Early Review: The Uninvited

The Uninvited (Krewe of Hunters #8)

-       Heather Graham

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA  (Published 28^th August 2012)

Ecopy courtesy of netgalley and Harlequin

1777: In the throes of the Revolutionary War, Landon Mansion is commandeered by British Lord 'Butcher' Bedford. He stabs Lucy Tarelton, who spurned his king and his love leaving her to die in her father's arms. Now: After the day's final tour, docent Allison Leigh makes her rounds while locking up and finds a colleague slumped over Bedford's desk, impaled on his own replica bayonet. Resident ghosts may be the stock-in-trade of stately Philadelphia homes, but Allison, a noted historian, is indignant at the prospect of 'ghost hunters' investigating this apparent murder. Agent Tyler Montague knows his haunting and his history. But while Allison is skeptical of the newcomer, a second mysterious murder occurs. Has 'Butcher' Bedford resurfaced? Or is there another malevolent force at work in Landon Mansion? Wary, yet deeply attracted, Allison has to trust in Tyler and work with him to discover just what uninvited guest, dead or alive, has taken over the house. Or their lives could become history...

This is the eighth book in the Krewe of Hunters series and the fourth one to focus on Texas Krewe. I always find myself returning to these books when I want an enjoyable light read with a touch of romance. This time around it’s Tyler, the Texas Ranger and gentleman cowboy who takes the lead into a murder investigation in Philidelphia at a historical old home that legend has it, was were a patriot was killed during the Revolution. Immediately he meets tour guide and historian, Allison who does not believe in ghosts and refuses to accept that the truth of the murder might lie in the distant past.

It was refreshing after so many novels to run into a character who doesn’t immediately accept that ghosts are real. I liked how normal Allison’s reactions are and the way she slowly comes to accept what is happening. Tyler is a true gentleman and doesn’t push at all and the slow unfurling of romance between the two of them is one of the strongest realistic portrayals of a relationship I’ve seen. The events within the house are intriguing as well. I don’t know much about the Revolution so the historical elements with the legend of the house are interesting and add a lot of colour to the story.

It’s a shame that what lets the story down in the end is the resolution of the murder. I was enjoying the whole book right up until the final chapter when the murderer and motive was revealed. I don’t want to give too much away but neither really rang true – the reason for the murder is weak and seems a little ridiculous. Still apart from a little niggle at the ending, I did enjoy the books as a perfect summer read – light, fun and absorbing.

Recommended for fans of Amanda Quick and Nora Roberts. 7 out of 10

Early Review: The Unspoken

The Unspoken (Krewe of Hunters #7)

Heather Graham

Publisher: MIRA (Published 31st July 2012)

E-Arc Courtesy of netgalley and MIRA

AN AIRLESS TOMB. AN UNSPOKEN CURSE 1898: Bound for Chicago, the freighter Jerry McGuen goes down in Lake Michigan, taking with it every man aboard. But what other fate could befall a vessel carrying the ill-gotten sarcophagus of an Egyptian sorcerer? Because a curse unspoken is no less deadly. Now: A veteran diver and "ghost ship" expert is exploring the legendary wreck for a documentary. He dies inexplicably inside the freighter's main saloon. Then another diver is killed and panicked rumors rise like bubbles from the lake: ancient demons have awakened below! The expedition's beleaguered financier calls paranormal investigator Katya Sokolov to Chicago to save the film -and perhaps some innocent lives. Along with media forensics guru Will Chan, Kat plumbs the depths of an evil that may date back to the time of the Pharaohs. But some secrets are best drowned in the seas of the past...

Having been following the adventures of both Krewe of Hunters so far, I have to confess I was getting a little bored. However, this story completely re-invigorated my interest in the characters and story. Set in Chicago where the wreck of a ship containing valuable Egyptian antiquities has been found and people start to die in mysterious circumstances. Is it a mummies curse or something more human…?

The main characters this time around are ME Katya from the Texas Krewe and Will Chan from the original Krewe – and the only one from that group who remained unattached when the stories switched to the new group. This always felt odd to me and I’m glad to see him get his own story – and even more I loved how Kat and Will butted heads in the beginning. It’s always nice when there is that friction between characters and these two felt more natural as they work together and the attraction grows. Kat is a stubborn but strong woman (almost essential in stories these days!) and she remained feminine, using her charm and politeness to get a lot of what she wants out people. Will comes across as quite brash at first, but it just seems like he has high standards.

However, what really makes this story stand out was the mystery of the ship-wreck and the mummy. There is a reason that Egyptology remains a strong fascination today and the slow burn on the mystery – were these deaths natural or were they murder is intriguing. There are more suspects and dodgy motive spread around the city which made it very entertaining to read. The idea of a mummy running round Chicago killing people is intriguing while the flashbacks to the downing of the ship adds another layer to the mystery. As ever with Heather Graham stories, the plot is fast and involving – but don’t try to think too hard about it as the links between different elements might not stand up to it. A diverting and enjoyable read with a sweet couple and a killer mummy!

