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The FBI Psychics #2
The Departed
A LIFELONG OBSESSION
FBI Special Agent Taylor Jones has made it his mission to save those in harm's way by any means necessary-including employing psychic agents like Desiree "Dez" Lincoln, who can communicate with the disembodied spirits of the dead. Taylor is haunted by his own ghost, his kid sister, gone missing at age six. For a quarter of a century he has been tortured by her loss and the mystery of her disappearance.
A NIGHT'S INDISCRETION
When Dez is seriously wounded, Taylor can no longer hide his feelings for her. Getting involved could spell disaster for both of them-not to mention those who rely on them for help-but once Dez lays her hands on him, he can't resist the fierce attraction. But after giving in to his desires, Taylor pulls back, and Dez strikes out on her own.
AN INESCAPABLE PASSION
Responding to the call of another anguished spirit, Dez is led to Taylor's old hometown. As the two are forced to come together to save a girl in peril, Dez may be able to help Taylor finally find the answers he's been looking for...
FBI Special Agent Taylor Jones has made it his mission to save those in harm's way by any means necessary-including employing psychic agents like Desiree "Dez" Lincoln, who can communicate with the disembodied spirits of the dead. Taylor is haunted by his own ghost, his kid sister, gone missing at age six. For a quarter of a century he has been tortured by her loss and the mystery of her disappearance.
A NIGHT'S INDISCRETION
When Dez is seriously wounded, Taylor can no longer hide his feelings for her. Getting involved could spell disaster for both of them-not to mention those who rely on them for help-but once Dez lays her hands on him, he can't resist the fierce attraction. But after giving in to his desires, Taylor pulls back, and Dez strikes out on her own.
AN INESCAPABLE PASSION
Responding to the call of another anguished spirit, Dez is led to Taylor's old hometown. As the two are forced to come together to save a girl in peril, Dez may be able to help Taylor finally find the answers he's been looking for...
326 pages, Trade Paperback
First published January 3, 2012
36 people are currently reading
1342 people want to read
About the author
Shiloh Walker
202 books2,437 followersHello... thanks for swinging by. I don't log into Goodreads much, so if you have questions, please visit my website to email me through my site.
Thank you!
My other me.... J.C. Daniels
And an experimental me that I put to sleep. J. Dallas
Bio...
Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.
To contact the author, please visit her website!
Thank you!
My other me.... J.C. Daniels
And an experimental me that I put to sleep. J. Dallas
Bio...
Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.
To contact the author, please visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
July 24, 2012
5 ++ Stars!
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING story!!
This story is the second installment in "The FBI Psychics" series. In the first book we are introduced to a 'special' team of Agents who are 'gifted' with finding 'the lost' and helping the dead find rest.
It is in the first book that we are introduced the Special Agent Taylor Jones who is the hard-ass, cool as a cucumber Agent who leads this special team. He also has the gift of identifying those who have the 'psychic' gifts He requires for this elite team.
What everyone does not know about Taylor Jones, is that His cold attitude and flat eyes are just the armor He wears to protect himself from his own demons of losing his 6 year old sister when he was just 14.
Taylor is such a tortured man because he blames himself for not protecting his little sister. It is this lose that drives him to search out and find missing children, and try and save them before it's too late.
However, Taylor has been fighting his attraction to Desiree "Dez" Lincoln since he first recruited her. Dez's gift is the ability to talk to the dead. They literally seek her out and 'haunt' her until they are able to depart and finally rest.
When Dez is seriously wounded in case that goes wrong, Taylor finally gives into his feelings for one night, and Dez who has been secretly in love with Taylor since the beginning bares her heart and soul to him... and then after that one night...He just shuts down and puts his armor all the way up again, and pushes Dez and everyone else away.
Dez can't take the rejection and can't stand to be near Taylor, so she walks.
... the story then picks up over a year later after Dez has been working solo following the dead who call to her and want rest.
Dez no longer has the peace, and control She once had when working with the FBI, so when a Ghost is literally 'screaming' at her to come..there's nothing she can do but go because if not, the Ghost will continue to haunt her.
Dez ends up in French Lick, Indiana where the boy was murdered and discovers that another girl is also about to be murdered by the same people. She stops at nothing to try and save the girl, and unbeknownst to Dez, Taylor is also in the same town, but for a totally different reason.
Taylor's there because it's the same town he's from, and He's there because it's the anniversary of his little sisters disappearance.
This is were the story gets really good!
The characters, story, and writing is AMAZING!!
This is such a story of forgiveness and redemption.
I REALLY, REALLY hope Ms. Walker continues with this series, because it's BRILLIANT!
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING story!!
This story is the second installment in "The FBI Psychics" series. In the first book we are introduced to a 'special' team of Agents who are 'gifted' with finding 'the lost' and helping the dead find rest.
