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Krewe of Hunters #3
Sacred Evil
A terror born of Jack the Ripper
The details of the crime scene are no coincidence. The body of 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 recreation 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.
The details of the crime scene are no coincidence. The body of 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 recreation 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.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2011
778 people are currently reading
3180 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
583 books6,880 followersAlso published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 401 reviews
March 31, 2021
NYC history plus a Jack the Ripper copy cat? Yes, please.
July 26, 2014
3.5 stars. I like this one a tick more than the first two in the series. In this one the Krewe are dispatched to NYC to help the police investigate a series of murders that are an exact replication of the murders attributed to Jack the Ripper. The lone eye-witness even describes the perp as a man in a cloak with a top hat and medical bag.
Like the other books, the modern day murder mystery also runs side-by-side with a long unsolved murder mystery that includes restless ghosts helping the intrepid crew out.
The romance in this one is between Whitney, the ghostly-apparitions-on-film expert/grand-daughter of a Voodoo priestess, and the lead NYC detective.
Again a nice solid entry in the series. My biggest minus is that the book focused a lot on Whitney in the beginning. She is the first of the crew to arrive in NYC and she quickly creates a rapport with Jude, the cop. I like the ensemble aspect of the series so I was kind of missing the rest of the group. But I really like the mystery aspect so it balanced out some of the (small)dissatisfaction I had with missing some of the group. I also wish we got to spend more time with Jenna and Will. So far those two are the least developed of the group but maybe they will feature more strongly in upcoming books.
The mystery was intriguing and I didn't guess the killer. Truthfully, though, it wasn't overtly clever or anything. There was no ah-ha! moment. In fact the way the story was crafted almost anyone could have been chosen as the killer.
Still, it was quick and fun and I am enjoying this series.
Like the other books, the modern day murder mystery also runs side-by-side with a long unsolved murder mystery that includes restless ghosts helping the intrepid crew out.
The romance in this one is between Whitney, the ghostly-apparitions-on-film expert/grand-daughter of a Voodoo priestess, and the lead NYC detective.
Again a nice solid entry in the series. My biggest minus is that the book focused a lot on Whitney in the beginning. She is the first of the crew to arrive in NYC and she quickly creates a rapport with Jude, the cop. I like the ensemble aspect of the series so I was kind of missing the rest of the group. But I really like the mystery aspect so it balanced out some of the (small)dissatisfaction I had with missing some of the group. I also wish we got to spend more time with Jenna and Will. So far those two are the least developed of the group but maybe they will feature more strongly in upcoming books.
The mystery was intriguing and I didn't guess the killer. Truthfully, though, it wasn't overtly clever or anything. There was no ah-ha! moment. In fact the way the story was crafted almost anyone could have been chosen as the killer.
Still, it was quick and fun and I am enjoying this series.
September 25, 2021
I wish barnes and noble carried Heather Graham books recently. She would indeed be an impulse , extra book ,buy any Saturday afternoon. Her books are a good mix of suspense, thrills, supernatural ( perceived or real) murder, romance and page turning plot.
This one is no exception. NYC detective calls on FBI krewe of hunters to help solve a Jack the Ripper copycat or....something much more worse and "authentic".
I will add this to my re-read list because I don't remember how it ends exactly. But originally this is a 4 star rate so I'll leave it there.
9/25/21- yup, it remains 4 stars for me. Lots of information regarding Jack the Ripper, his London slayings and his theorized relocation to NYC. Also info on Jonthan Black and a cult of Satan that came about during that time period. Great history on the five points and NYC. Not alot of supernatural in this book. We get occasional help from the undead spirits but mainly a copy cat esque type of fiction. I didn't guess the killer, or killers , correctly and I thought motive and reasoning was weak but still a great read.
This one is no exception. NYC detective calls on FBI krewe of hunters to help solve a Jack the Ripper copycat or....something much more worse and "authentic".
I will add this to my re-read list because I don't remember how it ends exactly. But originally this is a 4 star rate so I'll leave it there.
