Review: Wicked Deeds by Heather Graham

Vickie Preston and Griffin Pryce are on their way to Virginia for Vickie to enter the FBI Academy. They stop in Baltimore for a pleasant, romantic few days, but alas that's not in the cards for them.

The body of a popular writer is found in the basement of the Edgar Allan Poe themed restaurant that the couple ate at the night before. His wife calls on the Krewe of Hunters to help prove that it was murder and not suicide and to catch the murderer. It could be any one of the staff or a member of the Edgar Allan Poe appreciation society that has met there. More Poe related crimes occur and more of the Krewe come for backup.

At the same time, Vickie begins to have vivid dreams about Edgar Allan Poe and his demise in Baltimore. Nightmares. Are her dreams somehow connected to the events in present day Baltimore?

Vickie and Griffin were introduced in Krewe of Hunters #21- Dying Breath. They appeared again in #22 - Dark Rites. This is their third outing. While this could be read as a stand alone, I think you get more out of it and the characters if you've read the previous 2 books as well.

The action grabs you early on. There are few well-timed lulls. It's pretty much a fast-paced mystery with a touch of romance.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was the background on Poe and how the author used it in the crimes. You get information on his biography and a few of his relevant works. This is mostly courtesy of the character Vickie as she is a historian. There are other contributors as well. And Vickie poses an interesting explanation for Poe's death in Baltimore.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's well written. The characters are enjoyable. The mystery is fast-paced. And the information shared on Poe makes it all the more interesting.

Wicked Deeds is #23 in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham. It's due to be published September 19, 2017 from MIRA Books.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Review: Dark Rites by Heather Graham

When the book opens, there have already been several attacks on people in the Boston area. Each one was beaten and left with a note comprised of an old warning about witchcraft. Professor Alex Maple, Vickie Preston's close friend, was among those attacked, but now he's gone missing. Vickie is convinced that it has to do with the same people that attacked him.

Shortly afterward, Vickie begins to have visions of a woman with her throat slit. The question becomes who is this woman? And who is orchestrating the attacks on people in Boston and why? And why are the perpetrators ready to die rather than be caught?

On the eve of their trip to Virginia, Vickie Preston and her beau Special Agent Griffin Pryce are caught up in the search for Alex. They are also involved in finding out who is perpetrating the attacks and why.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Heather Graham once again does a wonderful job blending fact and fiction as they search for Alex and the killers. The characters are well drawn and sympathetic. The plot moves along at a good pace. And the mystery kept me guessing. I thought the leader was one character when he really turned out to be another. The main characters are the same as they were in Book #21 in the Krewe of Hunters series. You could read this as a standalone, but it would be better to at least read the book before it to get a better understanding of the characters and to see the beginning of the relationship between Agent Pryce and Vickie. I would recommend this book and the series to readers who enjoy romantic suspense with a paranormal bent.

Dark Rites by Heather Graham is #22 in the Krewe of Hunters series. It's due out July 25, 2017 from MIRA.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given.

Review: Dying Breath by Heather Graham

In her youth, Vickie Preston survived the attack of a serial killer while babysitting. It was the first time she ever saw a ghost, but not the last.

Griffin Price was there that night as a policeman. Now though, he is a Special Agent with the FBI in the Krewe of Hunters. He is in Boston working on the case of another serial killer called The Undertaker. The killer is kidnapping women and putting them into tight spots with not much air and sending notes, hints about their locations, to the police.

Vickie becomes involved when one of the notes mentions her by name. Her vast knowledge of the history of Boston becomes a tool in the arsenal of the Hunters. As Vickie and Griffin work together, they find that they are drawn together.

This is one of the best Krewe of Hunters books that I have read. I loved the way the clues were delivered and the explanations as they were figured out by Vickie, Griffin, the police, and other members of the Krewe. There is information shared about the Boston of today as well as historical Boston. It makes for interesting reading. And it's a good mystery.

Vickie and Griffin are both good characters. The character of ghostly Dylan and Darlene are good and not overused as a plot device. There is romance between Vickie and Griffin. And it does lead to some sex scenes. The mystery takes the forefront of most of the story. The romance is slightly secondary.

Overall, I give Dying Breath 4 out of 5 stars. It's a well-written mystery with romance. I was guessing at who did it right up until the end.

Dying Breath by Heather Graham is #21 in the Krewe of Hunters series. It was released May 30, 2017 from MIRA.

My copy of the book was an ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given.