It is in the first book that we are introduced the Special Agent Taylor Jones who is the hard-ass, cool as a cucumber Agent who leads this special team. He also has the gift of identifying those who have the 'psychic' gifts He requires for this elite team.
What everyone does not know about Taylor Jones, is that His cold attitude and flat eyes are just the armor He wears to protect himself from his own demons of losing his 6 year old sister when he was just 14.
Taylor is such a tortured man because he blames himself for not protecting his little sister. It is this lose that drives him to search out and find missing children, and try and save them before it's too late.
However, Taylor has been fighting his attraction to Desiree "Dez" Lincoln since he first recruited her. Dez's gift is the ability to talk to the dead. They literally seek her out and 'haunt' her until they are able to depart and finally rest.
When Dez is seriously wounded in case that goes wrong, Taylor finally gives into his feelings for one night, and Dez who has been secretly in love with Taylor since the beginning bares her heart and soul to him... and then after that one night...He just shuts down and puts his armor all the way up again, and pushes Dez and everyone else away.
Dez can't take the rejection and can't stand to be near Taylor, so she walks.
... the story then picks up over a year later after Dez has been working solo following the dead who call to her and want rest.
Dez no longer has the peace, and control She once had when working with the FBI, so when a Ghost is literally 'screaming' at her to come..there's nothing she can do but go because if not, the Ghost will continue to haunt her.
Dez ends up in French Lick, Indiana where the boy was murdered and discovers that another girl is also about to be murdered by the same people. She stops at nothing to try and save the girl, and unbeknownst to Dez, Taylor is also in the same town, but for a totally different reason.
Taylor's there because it's the same town he's from, and He's there because it's the anniversary of his little sisters disappearance.
This is were the story gets really good!
The characters, story, and writing is AMAZING!!
This is such a story of forgiveness and redemption.
I REALLY, REALLY hope Ms. Walker continues with this series, because it's BRILLIANT!
June 10, 2015
This is not my normal cup of tea. With that being said, it took me less than 24 hours to read. It absolutely hooked me from the first page.
There's something about people who can see and speak to the dead. I'm not sure if you would call that a blessing or a curse.
I'm not going to say a whole lot ... other than it was a very good read. It's considered Romantic Suspense .. but in my humble opinion, it borders a little on the erotic side... which did not turn me off from the story at all.
I liked the characters .. I like strong men who have a softer side and aren't afraid to show it ... when they're finally pushed in that direction by a strong woman who knows what and who she wants and she goes after it.
This was 2nd in a series ... I've got the first one in my TBR mountain .. and I've got 3 and 4 ordered. Yeah .. I liked this one!
February 28, 2021
Overly dramatic Hero, seemed silly, bit of a pearl clutcher and his 'issues' went on for far too long. The heroine sees ghosts, helps them move on and she's in love with the H. Their story is how she helped to resolve a number of deaths in his home town. It was a 'good old boy' setting with weak women and manly men and the stereo-type OTT characters detracted from a great plot. There were great mysteries being resolved by the heroine, but so many overwrought characters - and that's just the men!
January 9, 2012
The Departed by Shiloh Walker is apparently the book that she never thought she would write. However, questions from fans of book 1 which happens to be The Missing finally managed to convince her to dig deeper to find the story that Taylor obviously had to tell. And what a story it was that woke me up last night half way through my midnight slumber and refused to let me succumb until I had read enough to satisfy my curiosity about a story that is filled with dark elements which sometimes tended to creep me out but nevertheless managed to deliver a great read which any fan of Shiloh Walker ought to read!
Desiree Lincoln is a psychic who can communicate with the ghosts of the dead, those who continue to linger on Earth because for some reason or the other, they have unfinished business that keeps them around without giving them the closure that they require so badly. A part of the team that is headed by FBI Special Agent in Charge Taylor Jones, Desiree or Dez knows no respite from the ghosts that continue to seek her out, wanting and craving the one thing that had been denied from them for so long.
Special Agent in Charge Taylor Jones comes across as a controlled man who seems emotionless to the point of being considered coldhearted. But beneath the tough shields that he puts up to keep emotions at bay lies a soul that continues to churn in turmoil, the hidden depth of pain deep inside of him so vast that its a wonder he is able to function the way he does. He has the uncanny ability of identifying people with special gifts who helps him keep the dark and twisted souls that roam the society at bay, and hopefully prevent another little girl from going missing like what happened to his sister.
For Taylor, there is nothing more dangerous to his peace of mind than letting himself care about someone else, but the way his emotions go haywire whenever Dez is around tells him that remaining aloof when it comes to her is an option no longer available to him. When Taylor’s impeccable shields crack, out comes pouring the passion and desire that he holds in on a tight leash, but the joy of the moments of abandon he finds in Dez’s arms is a short lived one when reality intrudes and Taylor drives them apart with his need to control his emotions.
