantic suspense novel in the Blackwood Security series.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2022

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About the author

Elise Noble

86 books686 followers
Elise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.

Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.


You can get find her current freebies HERE.

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5 stars
183 (76%)
4 stars
43 (17%)
3 stars
13 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
169 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2022
Emmy and her team are part of a mainly female cast of characters for this new episode of the Blackwood Security Saga. Once again, Ms. Noble has conceived an original plot and gives a unique atmosphere to her latest book.
Emmy, Sky, and Hallie are in Scotland on a mission to solve a cold case of child disappearance. The team has a manageable workload, so the assignment is nearly a quasi-vacation. Things abruptly change when they are requested to check on a damsel in distress. From that moment on, an engaging, light-hearted, intriguing plot takes the reader on a scenic tour of Edinburgh and its surroundings. Emmy has the leading role in the story. It is mesmerizing to see how her personality evolves throughout the books in the series. She is older and way more experienced than in the first episodes, yet she keeps her irresistible mischief, brilliant wit, and innate generosity that make her character unique. A Scottish construction crew with, of course, military experience contributes to the lively atmosphere of the story. Black, Nick, and Raphael join the ladies for the grand finale and a brilliant twist that is hard to guess.
Ms. Noble's signature writing style makes the narration a pleasure to read. I couldn't put down the book, a great companion for a lazy Spring long weekend.
69 reviews
May 2, 2022
Another great story by Elise Noble. Chimera is set in the Blackwood Security world and starts out with Emmy, her protegee Sky and Hallie (of Pretties in Pink) in Scotland surreptitiously collecting DNA samples to solve a missing child cold case. While there, a friend of a friend finds herself in trouble and the team head off on a welfare check, ending up at a mysterious, semi-derelict house in a spooky wood haunted by the "Beast of Glendoon". Of course, trouble always follows Emmy and Sky is determined to find the monster, so the adventure begins.

If you've been following the Blackwood stories then you're already familiar with many of the characters, several of whom end up in Scotland to escape Bradley's latest escapade with 100 live turkeys. Elise writes a good story with fun, cool characters who you wish you knew in real life. Although this is book 16 in the series, the characters and stories remain fresh and I always know I'm going to have trouble putting down a new story. If you haven't read any of Elise's books, I recommend them all. Apart from the Pitch Black trilogy, you don't need to read them in order, although it is helpful as the cast of characters appear in various books.
893 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2022
Intrigue and escapades in Scotland

I adored this book!
No plot spoilers
No real potential triggers although there is reference to child sexual abuse lightly written.
The characterisation is absolutely perfect, with a supporting cast we know and love this is Hallie's time to shine and grow. It's been nice seeing how far she has developed since being rescued and adopted by Blackwood.
The plotline is engaging, with a bit of continuation from a couple of previous books, with the main objective being Mila Carmody and solving the mystery of her disappearance.
However, this is Emmy and a straightforward quest gets complicated fast.
I laughed out loud a few times and there is a little sadness to balance the humour.
As ever from Blackwood it's madcap mayhem with a heart as big as ever.
There are no sex scenes but plenty of swearing.
I have no problem recommending the book but would advise reading from the beginning to obtain the best reading experience and fill in the backstory.
I will be purchasing the next book in the series.
I am also going to purchase the Baldwih Shore books because they look very interesting.
I am on pins though because I so want to read James's story! Pretty please Elise? Can you do James next?
128 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2022
I know better than to start any Elise Noble book in the evening, but I did it again! And, as always, couldn’t put it down. I read this truly entertaining book in one sitting, having to pay for it later the next day when I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Being a quick read, I did get a little bit of sleep fortunately. I loved meeting up with some of the old friends across two series and having a hearty laugh at Bradley’s latest escapade. Having established the link between the 2 series, I can’t wait to see how Ms Noble will be weaving this together. As with all the other books in each series, it can be enjoyed on it’s own but having read the others adds so much more depth to each character. A few new, very interesting characters joined in and I would definitely love seeing more of the Scottish ones in future books. Scotland is one of my favorite places to read about and Emmy is by far my favorite Blackwood ‘friend’. I read a lot of books, but whenever I get my hands on a new book from Ms Noble, it goes to the top of the pile immediately. Her ability to tell interesting stories with intricate plots, complicated well-developed characters, hilarious dialogue and fantastic descriptions has me participating in each adventure instead of reading a book.
Profile Image for SylviaV.
558 reviews8 followers
June 25, 2022
Chimera by Elise Noble. Blackwood Security # 16
My thoughts:
For fans of the Blackwood Security books, it is a chance to catch up on all the crazy stuff that Emmy, Sky and Hallie and the rest of the gang get up to while on a trip to Scotland. It is great fun to see the interactions within their group and with the locals and how they navigate all the challenges thrown into their path. The mystery of what happened to Mila Carmody is solved, the beast is unmasked, there is romance for Paige and Fletcher and along the way the Blackwood team do their bit for the economy of a small village in the Scottish Highlands. A great read. 5 stars.
I am a fan of Elise Noble's writing style and her story telling ability. This is book 16 in the Blackwood Security series and while this is a standalone book; if this is the first Elise Noble book you picked up, I would suggest you start with the "The Black Trilogy" Book 1-3 boxset first.
289 reviews4 followers
May 2, 2022
Fitting End to a Brilliant Series