Teaser Tuesday: Dying Breath by Heather Graham

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Dying Breath by Heather Graham is #21 in the Krewe of Hunters series. It was published May 30 by MIRA.

Is that why she felt a ridiculous bond with him? As if they should be much more than occasional acquaintances. Was it Noah's absolute certainty that Griffin shared her odd talent - that he was totally aware that Dylan was still with them - at least, Dylan's ghost or his spirit? 

~ 28% through on my Kindle

Would you keep reading?

What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Review: Darkest Journey (Krewe of Hunters #20) by Heather Graham

Expected publication:
September 27th 2016 by Mira

Charlene Moreau, aka Charlie, is back in her hometown acting in a film. One evening she finds a dead man somewhat buried on the land they are using as a set for filming. It's a recent murder. And the victim was one of the Civil War reenactors involved in the movie.

Ethan and Charlie have a history together. He rescued her from a serial killer back when she was in high school and he was in college. Now, she calls upon the Krewe of Hunters, Ethan's new unit, to send him on down to Louisiana and help out. Ethan sees ghosts the same way she does. And she knows he won't think she is nuts for receiving information from the dead.

Two men have died with seemingly no link to their murders even though they were friends. It will take the investigational strengths of the Krewe to prove Charlie's father is innocent and catch the villain or villains.

This involves a trip on the Mississippi River on the boat, the Journey. The Journey is run by the same company that ran the ships that the last 2 cases the Krewe investigated were on. Charlie's father travels and lectures on the boat on a regular basis.

Since Charlie's father is a historian, there are bits of history here and there throughout the story. I'm not sure which parts were real and which parts were designed to help the plot along though. Still, if you enjoy reading about the Civil War era, it really adds to the story. There is also mention of several local landmarks at which Charlie's father leads tours, in particular, several plantations.The majority of the action though occurs on the film set or aboard the Journey.

The romance between Charlie and Ethan is sweet. It's like they are taking up where they left off years earlier, but better. There is sex, but not overwhelmingly so.

The pace of the book is good. The writing keeps you turning pages to find out what happens next. It's a good mystery. It does seem to wrap up a little quickly, but it works. It's like the story has come full circle.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy your mysteries with a touch of romance, the paranormal and history then this would be a good book for you. This is #20 in the Krewe of Hunters series. It's written in such a way that you could pick it up and enjoy it on its own even if you haven't read any of the others in the series. The 2 books in the series immediately preceding this book do share some of the same characters.

Darkest Journey is due out September 27, 2016 from MIRA.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Haunted Destiny by Heather Graham

The serial killer known as the Archangel Killer is on the loose on a cruise ship after his latest murder in New Orleans. Will our heroes find out who it is before the next victim is found?

This is number 18 in the Krewe of Hunters series. The Archangel Killer is so named because of the way that he displays his victims in churches with saintly medallions at their throats. Jackson Crow, head of the Krewe of Hunters, has been assigned the case after having the ghost of one of the victims appear to him. Jude McCoy, a local agent in New Orleans, is assigned to work with Jackson. He doesn't know that they both are capable of seeing and interacting with the dead.

After following what they think might be the killer on board the cruise ship Destiny, Jude has an occasion to meet Alexi Cromwell who works the ship's piano bar as the entertainment. The more they interact, the more their attraction grows and the clearer it becomes to Jude that they are both seeing ghosts to his surprise, and not just the victim's ghost.

The race is on though. They are expecting at least 3 more murders because there are 3 more medallions in the set that the killer has been using to mark his victims. Can Jackson and Jude keep people safe while searching for the killer and without causing a panic?

So, we have here a book with a strong mystery and a secondary romance. They work well together and I had my doubts as to how well it would work on a limited location like a cruise ship. I liked that the characters come to accept seeing the ghosts as unquestionable rather easily. So many books end up giving a lot of space to the denial of their abilities as part of the plot. The pace of the mystery  is good. It gradually increases until it's solved. I found myself reading fast trying to find out who the murderer was and being somewhat surprised at the identity. There were some good red herrings in the pool of suspects.

Overall I give this book 4 stars out of 5. Both the mystery and the romance were handled well. It's a good addition to the Krewe of Hunters series.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Teaser Tuesday: Haunted Destiny by Heather Graham

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books And A Beat.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Expected publication:
May 24th 2016 by Mira

And while he prayed that no one on the Destiny would be murdered, and that they'd weather the storm and did make port, he also prayed they'd catch the killer before that.

Because if they didn't...

More were destined to die.