9/25/21- yup, it remains 4 stars for me. Lots of information regarding Jack the Ripper, his London slayings and his theorized relocation to NYC. Also info on Jonthan Black and a cult of Satan that came about during that time period. Great history on the five points and NYC. Not alot of supernatural in this book. We get occasional help from the undead spirits but mainly a copy cat esque type of fiction. I didn't guess the killer, or killers , correctly and I thought motive and reasoning was weak but still a great read.
November 29, 2017
These books, though interesting, are starting to follow a formula. Warning: spoilers are coming. Do not read if you do not want to know the plot of all these books so far. One agent arrives ahead of the others to work with the police or a detective/ other special agent, and wouldn’t you know it, they are of the opposite sex. They work together until the rest of the team arrives. Then somehow during the case, a supernatural entity focuses on that agent that First arrived ..... but it’s okay bc predictably he or she is already in bed with whoever. Yes. Within 24 to 48 hours just about. And they follow said entity to a clue. Blather blather. There is interesting stuff in there but why make it so formulaic and why does there have to be a romance in there? I just skip it every time. It’s too predictable. I hope these change up a bit.
March 27, 2017
I am officially done...with this series. These books can hardly be deemed "romantic" suspense and barely even paranormal...for one. For two...with as popular of an author as Heather Graham is, there should not be as many easily made typing errors as there are! I can't tell you how many times in the book the names of Jude, Jake and Jackson were mixed up...granted just that many J's is confusing but when a character isn't even in a scene and their name is mentioned as performing an action, is disconcerting.
The story centers around the member of the Krewe of Hunters this time: Whitney (grew up in New Orleans, grandmother is a voodoo priestess, she can see ghosts like Angela but not as vividly...yet?)
..who for whatever reason is sent ahead of the rest of the team to NYC to help newly introduced character: Jude Crosby.
Jude is investigating a series of mysterious and grisly murders that seem to be mimicking the murder styles of a late Jack The Ripper. This is the part that intrigued me and suckered me into the continuing the series to read this one in particular because of I've always been curious about Jack The Ripper and I guess could be called a "Ripperologist" as the book titled such people with this morbid curiosity.
It even goes as far to say that people were seeing a mysterious figure walking about in a stovetop hat and cloak and the like as if this person were actually trying to carry on the visage of the earlier killer.
There's not even a whole lot to say here...the sexual tension was just not there...the story was lacking mystery and intrigue and the ending again was droll as hell and would have been better if it would have went the way that I was almost shocked in the end for but ending up...not actually going that way.
The saving grace in this book for me was actually Jude Crosby who I've found to be one of the more endearing and interesting characters through the series since our introduction to Jackson Crow in the first book. He's flirty, just the right amount of sweet, tough, masculine, and has some pretty intriguing inner dialogue with himself.
Whitney...I mean I'll give her this she too has remained one of the more interesting characters for me and it has taken me a couple books to truly pin point the way I see her perhaps coming across as to the way she looked since all the characters continue to talk volumes of her skin tone, hair color, shape...and I finally landed on a vision that I felt most correctly portrayed her:
I gave this book three stars and not lower because despite its misgivings...I did enjoy the occasional interactions between Whitney and Jude and the story was more intriguing then the last one. But yeah I am DONE, see ya Krewe of Hunters!
The story centers around the member of the Krewe of Hunters this time: Whitney (grew up in New Orleans, grandmother is a voodoo priestess, she can see ghosts like Angela but not as vividly...yet?)
..who for whatever reason is sent ahead of the rest of the team to NYC to help newly introduced character: Jude Crosby.
Jude is investigating a series of mysterious and grisly murders that seem to be mimicking the murder styles of a late Jack The Ripper. This is the part that intrigued me and suckered me into the continuing the series to read this one in particular because of I've always been curious about Jack The Ripper and I guess could be called a "Ripperologist" as the book titled such people with this morbid curiosity.
It even goes as far to say that people were seeing a mysterious figure walking about in a stovetop hat and cloak and the like as if this person were actually trying to carry on the visage of the earlier killer.