Absolutely gutted to get to the last book. Never in all my years of reading did I expect to buy and love a 16 book series. Emerson & Black are amazing characters along with the rest of the gang. Well written original and no detail is overlooked. Should definitely be a TV series.

Seriously I can highly recommend this series and I’m ever grateful that I accidentally came across this author when I was going through a book slump.

Thank you Elise. I’m off to try Baldwin Shore series.

I would normally get to 3 or 4 and think wow what a waste of time.
The authors get lazy or emboldened by their previous success and try and emulate that success and trust me without research it never works. They get sloppy and rush it or end it on what they hope is a cliff hanger and all you’re left with is a feeling you’ve been conned.
274 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2022
Chimera
The Blackwood Security world continues to grow. It’s a business; it’s a community and it’s a family. Emmy and Sky are confirming that all safety measures are in place for the “New Dawn Film Festival” in Scotland. Hallie is still seeking answers to a cold case of a missing child Mila Carmody, who disappeared five years ago and clues have led her to Scotland. Nick Goldman has asked Emmy to do a wellness check for his half-brother, Fletcher,’s friend Paige. Confusing? Not if you’re Emmy!
Once again Elise has shared a story filled with humor, mysteries, tense moments, and additional Blackwood family: Black, Nick and Lara and Raffael. She has the innate ability to take the reader on an exciting journey. This journey starts in Scotland and ends in Baldwin Shores, Oregon.

"I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
Profile Image for Karen.
105 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2022
Chimera by Elise Noble

I cannot say this enough, I adore Emerson Black and the whole Blackwood Security Team. Elise has built a family of characters that you can’t help but become attached to.

The unsolved case of Mila Carmody has Emmy and co traveling to Scotland following a lead and while there Emmy is asked to do a favour for a friend.

This is another brilliant book with a mystery that needs solving and Emmy and her kickass attitude tackle the problem head on.

If you like kickass assassins, mystery and humor then you need to delve into the Blackwood Security series, you won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Kat Wes.
400 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2022
Excellent!!!

This was a fantastic story from start to finish. Sometimes stories take a while setting things up so it takes a while to get wrapped up in what was happening. That was not the case with this book in the slightest. This wasn't a straightforward mystery though. It was multiple mysteries that branched off from one that has been so far unresolved in previous stories. It was nice to have closure on that thread.
I highly recommend. You don't need to read the others in the Blackwood Security series or the Baldwin Shore series but they give more insight to people and places that make up this book.
779 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2022
Chimera is the latest book in the incredible Blackwood Security series. It can be read as a stand-alone although having read the previous books will add to the enjoyment of this book.

Halle has a cold case that she simply cannot let go of. Her investigation results in an eventful trip to Scotland. The storyline is good and as always the characters are absolutely brilliant. No one can mix mystery, suspense, romance, action and humour better than Elise Noble. I did not want to put this book down.

I thoroughly enjoy this book and have no hesitation in giving it a five star review. I cannot it recommend it highly enough.
72 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2022
I enjoyed reading Chimera, as I enjoy all of Elise Nobel's books. I was able to catch up with most of my favorites of the Blackwood Security gang! There was a body, a mystery, a murderer, an innocent victim and, as usual a lot of the Blackwood Team's adventures. The only negative thought that I have is that there just wasn't as much suspense and spine tingling adventure as usual, and I missed it. I read an advance copy of Chimera in exchange for an honest book review. i read this book in one sitting..
2,280 reviews13 followers
May 2, 2022
Once again Ms Noble delivers another fabulous story in this ongoing series. With each book we get to catch up with old favourite characters and new and intriguing ones. This book is set partly in Scotland and as ever involves drama, suspense and the usual antics that only Elise can think up. Once I started this book I didn’t want to put it down. I look forward to each and every book this author writes and I can honestly say I cannot wait for the next book now.
85 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2022
When so many blackwood girls work together, you don't just see action and adventure, you see empathy, friendship, kindness, courage, love, determination and much more...and one of the wonderful things of Elise's books are that among the chaos, there's always a budding romance that just adds so much to the adventure...i can never get enough of blackwood people, especially Emmy ....i am so thankful to Elise for giving us such amazing stories...
49 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2022
The Blackwood Security series is back. Emmy, Sky, and Hallie take a quick trip to Scotland to check on a new contract and collect some DNA samples for a cold case. When Nick asks for a favor they find Paige, a falling apart castle and the legend of the Breast of Glendoon.