~60% on my Kindle

Special Agent Jude McCoy is thinking about the serial killer they think is on board the cruise ship.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Please share it or a link in the comments so we  can check it out. Thanks for coming by!

Waiting on Wednesday #128: Haunted Destiny by Heather Graham

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Haunted Destiny is Book #18 in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham. It's due out May 24, 2016 from MIRA.

Synopsis from Goodreads:
A historic cruise ship, a haunted ship, the Celtic American Line's Destiny, sets sail from the Port of New Orleans—with a killer on board. He's known as the Archangel Killer because of the way he displays his victims in churches. And how he places a different saint's medallion on each body. No one knows exactly who he is or why he's doing this. 

Jackson Crow—head of the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, a special unit of paranormal investigators—is assigned to the case, along with local agent Jude McCoy. Then Alexi Cromwell, who works in the ship's piano bar, is drawn into the situation when a victim's ghost appears to her—and to Jude. She and Jude share an attraction, and not just because of their mutual talent. 

There are many suspects, but one by one they're ruled out… Or are they? In the end, Jude and Alexi have to rely on each other to catch the killer and escape his evil plans for Alexi.

Why am I waiting on this one? Basically, I want to read it because I enjoy the Krewe of Hunters series. And I want to see how the mystery plays out on the ship. I like the character Jackson Crow and hope he gets some good page time in this book, but I know the other two main characters will probably have a little more.

What book are you waiting on this week? Please share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out.

Happy Reading!

Review: The Hidden by Heather Graham

The Hidden by Heather Graham is #17 in the Krewe of  Hunters series and is due out September 29, 2015.

People are being murdered in Estes Park, Colorado, particularly on the Conway Ranch. The one thing they seem to have in common is that they are descendants of Nathan Kendall who owned the ranch and was himself killed in a horrific manner about 150 years ago. Scarlet is working on the Conway Ranch as a historian in their museum and bunking above it. When images of one of the murders appear on her camera before the bodies are found, she becomes a prime suspect in the murders.

Scarlet is divorced from Special Agent Diego McCullough. But, when things get dangerous for her, he is the first one she thinks to call. Lucky for her, Diego has just opted to join an elite group within the FBI known as the Krewe of Hunters. They give him the support he needs to get to her quickly and to investigate just what is going on there, even the ghostly events. Along the way, Scarlet and Diego find that their romance isn't dead after all.

I would classify this as a paranormal romantic mystery. There are elements of all 3 present in this well-written story. Ghosts of murder victims are talking to both Scarlet and the investigators. A romance is rekindled between Scarlet and her ex-husband Diego. Then there are the mysteries as to who killed Nathan Kendall and his wife Jillian 150 years ago and who is killing people now. All 3 parts blend together to make a good story that kept me guessing as to the identity of the killer right up until the end. The book held up as a page turner. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next as I read. As a result, I read it quickly and was a little sorry to see it end, but felt the ending was satisfying.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Teaser Tuesday: The Hidden by Heather Graham

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Miz B of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can participate, just do the following:

• Grab your current read and open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and the author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

Expected publication:
September 29, 2015 by Mira

There was a knock at the museum door, and Scarlet nearly jumped out of her chair. "Do you think the guys are back already?" she asked Meg

"I don't know. Sit tight. " Meg was already on her way to the door. She opened it a crack and peered out. It wasn't the guys. 

It was Lieutenant Gray.

~ from 33% through on my Kindle

I know it's more than 2 sentences, but it all goes together. Would you read on? 

What's your teaser this week? Leave it or a link in the comments so we can check it out. Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday #92: The Silenced by Heather Graham

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. 

Expected publication:
June 30, 2015 by Mira

This week the book I am waiting on is The Silenced by Heather Graham. It's #15 in her Krewe of Hunters series. 

Synopsis from Goodreads.com: 

Lara, a congressman's media assistant, suddenly quits her job—and disappears on the way to her Washington, DC, apartment. 

Novice FBI agent Meg Murray, a childhood friend of Lara's, gets a message from her that same night, a message that says she's disillusioned and "going home." To Richmond, Virginia. Meg discovers that she never got there. And bodies fitting Lara's description are showing up in nearby rivers… Could she be the victim of a serial killer? 

Meg is assigned to work with special agent Matt Bosworth, a hard-nosed pro in the FBI's unit of paranormal investigators—the Krewe of Hunters. They trace the route Meg and Lara took more than once in the past, visiting battlefields and graveyards from Harpers Ferry to Gettysburg. Places where the dead share their secrets with those who can hear… As Meg and Matt pursue the possibility of a serial killer, they find themselves in the middle of a political conspiracy. Is there a connection? And who—besides each other—can they trust?