It is 14 months later that Taylor comes across Dez in the one place where he never thought he would find her. Dez is drawn to a small town in Indiana by a ghost that draws her to the midst of the evil that lurks in the mind of a crazed teenager who is willing to do anything and everything in his power to play out the games that lurks deep inside of his mind no matter what the consequences. But something much deeper and elusive than the evil that lurks in the shadows keeps a hold on Dez until she starts digging to unravel secrets that could forever change the lives of so many people, for better or for worse.
The Departed is a story that definitely has a lot of dark elements to it, and yet or maybe because of it, I found myself totally fascinated with the tale that unraveled. Shiloh Walker has a way of surprising the reader with her villains and she definitely has the talent for muddying up the shades of gray when it comes to right and wrong that just has the reader on tenterhooks. For me, The Departed worked well because I was so in tune with both Dez and Taylor, whose need for one another grounds them and makes them cope better with all the darkness that is so much a part of their daily lives. I had nothing but admiration for both Taylor and Dez who works relentlessly to find the worst sort of scum that wander the Earth and it is a job that I know a lesser person would never be able to handle without breaking apart.
Though the romance aspect of the story was a bit laid back when compared to the suspense and paranormal elements in the story, The Departed nevertheless kept me riveted on the relationship that unfolded between Dez and Taylor as well as the huge hurdles that both Dez and Taylor cross to reach the ultimate truth that seeks to be brought out into the light. The one thing in my opinion that would have made the book better was an epilogue; for me the book tended to end a bit abruptly to bring me the closure that I wanted and needed for both Dez and Taylor.
Heartbreaking at moments and wonderfully moving at times, The Departed is a novel that combines elements of suspense, paranormal and romance to deliver a read that would linger on long after you are done!
Rating=4/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
Quote(s) included below the review!
Desiree Lincoln is a psychic who can communicate with the ghosts of the dead, those who continue to linger on Earth because for some reason or the other, they have unfinished business that keeps them around without giving them the closure that they require so badly. A part of the team that is headed by FBI Special Agent in Charge Taylor Jones, Desiree or Dez knows no respite from the ghosts that continue to seek her out, wanting and craving the one thing that had been denied from them for so long.
Special Agent in Charge Taylor Jones comes across as a controlled man who seems emotionless to the point of being considered coldhearted. But beneath the tough shields that he puts up to keep emotions at bay lies a soul that continues to churn in turmoil, the hidden depth of pain deep inside of him so vast that its a wonder he is able to function the way he does. He has the uncanny ability of identifying people with special gifts who helps him keep the dark and twisted souls that roam the society at bay, and hopefully prevent another little girl from going missing like what happened to his sister.
For Taylor, there is nothing more dangerous to his peace of mind than letting himself care about someone else, but the way his emotions go haywire whenever Dez is around tells him that remaining aloof when it comes to her is an option no longer available to him. When Taylor’s impeccable shields crack, out comes pouring the passion and desire that he holds in on a tight leash, but the joy of the moments of abandon he finds in Dez’s arms is a short lived one when reality intrudes and Taylor drives them apart with his need to control his emotions.
It is 14 months later that Taylor comes across Dez in the one place where he never thought he would find her. Dez is drawn to a small town in Indiana by a ghost that draws her to the midst of the evil that lurks in the mind of a crazed teenager who is willing to do anything and everything in his power to play out the games that lurks deep inside of his mind no matter what the consequences. But something much deeper and elusive than the evil that lurks in the shadows keeps a hold on Dez until she starts digging to unravel secrets that could forever change the lives of so many people, for better or for worse.
The Departed is a story that definitely has a lot of dark elements to it, and yet or maybe because of it, I found myself totally fascinated with the tale that unraveled. Shiloh Walker has a way of surprising the reader with her villains and she definitely has the talent for muddying up the shades of gray when it comes to right and wrong that just has the reader on tenterhooks. For me, The Departed worked well because I was so in tune with both Dez and Taylor, whose need for one another grounds them and makes them cope better with all the darkness that is so much a part of their daily lives. I had nothing but admiration for both Taylor and Dez who works relentlessly to find the worst sort of scum that wander the Earth and it is a job that I know a lesser person would never be able to handle without breaking apart.
Though the romance aspect of the story was a bit laid back when compared to the suspense and paranormal elements in the story, The Departed nevertheless kept me riveted on the relationship that unfolded between Dez and Taylor as well as the huge hurdles that both Dez and Taylor cross to reach the ultimate truth that seeks to be brought out into the light. The one thing in my opinion that would have made the book better was an epilogue; for me the book tended to end a bit abruptly to bring me the closure that I wanted and needed for both Dez and Taylor.