There's not even a whole lot to say here...the sexual tension was just not there...the story was lacking mystery and intrigue and the ending again was droll as hell and would have been better if it would have went the way that I was almost shocked in the end for but ending up...not actually going that way.
The saving grace in this book for me was actually Jude Crosby who I've found to be one of the more endearing and interesting characters through the series since our introduction to Jackson Crow in the first book. He's flirty, just the right amount of sweet, tough, masculine, and has some pretty intriguing inner dialogue with himself.
Whitney...I mean I'll give her this she too has remained one of the more interesting characters for me and it has taken me a couple books to truly pin point the way I see her perhaps coming across as to the way she looked since all the characters continue to talk volumes of her skin tone, hair color, shape...and I finally landed on a vision that I felt most correctly portrayed her:
I gave this book three stars and not lower because despite its misgivings...I did enjoy the occasional interactions between Whitney and Jude and the story was more intriguing then the last one. But yeah I am DONE, see ya Krewe of Hunters!
August 1, 2018
5 Stars... I found this read fascinating from the very start... The present day psychological thriller connected to one of the most notorious serial killers ever known, Jack the Ripper, created an historically rich mystery with a supernatural twist... The Krewe of Hunters are becoming an intricately woven group and a well oiled machine each finding their role on the team... Whitney was a strong, sassy, heartfelt lead coupled with Jude, a no nonsense, dedicated, "by the book" NYPD detective... I enjoyed the slow build of their relationship allowing it to evolve with the overall storyline which made it feel more believable and relatable... This was a captivating page turner that kept me guessing, ratcheting up my anxiety, to the very end:)
April 21, 2020
I enjoyed this one a lot. I liked the Jack the Ripper focus this one took and I really liked both main characters. This one was a lot more police procedural than the others though. I did still enjoy it.
I will say don't go into these books looking for a well built relationship, the focus is really on the ghosts and mystery. The relationships seem like they happen all at once (especially this one)
I will say don't go into these books looking for a well built relationship, the focus is really on the ghosts and mystery. The relationships seem like they happen all at once (especially this one)
April 22, 2022
Sacred Evil
4 Stars
Following the discovery of a mutilated corpse, NYPD detective Jude Crosby is forced to admit that this murder and two previous deaths may be the work of a Jack the Ripper copycat. When a unique FBI unit specializing in the unexplained is called in, Jude must work with Agent Whitney Tremont and accept that their are some things fact and logic cannot explain including his undeniable attraction to the spunky special agent.
I originally decided to discontinue the series after the first two lackluster installments, but decided to give this one a go upon learning that it revolved around Jack the Ripper, and I am glad that I did.
The historical background and research into Jack the Ripper's original crimes and the possibility that he continued his murderous spree in NYC is detailed and interesting. The descriptions of the crimes both past and present is realistic but not overwhelming and the mystery is compelling with several plausible suspects that keep you guessing right up until the end. The X-File like paranormal elements merge well into the story, and although the climax is a little rushed it is ultimately satisfying and the epilogue left me smiling.
Jude and Whitney have an intense and palpable attraction and their opposites attract romance is the best in the series. Jude is a "just the facts ma'am" investigator - logical, honorable and sexy in his diligence. Whitney is fierce and insightful but wary of accepting her gift. Together they make an excellent team both in and out of the bedroom.
The secondary characters are another highlight. Jude's father, the enigmatic ME, the down and out Vietnam Vet and the ghost dog all contribute to the overall story as do the other Krewe members who make their appearance halfway through and remain in the background.
The writing is good although there are some annoying editorial errors that detract from the flow but nothing too drastic.
Overall, the solid mystery and captivating romance has convinced me to give the series another try.
4 Stars
Following the discovery of a mutilated corpse, NYPD detective Jude Crosby is forced to admit that this murder and two previous deaths may be the work of a Jack the Ripper copycat. When a unique FBI unit specializing in the unexplained is called in, Jude must work with Agent Whitney Tremont and accept that their are some things fact and logic cannot explain including his undeniable attraction to the spunky special agent.
I originally decided to discontinue the series after the first two lackluster installments, but decided to give this one a go upon learning that it revolved around Jack the Ripper, and I am glad that I did.
