Dead Weight Review—Werewolves, Fates, and a Queen Who’s Finally Claiming Her Power

Book five of the Crossroads Queen series, Dead Weight, continues to build on the series’ strengths—sharp dialogue, quirky supernatural dynamics, and an emotionally guarded protagonist who’s slowly letting the world in. If you’ve been following Lorelei’s journey, this installment won’t disappoint. Packed with magical mayhem, emotional growth, and just enough heat, this book is a solid continuation of the series’ upward trajectory.

At a Glance

The Story: Trouble on All Fronts

Lorelei has never had a quiet day since moving into her castle on the edge of Fairhaven—and this time, the chaos is multilayered. Trouble begins with unfamiliar werewolves attacking one of Alpha Weston Davies’ pack members, dredging up his painful past. Lorelei, as usual, gets drawn into the mess, even though Davies makes it very clear he doesn’t want her help—especially from a necromancer who talks to ghosts and gives people nightmares.

Simultaneously, a mysterious Fae, Sian of the Seelie Court, approaches Lorelei looking for his long-lost sister. His only lead? A woman named Sarah, and possibly a changeling switch made nearly two decades ago. Add to that a mob vampire with a grudge (Vincenzo Magnarella), a prophetic visit to three modern-day Fates in NYC, and a lake monster for good measure, and Lorelei is, once again, drowning in supernatural problems.

Thankfully, she has backup—from her snarky ghost roommates Ray (who’s now mildly obsessed with the internet) and Nana Pratt (who’s learning to cook). The unlikely found family around her keeps growing, and with each book, so does Lorelei’s reluctant acceptance of her title: Crossroads Queen.

Character Growth: Lorelei Steps Into Her Power

What continues to shine in this series is Lorelei’s character arc. She's no longer just the sarcastic recluse in a crumbling castle; she’s becoming the queen everyone expects her to be, even if she’s doing it kicking and screaming. There’s still plenty of hesitation, internal conflict, and dry wit, but you can feel the shift—she’s choosing to connect, to care, and to fight for people beyond just herself.

Her slow-burn romance with Kane, the Prince of Hell, also inches forward, simmering beneath the surface. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it never overtakes the plot. If anything, it adds tension to an already high-stakes story.

Why You’ll Love It

It juggles multiple plotlines (Fae mystery, werewolf drama, mafia vampires, fate prophecies) without ever feeling overloaded.

The ghostly roommates steal the show with comic relief and unexpected competence.

Lorelei’s emotional journey continues to be raw, real, and incredibly satisfying.

No cliffhanger! You’ll get closure while still being excited for what’s next.

Tropes & Themes

🐺 Werewolf backstory & pack politics

🧚 Seelie Court intrigue & changeling lore

🔮 Prophecy & fate

👻 Ghost roommates (who steal every scene)

🧛 Mafia vampire grudges

🏡 Found family

💔 Slow-burn romance

🏰 Castle renovation side quest

⚖️ Personal growth & reluctant leadership

Final Thoughts

Dead Weight is another win for the Crossroads Queen series. Annabel Chase continues to deliver a charming mix of paranormal mystery, emotional development, and fast-paced storytelling. With each book, Lorelei becomes more complex, more connected, and more compelling. This installment balances humor, heartache, and high stakes in equal measure—and if you’re this deep into the series, you already know it’s worth the ride.5

Fairhaven’s never been so dangerous—or so fun.