Recommended for fans of Nora Roberts and Julie Krantz. 7.5 out of 10

Early Review: The Unholy

The Unholy (Krewe of Hunters 6)

-       Heather Graham

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA - Released on 19th June 2012

E-Arc received courtesy of Netgalley and MIRA Publishing

A Hollywood shrine hides unholy deeds... The 1940s: hard-boiled detectives and femmes fatale are box-office gold. In one iconic scene, set in a deserted museum, the private eye arrives too late, and the buxom beauty is throttled by an ominous Egyptian priest. Now: the Black Box Cinema immortalizes Hollywood's Golden Age in its gallery of film noir tributes. But the mannequin of that Egyptian priest is hardly lifeless. He walks-and a young starlet dies a terrifying death. Movie mogul Eddie Archer's son is charged with the grisly murder. Eddie calls agent Sean Cameron, who specializes in...irregular investigations. As part of an FBI paranormal forensics team, Cameron knows that nightmares aren't limited to the silver screen. Working with special-effects artist Madison Darvil-who has her own otherworldly gifts-Cameron delves into the malevolent force animating more than one movie monster

This is the second book with the second krewe of hunters and once again I feel like I don’t know these characters at all. In The Unseen I assumed it was because the team hadn’t been ‘officially’ formed yet but this time hardly any time was spent on any characters who weren’t the main couple – Sean and Madison. It doesn’t really feel like a team – and I can barely remember the names of the rest of the ‘krewe’. The good news is that Madison is an interesting character – someone who has always been able to see ghosts but hiding her ability. She’s not the most kick-ass, but is a vulnerable but stead-fast woman and I liked her. Sean is a typical alpha male and his over-protective nature kicks in almost straight away. Together they are a sweet couple, even if not that memorable.

The locked room mystery of the murder is interesting and I confess I spent a lot of time trying to figure out who the murderer was. It’s not immediately obviously – neither is the motive. Hollywood is always an interesting place to set stories with so many people trying to make it – fake is real a lot of the time. However, even with that in mind so many people in the game were ‘good’ people – there are very few shades of grey at all which in a town as fake as Hollywood I found a little bizarre! The ghostly element is downplayed for much of the story – only Madison’s ghostly roommate really adds much as he adds a lot of colour to the story.

The writing is easy to relax into and speed through. This is a light murder mystery with some romance added in but little depth that will allow you to remember the details in six months time. That said I enjoyed the break from heavy reading and will pick another Krewe of Hunters book – but let me see this team as a team sometime!

Recommended for fans of Nora Roberts and Linda Howard. 6 out of 10

Early Review: The Unseen

The Unseen (Krewe of Hunters 5)

-          Heather Graham

Publisher: Harlequin - Published on 27th March 2012

E-Arc Read courtesy of netgalley and Harlequin publishing.

1800s. San Antonio, Texas: In room 207 at the Longhorn Saloon, in the long shadow of the Alamo itself, a woman renowned for her beauty was brutally murdered. Her killer was never found. One year ago: In that same historic room, another woman vanished without a trace. Her blood was everywhere…but her body was never recovered. Now: In the last month, San Antonio has become a dumping ground for battered bodies. All young women, all long missing, almost all forgotten. Until now. Texas Ranger Logan Raintree cannot sit by and let his city’s most vulnerable citizens be slain. So when he is approached to lead a brand-new group of elite paranormal investigators working the case, he has no choice but to accept the challenge. And with it, his powerful ability to commune with the dead. Among Logan’s new team is Kelsey O’Brien, a U.S. marshal known for her razor-sharp intuition and a toughness that belies her delicate exterior. Kelsey has been waiting all her life to work with someone who can understand her ability to “see” the past unfolding in the present. Now she has her chance. Together, Kelsey and Logan follow their instincts to the Alamo and to the newly reopened Longhorn, which once tempted heroes with drink, cards and women. If the spirits of those long-dead Texans are really appearing to the victims before their deaths, only Kelsey and Logan have the skills to find out why. And if something more earthly is menacing the city’s oldest, darkest corners, only they can stop it – before more innocent women join the company of San Antonio’s restless ghosts...

With Jackson Crow’s original Krewe of Hunters all paired up and proving a huge success investigating haunted crimes, a second team is being set and is introduced here. I can’t tell much about most of the characters in the second team which the exception of Logan and Kelsey as they don’t really take a major part in the story. This is squarely Logan and Kelsey’s story with a cameo from Jackson to bring them together. Kelsey is a US Marshall who can see ghosts, is good at her job but retains her emotional connection to people. Logan is part native American and 100% Texas ranger who can hear and see the dead.  However, while they made a nice couple I never really connected to either in any meaningful way. They were both too nice and neither had any characteristics that made them particularly memorable.

