Series: Krewe of Hunters #13
Format Read: eGalley
Reading Challenges: Winter 2014/2015 COYER, NetGalley & Edelweiss ARCS
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: August 1, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon*
| Book Depository* | OmniLit* | Barnes & Noble | * affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.
Blurb from goodreads:
A place of history, secrets...and witchcraft.
Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn't be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina--her "crazy" great-aunt, who spoke to the dead--a woman was murdered nearby.
Craig Rockwell--known as Rocky--is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI's team of paranormal investigators. He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods. Now another body's been found in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle. And Devin's been led to a third body--by...a ghost?
Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem's rich and disturbing history. Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other, something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of. But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth--or Devin's might be the next body in the woods.
Woo! This is set in my state, Massachusetts! Boo! Graham got some facts and dialogue wrong. There was more use of the work 'wicked; in this one story than I've heard in the past five years. I guess the errors could be chalked up to artistic license, but disappointing nonetheless.
I knew the basics of the Salem witch trials before reading this book but I learned a lot. I have no idea at all how accurate it is but the story is richly detailed and some of course will have been adapted or created for the story, but it seems as if Graham did extensive research. Although there was a lot of detail, it didn't bog down the story but gave it depth. Rocky believes the current murders are connected to the Salem witch trials and Devin is convinced that at least one of the accused witches back then was murdered by her family.
At times, the connection between the past and the present was tenuous and I had trouble understanding and believing Rocky's determined belief that there was a connection. Much more believable was Rocky and Devin's ability to see and talk to ghosts. This is the thirteenth in the series with characters who can see and talk to ghosts and Graham has got it down pat.
Devin sees the ghost of her Aunt Mina and she's fully developed, despite being dead. She was a hoot and made me laugh out loud several times. She assists with the investigations and also pushes Rocky and Devin together while yet interrupting them at the most inopportune moments. In spite of her assistance, Rocky and Devin do get together and their first time was sweet. After she's threatened at her home, Rocky gets her a room at the hotel. Later in the night, she knocks on the door, hoping to seduce him but he's so focused on the case, he misses her cues completely until she spells it out for him. It was awkward, sweet, and tender. They're good together though I was completely on his side when he'd yell at her for being stupid. And she several times acted quite stupidly but at least she had the good sense to realize she'd been stupid.
The mystery was overly complicated at times and the connections between the past mystery and the current one were strained at times. There were many plausible suspects though several were too obvious and easily dismissed. I was surprised at the final reveal; I had considered that person but dismissed them. I'm still not convinced that it made sense but it holds together reasonably well.
"The Hexed" has atmosphere, a smooth flow, enjoyable characters, and was engrossing despite its flaws. This series keep getting better and better.
I enjoyed this one and laughed about the wicked thing. I am originally from Jersey and went to high school in the early 80's we said it all the time..I still do *sadly* but it didn't stand out to me all.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's very 1980s but the book is contemporary so to me it stuck out like a sore thumb.
DeleteOi this is right up my alley but at book 13 it's kinda daunting. Will this work as stand alone?
ReplyDeleteYes, each one works as a stand alone. This was only the fourth one I've read and it was fine.
DeleteI'm really looking forward to this and despite it's flaws it sounds like you really enjoyed it. I know what you mean about speech not necessarily being accurate. I live in the south and so many books have us all speaking in overly cutesy sayings and saying ya'll every other word. It makes me cringe!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the depiction of Southern speech drives me nuts too. I went to college in the South and have numerous relatives there. So many authors get it wrong. :(
DeleteShe's really one I need to try at some point. I've picked up a few of hers now and for some reason just havne't made it there yet. One day. One day.
ReplyDelete"One day" - I know that mantra well. :D I do think you'd like her.
DeleteI like this author and this book sounds cool. I would probably not catch any of the flaws that you did cause I am from Missouri..LOL It's a bummer for you there was flaws.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds interesting, Bea. Too bad about some of the flaws. It's always hard to read a book set in a place you live.
ReplyDelete