Heartbreaking at moments and wonderfully moving at times, The Departed is a novel that combines elements of suspense, paranormal and romance to deliver a read that would linger on long after you are done!
Rating=4/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
Quote(s) included below the review!
May 25, 2012
I love a good romantic suspense, and this one definitely qualified. I really enjoyed it.
Series Note:
Second book in Walker's "FBI Psychics" series about a group of psychic FBI agents, the cases the work, and who they fall in love with.
Summary:
Dez Lincoln has been one of Taylor Jones's agents for his psychic FBI group for years...and she's been in love with him just about as long, despite his, cold, harsh attitude. But when a case puts her life on the line, leaving her injured, Dez and Taylor finally confront the feelings between them. Then Taylor pushes her away.
Quitting her job, Dez strikes out on her own, unable to stop working the cases the ghosts she talks to bring her. There's nothing she can do but help them when they ask for it. But then a case sets her on a head-on collision with Taylor in his hometown. And Dez will finally learn what makes Taylor tick. Taylor, for his part, will finally get answers to a mystery that has haunted him all his life, and he'll have to accept that he doesn't want to let Dez out of his life again.
Review:
I remember reading the first book in this series and I remember enjoying it and some basic details, but when I read dedication page in this book, which makes some comments on the heroes nature, I couldn't remember much at all about him from book 1. And after checking my books here on Goodreads, it became obvious why...book 1 was written over 3 years ago, and I read it almost exactly 3 year ago. Not surprising I didn't remember much, including what the author comments on in the dedication, LOL. I really didn't think it had been that long ago I read it, though...
Anyway...this is just the kind of romantic suspense I really enjoy. First off, you've got great characters. Taylor is a bit of an emotionally stunted hero, with a cold, harsh exterior. But in this book, you get to learn why he is the way he is...which was losing his little sister when they were kids. And Dez is pretty cool, too. She's a psychic who talks to ghosts. She's tough but feminine, genuine, caring, and can see past Taylor's gruff exterior.
The two together are good. I can't say they have passionate, fiery chemistry. It's a more quiet connection, but I could really see these two together. They balance each other well. And I always enjoy storylines where the heroine soothes the heroes rougher edges. There's one scene between these two when Taylor realizes that his lost sister has contacted Dez and it just brought tears to my eyes. I think Shiloh Walker did a great job with that scene.
Then there's the suspense aspect of the book. The storyline isn't really along the lines of an intense, turn-the-page whodunit, but it's still a gripping, well-written page turner. I really liked the way Walker intertwined seemingly separate storylines. I just all around enjoyed the plot of the book. It's a winding story with lots of detail, depth and it really kept me reading, wanting to know what would happen next and how it would all work out.
If I had one minor criticism, it's that the ending doesn't entirely leave you with all your questions answered. You're left wondering a little bit where things would go, what would happen with the cases. You know the H/H will be together, but other than that you're left wondering about a few things. It didn't ruin my enjoyment of the story in any way; it's just some things I would have liked to have known.
I'm looking forward to more books from this series. I've enjoyed both books so far. If you like romantic suspense I definitely think you should give this one a try.
WARNING, this book contains: mildly explicit sex & language, dark themes with references to child abduction, sexual abuse (mild references), torture...but nothing so overly descriptive or over the top that it would make you not want to read the book).
Series Note:
Second book in Walker's "FBI Psychics" series about a group of psychic FBI agents, the cases the work, and who they fall in love with.
Summary:
Dez Lincoln has been one of Taylor Jones's agents for his psychic FBI group for years...and she's been in love with him just about as long, despite his, cold, harsh attitude. But when a case puts her life on the line, leaving her injured, Dez and Taylor finally confront the feelings between them. Then Taylor pushes her away.
Quitting her job, Dez strikes out on her own, unable to stop working the cases the ghosts she talks to bring her. There's nothing she can do but help them when they ask for it. But then a case sets her on a head-on collision with Taylor in his hometown. And Dez will finally learn what makes Taylor tick. Taylor, for his part, will finally get answers to a mystery that has haunted him all his life, and he'll have to accept that he doesn't want to let Dez out of his life again.
Review:
I remember reading the first book in this series and I remember enjoying it and some basic details, but when I read dedication page in this book, which makes some comments on the heroes nature, I couldn't remember much at all about him from book 1. And after checking my books here on Goodreads, it became obvious why...book 1 was written over 3 years ago, and I read it almost exactly 3 year ago. Not surprising I didn't remember much, including what the author comments on in the dedication, LOL. I really didn't think it had been that long ago I read it, though...