The historical background and research into Jack the Ripper's original crimes and the possibility that he continued his murderous spree in NYC is detailed and interesting. The descriptions of the crimes both past and present is realistic but not overwhelming and the mystery is compelling with several plausible suspects that keep you guessing right up until the end. The X-File like paranormal elements merge well into the story, and although the climax is a little rushed it is ultimately satisfying and the epilogue left me smiling.
Jude and Whitney have an intense and palpable attraction and their opposites attract romance is the best in the series. Jude is a "just the facts ma'am" investigator - logical, honorable and sexy in his diligence. Whitney is fierce and insightful but wary of accepting her gift. Together they make an excellent team both in and out of the bedroom.
The secondary characters are another highlight. Jude's father, the enigmatic ME, the down and out Vietnam Vet and the ghost dog all contribute to the overall story as do the other Krewe members who make their appearance halfway through and remain in the background.
The writing is good although there are some annoying editorial errors that detract from the flow but nothing too drastic.
Overall, the solid mystery and captivating romance has convinced me to give the series another try.
March 20, 2017
I've been reading through these, and most of the time I find myself justifying a round up to 3 stars on each book. Not so on this one!
The story was patently unbelievable! The Krewe of Hunters is called in WAY too early on, the media jump to the Jack the Ripper conclusion entirely too quickly, and I thought that the romance was mostly ignored for the entire book, which made the talk of Jude and Whitney being a couple at the end of the book totally laughable!
The plot was full of red herrings, and it seemed as though the cops didn't have clue one about what was going on. The villains were a surprise, but with a weak plot bogged down in too many twists, by the time we got to the reveal, I found I really didn't care one way or the other about it. I was actually relieved when I finished this book!
Extra points given for using the "Jack the Ripper in America" theory, but if the group I'm reading this series with decides to ditch it, I'll be eagerly joining them!
The story was patently unbelievable! The Krewe of Hunters is called in WAY too early on, the media jump to the Jack the Ripper conclusion entirely too quickly, and I thought that the romance was mostly ignored for the entire book, which made the talk of Jude and Whitney being a couple at the end of the book totally laughable!
The plot was full of red herrings, and it seemed as though the cops didn't have clue one about what was going on. The villains were a surprise, but with a weak plot bogged down in too many twists, by the time we got to the reveal, I found I really didn't care one way or the other about it. I was actually relieved when I finished this book!
Extra points given for using the "Jack the Ripper in America" theory, but if the group I'm reading this series with decides to ditch it, I'll be eagerly joining them!
June 6, 2016
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
I sat on this review for a while because I really just wanted to give it a rating and move on.
Anyway, I don't remember having such a negative reaction to the previous two Krewe of Hunters books, but the writing style and narration for this one gave me pause. In the end though, I can't deny that there was still a nice hook even if I had my reserves from page one onward.
I might have had a problem with the previous Krewe of Hunters book, but it was mostly because of one character and the slow-progressing storyline. This time around however, it was really the way the book was narrated that made me cringe, over and over. Just something about the writing style, to me, felt overly wordy and unnecessarily detailed to a point of insignificant rambling.
Which sucks, because the premise of this series is one I’ve always enjoyed and I had been wanting to continue reading the rest of the installments (the series is up to book number seventeen at the time of this review post).
The Story:
A gruesome murder in New York gives rise to a possible Jack the Ripper re-enactment. While there seems to be something much more sinister underlying these butcheries (as if anything could be more gruesome than Ripper-style killings), Detective Jude Crosby is intent on finding the murderer without relying on the untraditional, paranormal investigative tactics of the Krewe of Hunters. Enter Whitney Tremont, whose knowledge of both the paranormal and the film industry as well as her sensitivity to the paranormal might just be what is necessary to solving this murder mystery and stop the Jack the Ripper recreations from continuing.
Thoughts:
The Jack the Ripper twist was welcome, to be honest. I’ve always had a morbid curiosity about famous, sadistic serial killer stories, which is probably why I love reading murder mysteries. And what better than to base a murder mystery off of the infamous Jack the Ripper killings? So this was a story line premise I could definitely jump into.