Chimera is packed full of adventures, laughs and lots of the Blackwood team. This story ties up lots of loose ends and gives fun updates on the Blackwood family. There is also a intro to the Baldwin's Shores crossover.
10 reviews
May 10, 2022
Another great read

Another great book from Elise, Blackwood series is a must read. Great characters and loved how it crossed over with another of Elise's series, can't wait until the next book.
Profile Image for Sandra.
387 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2022
I'm never getting tired of Blackwood stories! This time Emmy and a few of her team are in Scotland to solve an old case until they are stumbling into a mess thanks to Nick's half-brother Fletcher. While helping Paige with the haunted house she accidentally bought, they're discovering another case while looking out for the beast of Glendoon. Interesting twists kept me on my toes and I liked the cross over with the Baldwin Shore series.

This is definitely a must read if you love Emmy and who don't?!

Thanks for this advanced copy and please find my honest review above.
Profile Image for Darrell.
469 reviews
May 10, 2022
great read

Another great read from Elise Noble!
Emmy never disappoints in the crazy story department as she drags her other friends with her !
Profile Image for Jezza Mae.
49 reviews
August 6, 2022
Chimera by Elise Noble

Such a good book. Emmy is one of my favorite character in the blackwood security series. I enjoted reading it so much ❤
40 reviews
May 1, 2022
Amazing read! Once again Elise Noble has created a captivating story that makes you keep turning pages.
The story continues from Pretties in Pink (although this can be read as a stand-alone) and we get both new adventures for Emmy and Sky as well as Hallie’s challenges in the world of investigation and Blackwood “moral-code”
Love Elise’s way of creating a world on paper, that becomes visible as you read - as a reader you feel as you are there in person.

A definite recommendation from me!
Profile Image for Leisel.
541 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2022
When I was a child I loved the mystery of Christmas day and opening presents, but now being older, I love the whole occassion of getting a new Elise Noble novel and simply knowing I won't be disappointed in the "unwrapping" of her new story. This is yet another one of these pleasurable moments of knowing that I am going to be entertained from page one to the last page by her truly creative mind of storytelling and Chimera is exactly that!
Again, we get to travel that experience with her fantastic characters of Emmy, Sky and Hallie in the beginning but in her usual flare it doesn't take long before we get so many more of her truly wonderful characters joining in. If ever there were people you wished were in your family these are the characters you would happily invite in. They will protect you no matter what, well as long as you aren't a psychotic serial killer or something worse, they will have your back and see you through the darkest of days.
They have the most incredible skill sets that I would think even James Bond or Jason Bourne would definitely want on their sides.

The story, Chimera is like every other of Elise's novels where you will be rewarded with great mysteries trying to solve it but never quite getting every detail to pinpoint the true guilty identity but really that is half the fun of not knowing until the right time is upon you. There is always a great balance of humour, represented both in sequences within the story and certainly actions of characters, and whenever Bradley's name is mentioned you definitely know there will be hilarious encounters and again he never fails to deliver truly entertaining moments for the reader. As usual the story of Chimera takes on the winning formula we see with Elise Noble's writings and know that we will be truly entertained and as usual the little twist she can throw in at the end to cross link with other characters and books.

I was provided with an advance reader copy for a fair and honest review.



Profile Image for SylviaV.
558 reviews8 followers
April 24, 2022
Chimera by Elise Noble. Blackwood Security # 16
My thoughts:
For fans of the Blackwood Security books, it is a chance to catch up on all the crazy stuff that Emmy, Sky and Hallie and the rest of the gang get up to while on a trip to Scotland. It is great fun to see the interactions within their group and with the locals and how they navigate all the challenges thrown into their path. The mystery of what happened to Mila Carmody is solved, the beast is unmasked, there is romance for Paige and Fletcher and along the way the Blackwood team do their bit for the economy of a small village in the Scottish Highlands. A great read. 5 stars.