Anyway...this is just the kind of romantic suspense I really enjoy. First off, you've got great characters. Taylor is a bit of an emotionally stunted hero, with a cold, harsh exterior. But in this book, you get to learn why he is the way he is...which was losing his little sister when they were kids. And Dez is pretty cool, too. She's a psychic who talks to ghosts. She's tough but feminine, genuine, caring, and can see past Taylor's gruff exterior.
The two together are good. I can't say they have passionate, fiery chemistry. It's a more quiet connection, but I could really see these two together. They balance each other well. And I always enjoy storylines where the heroine soothes the heroes rougher edges. There's one scene between these two when Taylor realizes that his lost sister has contacted Dez and it just brought tears to my eyes. I think Shiloh Walker did a great job with that scene.
Then there's the suspense aspect of the book. The storyline isn't really along the lines of an intense, turn-the-page whodunit, but it's still a gripping, well-written page turner. I really liked the way Walker intertwined seemingly separate storylines. I just all around enjoyed the plot of the book. It's a winding story with lots of detail, depth and it really kept me reading, wanting to know what would happen next and how it would all work out.
If I had one minor criticism, it's that the ending doesn't entirely leave you with all your questions answered. You're left wondering a little bit where things would go, what would happen with the cases. You know the H/H will be together, but other than that you're left wondering about a few things. It didn't ruin my enjoyment of the story in any way; it's just some things I would have liked to have known.
I'm looking forward to more books from this series. I've enjoyed both books so far. If you like romantic suspense I definitely think you should give this one a try.
WARNING, this book contains: mildly explicit sex & language, dark themes with references to child abduction, sexual abuse (mild references), torture...but nothing so overly descriptive or over the top that it would make you not want to read the book).
January 3, 2012
Shiloh Walker has the perfect touch when it comes to suspense with paranormal elements.
I've always enjoyed her stories, but THE MISSING turned me into a total fangirl for life, and THE DEPARTED just proves that this author knows what she's doing. Romance, intrigue, and paranormal elements are perfectly balanced in this fast-paced suspense featuring FBI guy Taylor Jones and psychic Desiree Lincoln. It's a must-not-miss for anyone who enjoys edge of the seat storytelling.
If you haven't read THE MISSING first, don't worry. THE DEPARTED completely stands on it's own.
I've always enjoyed her stories, but THE MISSING turned me into a total fangirl for life, and THE DEPARTED just proves that this author knows what she's doing. Romance, intrigue, and paranormal elements are perfectly balanced in this fast-paced suspense featuring FBI guy Taylor Jones and psychic Desiree Lincoln. It's a must-not-miss for anyone who enjoys edge of the seat storytelling.
If you haven't read THE MISSING first, don't worry. THE DEPARTED completely stands on it's own.
January 5, 2012
Favorite Quote: “So basically you’re just attracted to me because I’m boring?”
Taylor Jones is having trouble dealing with the fact that he is irrevocably in love with a fellow agent, Desiree Lincoln. He and Dez share one beautiful night of passion that had Dez hoping for a future with Taylor, but issues from his past make that impossible. When a mission results in her almost dying, Taylor hurts her more by pushing her away, citing that work and personal relationships don’t mix. Dez has had enough and quits the force to strike out on her own. A psychic that speaks to the dead, Dez works freelance to support herself. When Dez is called by a ghost to investigate his death and save a girl from a similar fate, she is shocked when Taylor arrives to help. Taylor doesn’t know why Dez is in his hometown, but the memories of the past scare him; especially if the ghosts from Taylor’s past start to talk to Dez.
The Departed is the second in Shiloh Walker’s intensely sensual and intriguing dark paranormal series, The Missing. The Departed, picks up a couple of years after the first book, also titled The Missing, ends. Though part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. The Departed is a shockingly seductive psychological thriller that hooked me from page one. Shiloh Walker has a wonderful writing style that draws you in to her characters emotional pathways and lets you feel with them what they are experiencing. Romance and taut suspense go hand in hand as we follow a gritty and dark well plotted storyline down a twisting path of deception, betrayal, and madness.
Our hero, Taylor Jones, came across as a very cold and uncaring man in The Missing. The job always comes first. Everything else is fodder. He was so unlikable in The Missing, I was looking forward to seeing how Ms. Walker would redeem him in my eyes here. And redeem him she does. The bulk of the story revolves around Taylor and the reasons he originally started this special task force. His sister disappeared over 25 years ago and since then, Taylor has done everything he could to ensure every child, missing or dead, is found and given closure. A hard and emotionally closed man, Taylor has thick walls built around himself. He draws a strict line between himself and his employees; ensuring none of them ever met the real Taylor. Ms. Walker does a fabulous job of slowly bringing his walls down, one brick at a time, and introducing us to the real Taylor Jones. An intense, conflicted, and emotionally haunted man.