And as far as murder mystery “whodunnit” stuff goes, Sacred Evil actually doesn’t fall too short.
It’s just… there was entirely too much talking and discussion of minor details that did not help propel the storyline, the investigation aspect by our fictional detective Jude Crosby was laughably incompetent, and even some of the paranormal “clues” that helped move the investigation forward felt a little forced and deux ex machina.
The story dragged along for a good percentage of the book before things actually started picking up a little bit, both with the murder investigation and the romance (even though the romance was, as is usual in Romance-landia, quite insta). The paranormal stuff felt like it had been delegated to an afterthought, even though the entire series is sort of based on the paranormal aspects of ghosts and investigations and the like. I mean, you can’t just continuously describe a mysterious man in a stovepipe hat, a cloak, carrying a medical bag, and call him the ghost of Jack the Ripper--that’s not ghostly; that could easily be construed as some crazy maniac roleplaying as a serial killer.
But anyway, when the book started focusing more on the investigation, things DID get a little better. But I can’t help thinking that the investigation and the Ripper-history lessons felt a bit half-assed. How much research did this author actually do? And why do the detective’s investigative strategies and actions feel dramatically comedic?
At least the murder mystery wasn’t entirely predictable; though the final reveal didn’t come to me as an entire surprise… nor did it feel really satisfying either.
I sat on this review for a while because I really just wanted to give it a rating and move on.
Anyway, I don't remember having such a negative reaction to the previous two Krewe of Hunters books, but the writing style and narration for this one gave me pause. In the end though, I can't deny that there was still a nice hook even if I had my reserves from page one onward.
I might have had a problem with the previous Krewe of Hunters book, but it was mostly because of one character and the slow-progressing storyline. This time around however, it was really the way the book was narrated that made me cringe, over and over. Just something about the writing style, to me, felt overly wordy and unnecessarily detailed to a point of insignificant rambling.
Which sucks, because the premise of this series is one I’ve always enjoyed and I had been wanting to continue reading the rest of the installments (the series is up to book number seventeen at the time of this review post).
The Story:
A gruesome murder in New York gives rise to a possible Jack the Ripper re-enactment. While there seems to be something much more sinister underlying these butcheries (as if anything could be more gruesome than Ripper-style killings), Detective Jude Crosby is intent on finding the murderer without relying on the untraditional, paranormal investigative tactics of the Krewe of Hunters. Enter Whitney Tremont, whose knowledge of both the paranormal and the film industry as well as her sensitivity to the paranormal might just be what is necessary to solving this murder mystery and stop the Jack the Ripper recreations from continuing.
Thoughts:
The Jack the Ripper twist was welcome, to be honest. I’ve always had a morbid curiosity about famous, sadistic serial killer stories, which is probably why I love reading murder mysteries. And what better than to base a murder mystery off of the infamous Jack the Ripper killings? So this was a story line premise I could definitely jump into.
And as far as murder mystery “whodunnit” stuff goes, Sacred Evil actually doesn’t fall too short.
It’s just… there was entirely too much talking and discussion of minor details that did not help propel the storyline, the investigation aspect by our fictional detective Jude Crosby was laughably incompetent, and even some of the paranormal “clues” that helped move the investigation forward felt a little forced and deux ex machina.
The story dragged along for a good percentage of the book before things actually started picking up a little bit, both with the murder investigation and the romance (even though the romance was, as is usual in Romance-landia, quite insta). The paranormal stuff felt like it had been delegated to an afterthought, even though the entire series is sort of based on the paranormal aspects of ghosts and investigations and the like. I mean, you can’t just continuously describe a mysterious man in a stovepipe hat, a cloak, carrying a medical bag, and call him the ghost of Jack the Ripper--that’s not ghostly; that could easily be construed as some crazy maniac roleplaying as a serial killer.
But anyway, when the book started focusing more on the investigation, things DID get a little better. But I can’t help thinking that the investigation and the Ripper-history lessons felt a bit half-assed. How much research did this author actually do? And why do the detective’s investigative strategies and actions feel dramatically comedic?