Why am I looking forward to it? Basically it's part of a series that I really enjoy reading. Most of the novels in the series can be read as standalone books. And it's expected to be published on June 30, 2015 so there isn't that long to wait on it. I think that this series can make good beach reading or summer reading as well. It's basically paranormal romantic suspense. 

What book are you waiting on this week? Leave the title or a link in the credits so we can check it out. Happy Reading!

Review: The Dead Play On by Heather Graham

Published March 31, 2015 by Mira

Tyler Anderson plays the sax his friend Arnie Watson left to him and has a replay of some of the events of his life and death. Someone starts killing musicians from the French Quarter in New Orleans and stealing their instruments. Tyler approaches Danni Cafferty and Michael Quinn and asks them to look into Arnie's death because he knows it was murder and not the overdose it looked like. Also, Detective Larue invites Quinn in to look at the cases of the dead musicians. Something unusual is going on.

The key to this mystery seems to be the last few lines of the synopsis: They (Danni Cafferty and Michael Quinn) discover that sometimes, for some people, the line between passion and obsession is hard to draw. Only in uncovering the truth can they hope to save others—and themselves—from the deadly hands of a killer. 

The killer is convinced that somewhere in New Orleans is Arnie Watson's magic sax. And he will go through anyone to get it.

This mystery isn't quite as magical as the first 2 in the series. And most of the secondary characters from the first book are relegated to minor status in this one. 

The romance between Cafferty and Quinn is still going strong. The relationship between Billie and Hattie is mentioned, but not built on.

There are a lot of names in this book. A lot of band characters to try and keep straight. Danni, Quinn, and Billie join the local music scene to try and find out what's going on with the deaths and see if they can solve the mystery faster that way. 

I liked the book, but I was expecting something a little different from the mystery portion. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars because it was well written even if it wasn't exactly what I was expecting.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my  honest opinion.

Teaser Tuesday: The Dead Play On by Heather Graham

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Miz B of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can participate, just do the following:

• Grab your current read and open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and the author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

She (Danni) cleaned up the kitchen, deciding to leave as soon as she was done to see Natasha Larouche, aka Madame LaBelle. Natasha was a voodoo priestess and a dear friend. She also owned a voodoo shop where she learned just about everything that was going on in the Quarter and the surrounding area.

location 879 in The Dead Play On by Heather Graham 

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

Musicians are being murdered in New Orleans. But Arnie Watson apparently died by his own hand. When Tyler Anderson plays the saxophone he inherited from Arnie, a soldier and musician who died soon after his return, he believes he sees visions of his friend's life—and death. He becomes convinced Arnie was murdered and that the instrument had something to do with whatever happened, and with whatever's happening all over the city. 

Tyler knows his theory sounds crazy to the police, so he approaches Danni Cafferty, hoping she and Michael Quinn will find out what the cops couldn't. Or wouldn't. After all, Cafferty and Quinn have become famous for solving unusual crimes. 

They're partners in their personal lives, too. Quinn's a private investigator and Danni works with him. When they look into the case, they discover a secret lover of Arnie's and a history of jealousies and old hatreds that lead them back to the band Arnie once played with—and Tyler plays with now. 

They discover that sometimes, for some people, the line between passion and obsession is hard to draw. Only in uncovering the truth can they hope to save others—and themselves—from the deadly hands of a killer.

What's your teaser this week? Leave it or a link in the comments so we can check it out. Happy Reading!

Review: The Cursed by Heather Graham

Published May 27th 2014
by Harlequin MIRA

What if you could see ghosts? And not just the ones that haunt your house, but other ghosts as well? Hannah O'Brien is used to seeing Melody and Hagen, the house ghosts, but is surprised when the ghost of a man murdered outside her house appears to her asking for help.

Hannah runs a bed and breakfast in the house she grew up in in Key West. Special Agent Dallas Sampson decides to take a room after realizing that Hannah might be in danger from whoever killed his friend, Jose, also an FBI agent.

Hannah calls her cousin Kelsey who is also an FBI agent and a member of a special unit referred to as The Krewe of Hunters. This special group all have some kind of special insight or ability to see things that most people don't, like ghosts.

The case in the present is linked to a missing piece of treasure from the past. They need to find the treasure, but more than that they need to find out who killed Jose and who is a danger to Hannah and them all.