Dez Lincoln is the exact opposite of Taylor. Though her life was nothing more then a series of poverty and foster homes, Dez is an open friendly person who embraces life with joy. A snarky blend of humor and laughter that Dez embraces gives the book a respite from the overall somber feel of it. She loves Taylor but refuses to play his hot/cold emotional game. When she realizes that Taylor is even more closed off after their one night together, she decides that it’s better to leave the job then watch him leave her day by day. Though leaving him broke her heart, it doesn’t shatter or cripple her.
When Taylor sees Dez again after a year, the emotional ties that bind them are still there, as strong and frightening as ever. Taylor realizes that letting Dez walk away was the worst mistake of his life. She completes him and he’ll do anything he can to keep her from leaving again. But Dez doesn’t make it easy for him.
“Are you even listening to me?”
“No.” Dez smiled. “I can’t say that I am. And you know what’s really wonderful about it? You can’t do much more then snarl and growl about it. After all, your not my boss, right?”
The romance between them is hot yet bittersweet. The chemistry between them smolders heavy in the background as they struggle to get past the hurt and pain they left each other with. It’s a major part of the storyline and complements the main arc. Their physical scenes are tasteful and satisfying. It was very easy to get caught up in the emotional currents of these two star crossed lovers as try to find their second chance.
The secondary characters are bold, viable additions to the story as they add layers to the suspense and mystery. Each one is a piece in the puzzle; they make up a solid foundation for our storyline to build upon. As with any good thriller, there are multi sub plots running through the main storyline and each one is a key to the final outcome. Ms. Walker does a fabulous job of maintaining these separate entities without overburdening us with unnecessary information or complicated scenarios. When it all comes together in the end, we are treated to an astounding finale that ties it all together, solid and tight, with no questions left unanswered. Though I figured out rather early who the villains were, the journey into their minds and reasoning was exciting as we are given an exclusive tour of the evil that exists in man. Be forewarned, there is some subject matter in here that may leave you feeling a little raw.
The Departed is a worthy sequel to The Missing and a must read for those readers who love their paranormal romances to be wrapped in dark emotional suspense and intrigue. I do hope Ms. Walker continues with this series.
Overall Rating: B+
Taylor Jones is having trouble dealing with the fact that he is irrevocably in love with a fellow agent, Desiree Lincoln. He and Dez share one beautiful night of passion that had Dez hoping for a future with Taylor, but issues from his past make that impossible. When a mission results in her almost dying, Taylor hurts her more by pushing her away, citing that work and personal relationships don’t mix. Dez has had enough and quits the force to strike out on her own. A psychic that speaks to the dead, Dez works freelance to support herself. When Dez is called by a ghost to investigate his death and save a girl from a similar fate, she is shocked when Taylor arrives to help. Taylor doesn’t know why Dez is in his hometown, but the memories of the past scare him; especially if the ghosts from Taylor’s past start to talk to Dez.
The Departed is the second in Shiloh Walker’s intensely sensual and intriguing dark paranormal series, The Missing. The Departed, picks up a couple of years after the first book, also titled The Missing, ends. Though part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. The Departed is a shockingly seductive psychological thriller that hooked me from page one. Shiloh Walker has a wonderful writing style that draws you in to her characters emotional pathways and lets you feel with them what they are experiencing. Romance and taut suspense go hand in hand as we follow a gritty and dark well plotted storyline down a twisting path of deception, betrayal, and madness.
Our hero, Taylor Jones, came across as a very cold and uncaring man in The Missing. The job always comes first. Everything else is fodder. He was so unlikable in The Missing, I was looking forward to seeing how Ms. Walker would redeem him in my eyes here. And redeem him she does. The bulk of the story revolves around Taylor and the reasons he originally started this special task force. His sister disappeared over 25 years ago and since then, Taylor has done everything he could to ensure every child, missing or dead, is found and given closure. A hard and emotionally closed man, Taylor has thick walls built around himself. He draws a strict line between himself and his employees; ensuring none of them ever met the real Taylor. Ms. Walker does a fabulous job of slowly bringing his walls down, one brick at a time, and introducing us to the real Taylor Jones. An intense, conflicted, and emotionally haunted man.
Dez Lincoln is the exact opposite of Taylor. Though her life was nothing more then a series of poverty and foster homes, Dez is an open friendly person who embraces life with joy. A snarky blend of humor and laughter that Dez embraces gives the book a respite from the overall somber feel of it. She loves Taylor but refuses to play his hot/cold emotional game. When she realizes that Taylor is even more closed off after their one night together, she decides that it’s better to leave the job then watch him leave her day by day. Though leaving him broke her heart, it doesn’t shatter or cripple her.
When Taylor sees Dez again after a year, the emotional ties that bind them are still there, as strong and frightening as ever. Taylor realizes that letting Dez walk away was the worst mistake of his life. She completes him and he’ll do anything he can to keep her from leaving again. But Dez doesn’t make it easy for him.