At least the murder mystery wasn’t entirely predictable; though the final reveal didn’t come to me as an entire surprise… nor did it feel really satisfying either.
March 5, 2022
Jack the Ripper returns to Manhattan to kill again.
July 17, 2011
The Krewe of Hunters is at it again in Sacred Evil by Heather Graham. This time the Krewe is in New York working with the NYC Police Department on a series of Ripperesque style murders. The question arises is this work of a homicidal, possibly crazy, Jack the Ripper fan or are there supernatural elements at work? Whitney Tremont, one of the Krewe, is working beside Jude Crosby to make this determination. Whitney, as a Krewe member, has some paranormal abilities but will this help her in this particular investigation? Jude Crosby is a talented investigator but he is stumped by these murders because of the lack of evidence. The only thing on their side is that the police department has initiated a task force and given Jude carte blanche and the assistance of the FBI team, referred to as the Krewe of Hunters, to help solve these crimes.
Ms. Graham has provided a great backdrop with New York City. The murky history of the city at the end of the 1800s adds to the overall mystique. The story is aided with theories that Jack the Ripper migrated to the US as Jonathan "Jack" Black at the turn of the century. This migration is the reason why the murders ended in London, but appeared to begin in New York. All of the present day murders are exact copies of each of the Ripper's murders. Everyone becomes a suspect: a movie director, an actor, another detective, the medical examiner and even Jude's father.
While I enjoyed reading Sacred Evil it seemed almost formulaic at times. The romance was expected and the the mystery and suspense just weren't as mysterious or suspenseful as other books by this author. There were some surprises with the plot and this, ultimately, saved the overall reading experience. If you're looking for a quick romantic suspense read with some dark, paranormal elements, then add Sacred Evil to your summer reading list.
Ms. Graham has provided a great backdrop with New York City. The murky history of the city at the end of the 1800s adds to the overall mystique. The story is aided with theories that Jack the Ripper migrated to the US as Jonathan "Jack" Black at the turn of the century. This migration is the reason why the murders ended in London, but appeared to begin in New York. All of the present day murders are exact copies of each of the Ripper's murders. Everyone becomes a suspect: a movie director, an actor, another detective, the medical examiner and even Jude's father.
While I enjoyed reading Sacred Evil it seemed almost formulaic at times. The romance was expected and the the mystery and suspense just weren't as mysterious or suspenseful as other books by this author. There were some surprises with the plot and this, ultimately, saved the overall reading experience. If you're looking for a quick romantic suspense read with some dark, paranormal elements, then add Sacred Evil to your summer reading list.
April 12, 2023
So, I liked this book way better than the second one in the series but way less than the first in the series. This was a definite improvement to the second one and I adore the character of Whitney and it was nice to see her more.
I loved the mystery as I have always been intrigued by the Jack the Ripper story. I also like how it was linked to a movie set. Jude is a good strong character, and the author did a really good job of throwing in a ton of suspects into the mix. Jude and Whitney’s romance did not take over the story and it was treated very well. The book also got me interested in learning more about New York history and I will be reading more on it.
My main issue with the book is that it felt more like Jude’s story and not Whitney’s. I wanted to get to know Whitney and more about her background but alas that wasn’t the case. I also don’t think the author utilized Whitney’s skill with film to its best advantage. She has been touted as the film expert but in this book, she is basically reduced to walking around following Jude with a camera.
I really prefer the narrator from the first book in the series, but Luke Daniels is growing on me.
I loved the mystery as I have always been intrigued by the Jack the Ripper story. I also like how it was linked to a movie set. Jude is a good strong character, and the author did a really good job of throwing in a ton of suspects into the mix. Jude and Whitney’s romance did not take over the story and it was treated very well. The book also got me interested in learning more about New York history and I will be reading more on it.
My main issue with the book is that it felt more like Jude’s story and not Whitney’s. I wanted to get to know Whitney and more about her background but alas that wasn’t the case. I also don’t think the author utilized Whitney’s skill with film to its best advantage. She has been touted as the film expert but in this book, she is basically reduced to walking around following Jude with a camera.