The characters are almost equally strong. Hannah is a little weaker than the rest which makes Dallas want to protect her all the more. Her weakness is understandable considering she is the only one in the group who is not an FBI agent. Still, she is a pretty tough cookie.

It's a good book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. My only complaint was that there was no clue as to where the treasure was and I think there should have been a little more foreshadowing. There were plenty of surprises. This isn't the first Krewe of Hunters book that I've read. This one is 12th in the series. I haven't managed to read all of them yet. I would recommend the series to those who like romance with their mysteries and enjoy the paranormal aspect as well.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Teaser Tuesday - The Cursed by Heather Graham

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of  Should Be Reading.

Anyone can participate. just do the following.

Rules:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t  give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

Published June 1, 2014
by Harlequin MIRA

The Cursed by Heather Graham is #12 in the Krewe of Hunters series. This time the action takes place in Key West, Florida. Hannah O'Brien runs a B&B from the house she grew up in. She has always been able to see the 2 resident ghosts, Melody and Hagen. Now she is seeing others as well. She is in danger from a group called Los Lobos and their leader, The Wolf. Agent Dallas Samson is working on the case because his co-worker was killed while deep undercover by Los Lobos, they think. Dallas stays at the B&B so he can keep an eye on Hannah, and in turn gets a paranormal eyeful as well.

Melody was elegantly perched on the sofa. Hagen was standing by the mantel. And Agent Dallas Sampson was seated across from Melody, looking as if they had just been deep in conversation. Dallas turned to Hannah, "I've just met your charming residents," he told her, then continued with a slight rebuke in his voice. "It would have been polite to introduce us."

The Cursed is a paranormal mystery with some romance thrown in as well. I've not been to Key West yet, so I am finding the bits about the island interesting. It sounds like an interesting setting for this mystery. The Wolf seems to think there is a treasure of some sort within the walls of the B&B. It will be interesting to see if he is wrong or not. And who is he anyway?

So far, I am enjoying the book. The teaser is from 31% through the Kindle edition. I am currently at 66% through the book.

What book is your teaser from this week? Share a link or the teaser in the comments so we can check it out!
Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday #71 - The Dead Play On by Heather Graham

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. 


This week the book I am waiting on is The Dead Play On by Heather Graham.

This is #3 in the Cafferty and Quinn series. It is expected to be published March 31, 2015 by MIRA. 

The synopsis from Goodreads.com: 

Play a song for me… 

Musicians are being murdered in New Orleans. But Arnie Watson apparently died by his own hand. When Tyler Anderson plays the saxophone he inherited from Arnie, a soldier and musician who died soon after his return, he believes he sees visions of his friend's life—and death. He becomes convinced Arnie was murdered and that the instrument had something to do with whatever happened, and with whatever's happening all over the city… 

Tyler knows his theory sounds crazy to the police, so he approaches Danni Cafferty, hoping she and Michael Quinn will find out what the cops couldn't. Or wouldn't. After all, Cafferty and Quinn have become famous for solving unusual crimes. 

They're partners in their personal lives, too. Quinn's a private investigator and Danni works with him. When they look into the case, they discover a secret lover of Arnie's and a history of jealousies and old hatreds that leads them back to the band Arnie once played with—and Tyler plays with now. 

They discover that sometimes, for some people, the line between passion and obsession is hard to draw. Only in uncovering the truth can they hope to save others—and themselves—from the deadly hands of a killer.

Why am I looking forward to this book? I've enjoyed the first two Cafferty and Quinn books in the series. It's both a paranormal mystery and a little bit of a romance. Danni Cafferty is a strong female character with artistic talent that sometimes is influenced by the paranormal. Former policeman Michael Quinn is a gentleman when it's called for and a sleuth when necessary. Together they make a good team. I also like the cast of recurring support characters in the book. 

What book are you looking forward to this week? Please add a title or a link in the comments and we will check it out. Happy Reading!

Review: The Hexed by Heather Graham

Published July 29th 2014
by Harlequin MIRA 

The Hexed (Krewe of Hunters #13) by Heather Graham is a really good book. It's a paranormal mystery with a little romance thrown in that takes place in the Salem, Massachusetts area.

Devin Lyle has recently returned to Salem after the death of her great-aunt. She is lead to the body of a dead woman by a ghost. She runs out into the road seeking help and meets/almost gets run over by Craig Rockwell, otherwise known as Rocky. Rocky, a new member of the Krewe of Hunters - a special unit of the FBI, is back in town because of another couple of murders just like this one. Devin and Rocky will find themselves working together to find the killer and find themselves drawn together romantically as well. The Krewe will come and work with them too.