The last chapter is a hint of what may be in store for the next book, which will be a cross over between the Blackwood Security series and the Baldwin's Shore series.
I am a fan of Elise Noble's writing style and her story telling ability. This is book 16 in the Blackwood Security series and while this is a standalone book; if this is the first Elise Noble book you picked up, I would suggest you start with the "The Black Trilogy" Book 1-3 boxset first.
Profile Image for Whitney.
718 reviews5 followers
April 25, 2022
Omg this book was so great! I loved how it tied up a bunch of the other books and brought them to a conclusion! Although this is a stand alone book, there were several story lines from other books in here. So, for the best readability, you should read the others. Trust me you'll love them!
I absolutely LOVED Paige as a character! I always love Elise Nobles characters, but this one was extra special. Your heart really goes out to her in all of her crazy clumsiness. Plus it was so great to see Emmy, sky, and black. But mostly black because he is my book husband! Her characters are all so well developed.
Being a nurse, it was totally awesome learning a new medical term I've never heard before. A human chimera! Amazing!
The biggest twist is the end when they end up in Baldwins shore. Does that sound familiar? That's because it's where her other series takes place! Will this lead Emmy to the bad Samaritan? I don't know, well have to find out!
All in all, this was yet another win by Elise Noble and definitely a must read!
*I was given an ARC by the author for my honest review*
April 26, 2022
The latest book in the original Blackwood Security series does not disappoint! Our old friends Emmy and Sky are prominently featured, along with Hallie. We are introduced to Paige and Fletcher, the brother to another character from previous books. I enjoyed the story being set in Scotland – and Elise’s usually descriptive language and humor. One of my favorite things about Elise’s books is the intricate way the stories weave together and how the characters show up not just in other books, but in other series. In this one, we receive a few bonuses where the team does good for other people, even aside from solving the original mysteries. As with every book, there are plenty of hints to future stories and cross-over story opportunities, which leaves the loyal Elise Noble reader on the edge of the seat, waiting for the next tantalizing story.
274 reviews4 followers
May 4, 2022
Chimera
The Blackwood Security world continues to grow. It’s a business; it’s a community and it’s a family. Emmy and Sky are confirming that all safety measures are in place for the “New Dawn Film Festival” in Scotland. Hallie is still seeking answers to a cold case of a missing child Mila Carmody, who disappeared five years ago and clues have led her to Scotland. Nick Goldman has asked Emmy to do a wellness check for his half-brother, Fletcher,’s friend Paige. Confusing? Not if you’re Emmy!
Once again Elise has shared a story filled with humor, mysteries, tense moments, and additional Blackwood family: Black, Nick and Lara and Raffael. She has the innate ability to take the reader on an exciting journey. This journey starts in Scotland and ends in Baldwin Shores, Oregon.

"I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book"
Profile Image for Tracie Langley.
14 reviews
May 1, 2022
If I didn't already love Elise Noble's books this one would have made me a fan! Chimera her usual wit and detail to describing both the location and the characters as well as a fantastic story that leaves you just waiting for her next book! There are mysteries tied within mysteries, questions answered and a sweet new romance. This book also has the return of the members of Team Blackwood's favorite characters, introduces some new ones I hope we see more of and smoothly ties into the Baldwin Shores series to set up the next book for what I know is going to be an epic crossover! Start with Chimera, but be ready to go back and read the rest of the series! You won't be disappointed!
7 reviews
April 25, 2022
What a fun book!
This book starts off rather light with an easy trip to Scotland. Things tend to go sideways for Emmy and soon there's a whole crew of Blackwood favourites solving a decades old mystery, debunking an urban legend and saving a dying little town.
After all of that we finally get some closure on a super old case and get closer to finding out how Blackwood and Baldwins shore cross over.
Now please excuse me while I go re-read Ultraviolet and the Baldwins Shore books so I'm refreshed and completely ready for the next book!
49 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2022
The Blackwood Security series is back. Emmy, Sky, and Hallie take a quick trip to Scotland to check on a new contract and collect some DNA samples for a cold case. When Nick asks for a favor they find Paige, a falling apart castle and the legend of the Breast of Glendoon.

Chimera is packed full of adventures, laughs and lots of the Blackwood team. This story ties up lots of loose ends and gives fun updates on the Blackwood family. There is also a intro to the Baldwin's Shores crossover.













Profile Image for Alison Woodland.
168 reviews
May 5, 2022
With Emmy, Sky and Hailie in Scotland following up on the cold case of missing child, Mila Carmody. Emmy and Sky travel across Scotland to find Nick’s half brother’s girlfriend, Paige. They end up hunting a Monster and after a series of incidents including Bradley and a 100 turkeys everyone ends up at Glendoon. They manage to type up a lot of loose ends from previous books and end up at Baldwins Shore setting the scene for the next Baldwin book. This was a great story full of humour and fun and a must for those who love a great story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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