“Are you even listening to me?”
“No.” Dez smiled. “I can’t say that I am. And you know what’s really wonderful about it? You can’t do much more then snarl and growl about it. After all, your not my boss, right?”
The romance between them is hot yet bittersweet. The chemistry between them smolders heavy in the background as they struggle to get past the hurt and pain they left each other with. It’s a major part of the storyline and complements the main arc. Their physical scenes are tasteful and satisfying. It was very easy to get caught up in the emotional currents of these two star crossed lovers as try to find their second chance.
The secondary characters are bold, viable additions to the story as they add layers to the suspense and mystery. Each one is a piece in the puzzle; they make up a solid foundation for our storyline to build upon. As with any good thriller, there are multi sub plots running through the main storyline and each one is a key to the final outcome. Ms. Walker does a fabulous job of maintaining these separate entities without overburdening us with unnecessary information or complicated scenarios. When it all comes together in the end, we are treated to an astounding finale that ties it all together, solid and tight, with no questions left unanswered. Though I figured out rather early who the villains were, the journey into their minds and reasoning was exciting as we are given an exclusive tour of the evil that exists in man. Be forewarned, there is some subject matter in here that may leave you feeling a little raw.
The Departed is a worthy sequel to The Missing and a must read for those readers who love their paranormal romances to be wrapped in dark emotional suspense and intrigue. I do hope Ms. Walker continues with this series.
Overall Rating: B+
April 30, 2012
This was pretty good. Not as good as the first book, but still I really liked it. I was surprised that this was FBI agent Taylor's book. He was such a jerk in the first book. But I understand him better now and I can say that he grew on me.
So this was pretty fast paced 2 mysteries to solve. One was pretty disturbing especially when it involves teenagers. That kid was truly sick and twisted. The second one was really heart breaking and it centers around Taylor and a family heartbreak. I didn't even see where that was going until the end. I was shocked to say the least.
This starts off with Dez getting wounded rescuing a child using her physic gift. Taylor and Dez have always had feeling for each other but never acted on them, until Dez almost dies. But right away Taylor pulls away and pulls a crappy move on her. Out of anger Dez quits her job with Taylor and the book picks up 14 months later where they meet again and well stuff hits the fan nonstop it seems. What I loved was that mid point in this book Taylor wises up and realizes if he lets her walk away now this is it and he will never have a chance with her again. I loved how Taylor was possessive and dominating. He never let anyone talk bad about Dez and was real quick to defend her against anyone even the Mayor. And Dez was so sweet and caring. She has compassion but had no problem defending herself . Often putting Taylor in his place . Poor thing was overwhelmed with all the ghosts visiting her , never having a moment of peace. Often times going without sleeping or eating. Taylor gave her what she needed and helped her have the balance that she needed.
I think there may be a third book at the end of the year.I hope that I read that correctly cause I would love to read more.
So this was pretty fast paced 2 mysteries to solve. One was pretty disturbing especially when it involves teenagers. That kid was truly sick and twisted. The second one was really heart breaking and it centers around Taylor and a family heartbreak. I didn't even see where that was going until the end. I was shocked to say the least.
This starts off with Dez getting wounded rescuing a child using her physic gift. Taylor and Dez have always had feeling for each other but never acted on them, until Dez almost dies. But right away Taylor pulls away and pulls a crappy move on her. Out of anger Dez quits her job with Taylor and the book picks up 14 months later where they meet again and well stuff hits the fan nonstop it seems. What I loved was that mid point in this book Taylor wises up and realizes if he lets her walk away now this is it and he will never have a chance with her again. I loved how Taylor was possessive and dominating. He never let anyone talk bad about Dez and was real quick to defend her against anyone even the Mayor. And Dez was so sweet and caring. She has compassion but had no problem defending herself . Often putting Taylor in his place . Poor thing was overwhelmed with all the ghosts visiting her , never having a moment of peace. Often times going without sleeping or eating. Taylor gave her what she needed and helped her have the balance that she needed.
I think there may be a third book at the end of the year.I hope that I read that correctly cause I would love to read more.
November 26, 2017
3.5 stars.
I was surprised when we finally found out the reason(s) behind Taylor's sister's disappearance.
One observation: the term "smirking" was used a lot, which seems weird, especially when it's between Taylor and Dez in normal conversation.
I was surprised when we finally found out the reason(s) behind Taylor's sister's disappearance.
One observation: the term "smirking" was used a lot, which seems weird, especially when it's between Taylor and Dez in normal conversation.
August 21, 2016
I really enjoy this author. I don't know why it takes me so long to pick up one of her books. This was another good story. I think I actually liked it more than the first book in the series.