I really prefer the narrator from the first book in the series, but Luke Daniels is growing on me.
September 14, 2018
I've never been a fan of Ripper fiction (or the man himself) so I was rather surprised that this was the focus of the book (guess I should read the premise more often). I grabbed this simply because it was the next book in the series. Having said that, I did enjoy it even though it was rather gruesome. I liked Jude and Whitney but thought there insta-love (only a day or so) was a little unrealistic.
January 19, 2016
Another amazing book in the Krewe Of Hunters series! Fast paced and kept you guessing until the very end! I could hardly ever put this book down. I can never go wrong when I read books by Heather Graham! This was a new twist with a bit of Jack The Ripper history.
January 13, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Read It, Rate It and Record
A short review to update challenges
Sacred Evil has a change of setting to New York City. There are a series of murders which seem to be copying Jack the Ripper. There is also a movie being filmed which has some connection to this history. The lead detective is Jude. Whitney is sent ahead from the team, as she went to film school at NYU, so she has a double base of knowledge in the area and in film. So begins the romance of Jude and Whitney.
As usual there is the great layers of mystery and law enforcement, with romance and the added history of the paranormal background. Also typical, is the new person being exposed to the team, in this case, Jude, is not initially accepting of the paranormal aspects.
Sacred Evil was a better plot with interesting history and several twists and turns. The romance was a bit insta-love but I always find it more authentic in a suspenseful situation where emotions are high. I really liked this one and the sexy times were HOT.
I was able to get Phantom Evil, the first book of this Krewe Of Hunters series from the Audible Romance package. Heart of Evil and Sacred Evil were available with audio through Kindle Unlimited. The next one, The Evil Inside is not in either program so I requested an MP3 CD through Interlibrary Loan. We will see how that goes.
Narration:
Luke Daniels is now the voice of the series. He is one reason I chose to start this series. I am able to listen at 1.5x speed. He performed all the voices of males and females well. The various accents sounded right to me.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Read It, Rate It and Record
A short review to update challenges
Sacred Evil has a change of setting to New York City. There are a series of murders which seem to be copying Jack the Ripper. There is also a movie being filmed which has some connection to this history. The lead detective is Jude. Whitney is sent ahead from the team, as she went to film school at NYU, so she has a double base of knowledge in the area and in film. So begins the romance of Jude and Whitney.
As usual there is the great layers of mystery and law enforcement, with romance and the added history of the paranormal background. Also typical, is the new person being exposed to the team, in this case, Jude, is not initially accepting of the paranormal aspects.
Sacred Evil was a better plot with interesting history and several twists and turns. The romance was a bit insta-love but I always find it more authentic in a suspenseful situation where emotions are high. I really liked this one and the sexy times were HOT.
I was able to get Phantom Evil, the first book of this Krewe Of Hunters series from the Audible Romance package. Heart of Evil and Sacred Evil were available with audio through Kindle Unlimited. The next one, The Evil Inside is not in either program so I requested an MP3 CD through Interlibrary Loan. We will see how that goes.
Narration:
Luke Daniels is now the voice of the series. He is one reason I chose to start this series. I am able to listen at 1.5x speed. He performed all the voices of males and females well. The various accents sounded right to me.
Listen to a clip: HERE
November 17, 2021
Manhattan Detective Jude Crosby joins forces with FBI Special Agent Whitney Tremont to solve a Jack the Ripper copycat case. Whitney is the first of her team to arrive and immediately sets up a rapport with Jude. Her team will arrive in twenty-four hours, but there is plenty for Whitney to photograph. Jude has a selected team of investigators working the case and reporting to him as the it progresses. With the help of a ghost dog, Whitney is able to help solve the murders using past history of a specific location known as the House of Spiritualism. But will the protagonists and their respective teams be able to solve the case before another woman is killed by the murderer.