Where this story succeeded more for me was in the mystery. With piles of female bones turning up across San Antonio and only a tenuous link to the Almo to connect them, I was more than curious to see how it was solved. The Almo is one of the most famous historical sites for the US, but I’m afraid my knowledge before this book didn’t really cover more than Davy Crockett hats and general slaughter. However, this story focuses more on the modern day than on the past, with the historical giving an interesting piquant flavour to the mystery. The ghost element is barely needed in the story but was nonetheless enjoyable and added a different layer to the story. There are plenty of suspects and I enjoyed trying to figure out who it was – although I got there long before our heroes. Overall an enjoyable mystery with a rather bland romance.    

Recommended for fans of Nora Roberts and Amanda Stevens.  7 out of 10

Early Review: The Evil Inside

The Evil Inside (Krewe of Hunters 4)

-       Heather Graham

Kindle Book

E-Copy courtesy of netgalley and MIRA

For as long as it has stood overlooking New England’s jagged coastline, Lexington House has been the witness to madness…and murder. But in recent years the inexplicable malice that once tormented so many has lain as silent as its victims. Until now…
A member of the nation’s foremost paranormal forensic team, Jenna Duffy has made a career out of investigating the inexplicable. Yet nothing could prepare her for the string of slayings once again plaguing Lexington House – or for the chief suspect, a boy barely old enough to drive, much less kill.
With the young man’s life on the line, Jenna must team up with attorney Samuel Hill to pinpoint who – or what – is taking the lives of those who get too close to the past. But everything they learn brings them closer to the forces of evil stalking this tortured ground.

This is the fourth book in the Krewe of Hunters series, although it isn’t necessary to read them in order. This book is based on the quiet member of the Krewe – registered nurse and Celtic beauty, Jenna. She returns to Salem at the request of her uncle to investigate a gruesome series of murders based at a local house infamous for multiple murders in the past and teams up with Defence Attorney, Sam Hill.

I have to confess I hadn’t really connected with Jenna this far in the series – she’s had little to do compared to Whitney or Angelica, but it was interesting to have her front and centre. However, it was the complicated man that is Sam Hill that made this book for me. He is a pile of contradictions and I really liked getting to know him. The romance between Sam and Jenna is gentle and fits around the mystery well. It’s not the hottest romance in this series but suits the two of them nicely.

The mystery itself is intriguing and the investigation is the most intriguing part of the book – I loved the selection of suspects which had me  trying to figure it out! The ghostly element is downplayed in this instalment – but still important. However as one character says – a ghost has never killed anyone – people do. J

If you want a gentle romance with a strong mystery and a hint of supernatural this is the series for you – a perfect summer read.

Recommended for fans of Goddess Summoning Series and Tales of the Sazi. 7 out of 10

Early Review: Sacred Evil

Sacred Evil (Krewe of Hunters 3)

-       Heather Graham

Publisher: MIRA – released 26^th July 2011 in US

E-Copy courtesy of netgalley and MIRA

The details of the crime scene are no coincidence. The body – a promising starlet – has been battered, bloodied and then discarded between two of Manhattan’s oldest graveyards. One look and Detective Jude Crosby recognizes the tableau: a re-creation of Jack the Ripper’s gruesome work. But he also sees something beyond the actions of a mere copycat. Something more dangerous…and unexplainable. As the city seethes with suspicion, Jude calls on Whitney Tremont, a member of the country’s preeminent paranormal investigating team, to put the speculation to rest. Yet when Whitney and Jude delve deeper, what they discover is more shocking than either could have predicted, and twice as sinister…

This is the third in the Krewe of Hunters series and perhaps the strongest story so far. The focus this time is on Whitney, the film expert from New Orleans and her partnership with New York Detective Jude. Someone is recreating Jack the Ripper’s victims in New York over 120 year after the original murders...or is Jack himself back?

Jack the Ripper is always a fascinating subject – an infamous murderous spree that stopped suddenly with no culprit ever caught. The move from the traditional Ripper stomping ground of Whitechapel to downtown Manhattan was smooth and fit with the history of New York. New York is always a city that adds character to stories and enjoyed the hints of the past and present of the city that never sleeps.

Once again I enjoyed the relationships here most. The focus is obviously on Whitney and Jude, but I liked the camaraderie of the Krewe – more prevalent here than in the second story, Heart of Evil. In addition we are introduce to some of New York’s finest also working on the taskforce, which made the story feel grounded and closer to a real crime investigation, than we’ve seen for a while. It also enabled Jude and Whitney’s relationship to develop and liked that they didn’t jump straight into bed together. The relationships are definitely the meat of the story with the fascinating crimes the perfectly balanced wine complement and the ghost elements...a yummy desert!