The history of the area plays a part in the mystery as does what the city is like in recent times. Salem has been an interest of mine since I visited there when I was a young girl. I was really impressed with the accuracy of the author's details when it came to the history of Salem and the surrounding areas of Danvers and Peabody. The witch trials in particular were mentioned several times in the book as well as the people who were hanged and Giles Corey who was pressed to death ("More weight!" he cried). The accuracy made the reading even more of a pleasure. I also liked the bits that explained about the difference between Wicca and Satanism and what the pentacle really means.

As for the mystery, it was a good one. I couldn't tell who was responsible for the deaths right up until the very end. I liked the straightforwardness of Rocky when questioning people. I enjoyed reading the book for the characters, the mystery, the romance, and the history. I give this book 4 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Teaser Tuesday: Hexed by Heather Graham

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of 

Should Be Reading.

Anyone can participate. just do the following.

Rules:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t  give too     much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week I'm reading The Hexed (Krewe of Hunters #13) by Heather Graham published August 1, 2014 by Harlequin MIRA. One of the things I appreciate most about this book besides that it takes place in the Salem, Massachusetts area is that it gets the history of the area right. So many books take artistic liberties or just don't bother to get the history right and say things like that the witches burned when those that were executed were hanged except for Giles Corey who was pressed to death. So it's interesting on a historical level so far as well.

Now for the teaser from location 1507 on my Kindle.

"He's a good guy, Brent," she said. 

"Don't be fooled just because you think he's hot."

"Brent!"

"Okay, sorry. But friends have to look after friends. and I'm just saying, he leaves after a friend is killed -he comes back and two women are murdered."

What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments below.

Review: Waking the Dead by Heather Graham

Waking the Dead by Heather Graham is #2 in her Cafferty and Quinn Series. Published March 24, 2014 by MIRA books, it has an interesting, twisty plot involving a painting that somehow has the power to attack and kill people. The painting was created by an artist during the Year Without a Summer as part of the same challenge where Mary Shelley created Frankenstein. Wherever the painting goes, death seems to follow. And no two people seem to be killed the same way.

The painting pops up in New Orleans. The murders begin with the courier and his family. Every murder that has some sort of witness, the witness says a sudden fog arose. Meanwhile a gallery in town has made giclee prints of the painting and is offering them for sale.

Danni Cafferty must read in her father's book to see if there is a detail on how to stop the murders. Meanwhile, Quinn is out investigating the murders and looking for the painting. Together they band forces with among others, Hattie - rich widow and owner of the painting, Natasha - a voodoo priestess, Father Ryan - a Catholic priest, and Ron Hubert - coroner who is current owner of the castle where the painting was done oh so many years ago.

What's good about the book - the characterizations, the plot, the suspense. I thought that the idea of the painting having several causes of death rather than only one methodology was interesting. But that there was still a way for them to recognize that a death belonged to the painting as opposed to a random theft or attack was very useful. There had to be some logical way to tie the deaths together. Mark Twain said, "Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities." Also, I think there is just the right touch of romance between Quinn and Danni. It doesn't overwhelm the plot, but rather draws the reader deeper into the story.

Is there anything not so hot about the book? It gets a little slow in parts, but overall it's well done.

I would recommend this book for fans of Heather Graham of course, but also for people who like Barbara Michaels, paranormal romance, and paranormal suspense.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Tardy Teaser Tuesday - Waking the Dead by Heather Graham

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of 

Should Be Reading.

Rules:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t    give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR    Lists if they like your teasers!

This week's teaser comes from Heather Graham's Waking the Dead which was released March 25, 2014 by Harlequin MIRA. This is book #2 in the Cafferty and Quinn series. 

I'm reading the Kindle edition. I can't resist 2 teasers this week.  The first teaser is a short character description of one of the supporting characters. It comes from location 531 about 14% into the book. 

Natasha, also referred to as Mistress Labelle was a renowned voodoo priestess in the Quarter. Danni had known her as long as she could remember - and loved her like a wonderful, eccentric aunt for every one of those years.

The second teaser is Natasha making a prediction:

"In the shadows, in the corners, in the most Stygian places... evil was born. There was one who knew, and he guided the other, and there was a bright stain of blood against the darkness... and it's coming here. It's coming to New Orleans."

I can't resist the book, I have to know what's going to happen next. And I love the spookiness of it and that it takes place in New Orleans. 

What was your teaser this week?