I found the theory of the Jack the Ripper traveling to New York City in the late 1800s intriguing. I hadn't heard this theory. As the story progressed, I discovered it sounded more and more plausible. Kudos to Heather Graham for pulling it off in a well thought out plot. I didn't guess the villain, but I'm still puzzling over how the villain put the drugs into the protagonist's coffee. Puzzling indeed. Outside of this loose thread, the plot and subplots were neatly tied up. The characterization was fine and the dialogue sounded authentic. The description was graphic, but not as graphic as the 2001 movie From Hell, starring Johnny Depp and Heather Graham. I look forward to the next novel in the Krewe of Hunters series. Adult situations and language.
I found the theory of the Jack the Ripper traveling to New York City in the late 1800s intriguing. I hadn't heard this theory. As the story progressed, I discovered it sounded more and more plausible. Kudos to Heather Graham for pulling it off in a well thought out plot. I didn't guess the villain, but I'm still puzzling over how the villain put the drugs into the protagonist's coffee. Puzzling indeed. Outside of this loose thread, the plot and subplots were neatly tied up. The characterization was fine and the dialogue sounded authentic. The description was graphic, but not as graphic as the 2001 movie From Hell, starring Johnny Depp and Heather Graham. I look forward to the next novel in the Krewe of Hunters series. Adult situations and language.
October 24, 2017
Another fun adventure with the Krewe, this time in Manhattan where Jack the Ripper has apparently been resurrected.....or at least someone who wants to be like him. The murders are focused on the area where a movie is being filmed about the Ripper, near the recently demolished decrepit house used by a satanic cult and supposedly the site of Jack's own murder and burial.....if he indeed escaped from London to NYC as many believe. It's an entertaining case featuring Krewe member Whitney Tremont as she meets, works with, and, of course, falls for the handsome NYPD detective working with them. It's fun the way each book so far has highlighted one of the Krewe members, helping to give the stories variety. Just plain ol' light fun entertainment!
April 7, 2021
Well that was interesting.
So this book is a part of a series(#3), which I did not realize until about half way through.. (I do not think I will be diving into the other 35 books)
I love stories fiction and non about Jack the Ripper, I have always found them fascinating as I am sure most people do.. so the fact that this book plays off of those murders was interesting... and that's were the "interesting" stops.
I felt this book to be predicable, and the storyline forced. I didn't get emotionally attached to any one character in particular.. and I was very disappointed.. I really wanted to LOVE this book.
So this book is a part of a series(#3), which I did not realize until about half way through.. (I do not think I will be diving into the other 35 books)
I love stories fiction and non about Jack the Ripper, I have always found them fascinating as I am sure most people do.. so the fact that this book plays off of those murders was interesting... and that's were the "interesting" stops.
I felt this book to be predicable, and the storyline forced. I didn't get emotionally attached to any one character in particular.. and I was very disappointed.. I really wanted to LOVE this book.
October 12, 2017
Since I'm NOT a big romance fan, Heather Grahams Krewe of Hunters series dit's in perfectly with my desire for a paranormal/mystery novel. So far I have like the first 3 I've read. On to the next!
May 7, 2019
Love this series!
July 31, 2019
It’s Heather Graham. The only reason I really gave it a 2 star was because I just read book 2 of the Kerwe of Hunters. Don’t read them back to back. Read one ....read a couple of other none Heather Graham books and then go back to visit with the Kerwe !
August 1, 2019
Pretty good story. Like the Krewe Hunters series. Not the best story of the series but good.
December 29, 2019
Great paranormal series!
June 16, 2021
Very good! I enjoyed it! Jack the Ripper wannabe!
Read
July 5, 2022Nice twist at the end.
March 2, 2024
Engaging and a wild ride.
November 24, 2024
3.5 stars
March 27, 2018
What makes a movie more interesting then when a few murders on and around the shooting site a curse and the news papers says JACK THE RIPPER is back and now its up to Detective Crosby and the Krewe Team to find out just what is going on in New York.
October 17, 2019
An entertaining tale of a modern-day Jack the Ripper wannabe terrorizing New York City. The suspense was gripping, the pace was solid, a bit of romance lightened the gruesome murders, and the ending not suspected. A good read.
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