An enjoyable and easy read that doesn’t waste time and drives the story forward – great for a summer read with a blend of crime, romance and ghostly happenings.

Recommended for fans of Nora Roberts and Jayne Ann Krentz. 7.5 out of 10

Early Review: Heart of Evil

Heart of Evil (Krewe of Hunters 2)

-       Heather Graham

Publisher: MIRA Books

Ecopy courtesy of netgalley and Mira Books

Released 28^th June 2011

SOME SECRETS REFUSE TO STAY BURIED... Emerging from the bayou like an apparition, Donegal Plantation is known for its unsurpassed dining, captivating atmosphere, haunting legends…and now a corpse swinging from the marble angel that marks its cemetery’s most majestic vault. A corpse discovered in nearly the same situation as that of Marshall Donegal, the patriarch killed in a skirmish just before the Civil War. Desperate for help traditional criminologists could never provide, plantation heiress Ashley Donegal turns to an elite team of paranormal investigators who blend hard forensics with rare—often inexplicable—intuition. Among the “Krewe of Hunters” is an old fl ame, Jake Mallory, a gifted musician with talent stretching far beyond the realm of the physical, and a few dark ghosts of his own. The evil the team unveils has the power to shake the plantation to its very core. Jake and Ashley are forced to risk everything to unravel secrets that will not stay buried—even in death.…

This is the second book following the special task force investigating crimes through the use of logic and feelings or the ‘Krewe of Hunters’ as they call themselves. This time the book concentrates heavily on Jake Mallory and his old flame Ashley Donegal and I was disappointed that the other members of the Krewe are not big players in this book – in fact it’s pretty much a two hander between Jake and Ashley with cameos by Angela and Jackson. The others are barely mentioned! This meant it lacked the camaraderie of Phantom Evil of a team investigating a crime and while I did like Jake and Ashley as characters I didn’t feel as invested in them as I did in Angela and Jackson previously.

The crime features heavily on the American civil war which I have to confess I know very little about – it’s exactly taught in British schools! So I was a little confused in the first few chapters with the historical detail, vast number of characters that were introduced during the re-enactment, but soon it settled down and focused on the relationship between Jake and Ashley. It was quite sweet the way they re-connected after years apart and liked that Ashley wasn’t afraid to make a move on Jake. Jake was a real southern gentleman – and I have to admit to a little crush on him!

As for the crime the suspects weren’t particularly developed and I found it difficult to tell the difference between them. This meant I didn’t spend much time trying to figure out who was behind it. However, the ghost element in the story worked well with Marshall Donegal making a real impact. Overall, this was sweet love story, with some ghosts but a disappointing crime and I missed the supporting characters!

Recommended for fans of Nora Roberts and Suza Kates. 6 out of 10

Early Review: Phantom Evil

Phantom Evil

-       Heather Graham

eArc Courtesy of netgalley and MIRA Books

Released on 29^th March 2011

A secret government unit is formed under the oversight of Adam Harrison, famed paranormal investigator. The six members he’s gathered know a little of the otherworldly—each has honed a psychic talent of their own.
The case: In a historic mansion in New Orleans’s French Quarter, a senator’s wife falls to her death from a balcony. Most think she jumped, distraught over the loss of her young son. Some say she was pushed. And yet others believe she was beckoned by the ghostly spirits that inhabit the house—once the site of a serial killer’s grisly work. Whether supernatural or all too human, crimes of passion, greed and desire will cast the investigators into danger of losing their lives...and their immortal souls.

Phantom Evil is set in a haunted house in New Orleans as a newly gathered team of psychics and investigators start digging into the supposed suicide of the wife of a senator. The team is made up of a mixture of technical experts, sceptics and true psychics. I loved the characters in the team and the mixture of personalities. The two most developed characters are Jackson and Angela, the two ‘elder’ members of the team (and by elder I mean thirty-something rather than twenty-something). They both have difficult pasts but are determined to work for the future. As their relationship develops, it doesn’t get in the way of the investigation. Throughout the story the mystery surrounding the death is always the focus with the team unsure whether it was a ghostly hand behind the death or someone decidedly more human.

There are plenty of twists and turns as the story swings between the supernatural and natural. As any book set in New Orleans, there is a fun exploration of the city as well – New Orleans is one place I’d love to visit! While I found the ending a little too abrupt with all the loose endings tied up quickly, it was a diverting and distracting read with plenty of opportunity to explore with Jackson and the team. Personally I’m looking forward to Jack’s story!

Recommended for fans of Nora Roberts and Christine Feehan. 7.5 out of 10