May 27, 2019
I was in the mood for a darker romantic suspense with a bit of paranormal so I laid my hand on this book just waiting for me to take it off the shelf. I've read other romantic suspenses from this author and appreciated her ability to weave a gritty and atmospheric story of a small town hiding some big evil.
The Departed is the second of the FBI Psychics series, but it was the first one I read. I had no trouble jumping in with this one. The circle of people working the cases are loosely connected, but the FBI cases, settings, and romances don't seem to carry over so this stood alone just fine.
The Departed opens with an FBI team of who work the case unconventionally using their various psychic talents to bring a closed case and justice for living and dead while getting some real villains off the streets.
Taylor Jones heads this unit and has devoted his life to this, particularly the missing children. His sister went missing and both his parents are dead. He has never gotten passed this so won't act on the attraction he feels toward one of his team, Dez Lincoln, even though she reciprocates. Her near death at the last scene made his feeling of guilt and responsibility flare up along with knowing he was her boss and couldn't have a relationship with a co-worker. He pushes her way and she takes the nudge all the way out of the FBI, but still does the work of seeing and speaking with ghosts to help the dead find resolution.
Dez was crushed by Taylor's rejection, but then a ghost calls her to a small town in Indiana where she finds horrors hidden behind white picket fences and learns of the ghosts from the past riding Taylor. They are as attracted as ever, but she has to hold the pain of being pushed away because when her reason for being there is over, she won't let him hurt her this time. But, what if things have changed?
The book started out with an intense scene and set the table for what to expect through the rest of the book. I confess that it felt a bit like I was being dropped into the middle of something when the romance pair shuck clothes and go at it within the first few pages. But, then the breakup happens and a year passes to reset things for the main part of the story. That opener turned out to be a good thing so I could see a bit of what it was like before the reunion after and I didn't have to wonder why the pair of them were edgy around each other.
A ghost and a group assault on a teen girl start things off in the next phase of the story. It was a good blend of small town, gritty suspense, and sensual slow burn into spicy romance. Because Taylor's FBI unit are psychics, it was not a usual procedural and they worked a case differently. Dez was usually confined to the dead though if she pushed, she could get feelings and intent off the living if they were broadcasting strong enough.
The narration is mostly Dez and Taylor, but the other main players got page time, too. It wasn't distracting and actually served to hone my interest more deeply in the situation. Dez finds herself with more than one ghost asking for her help and ends up with a cold case close to home for Taylor that puts a strain on them both. Again, it seems like a lot going on, but it all transitioned well and worked to make a whole picture.
I love that Dez sees ghosts and solves murders and brings resolution for the dead and their family, but I also appreciated how the author showed the difficulties and the toll this takes on her. And, showed her tug o' war feelings about Taylor so that she was wary of loving him because he pushed her away and being abandoned by her mother in the past makes this rejection even more acute.
Taylor pushed her away, but I never felt like he was being a jerk. He is not open with her or anyone about his past pain, but he also had the work taboo thing as her boss. He never denies he cares and he's not mean to her though apparently everyone else sees him as something of a jerk because he's hard-nosed about getting a job done and protecting the people in his unit. His pain was palpable and I was really rooting for him to open up and let Dez be there for him like he wanted to be there for her.
My one niggle was that I could have used a longer denouement after all the twists and reveals at the end so I got a better feel of where they were going with their shared future and even the decision he was going to make about his career. Maybe this is answered further in the series.
I've got a few more FBI Psychics stories on the shelf and I am eager to keep going with this series. For those who like to get to know all the players and have a slow-develop twisting suspense and romance, these are a good fit.
The Departed is the second of the FBI Psychics series, but it was the first one I read. I had no trouble jumping in with this one. The circle of people working the cases are loosely connected, but the FBI cases, settings, and romances don't seem to carry over so this stood alone just fine.
The Departed opens with an FBI team of who work the case unconventionally using their various psychic talents to bring a closed case and justice for living and dead while getting some real villains off the streets.
Taylor Jones heads this unit and has devoted his life to this, particularly the missing children. His sister went missing and both his parents are dead. He has never gotten passed this so won't act on the attraction he feels toward one of his team, Dez Lincoln, even though she reciprocates. Her near death at the last scene made his feeling of guilt and responsibility flare up along with knowing he was her boss and couldn't have a relationship with a co-worker. He pushes her way and she takes the nudge all the way out of the FBI, but still does the work of seeing and speaking with ghosts to help the dead find resolution.
Dez was crushed by Taylor's rejection, but then a ghost calls her to a small town in Indiana where she finds horrors hidden behind white picket fences and learns of the ghosts from the past riding Taylor. They are as attracted as ever, but she has to hold the pain of being pushed away because when her reason for being there is over, she won't let him hurt her this time. But, what if things have changed?
The book started out with an intense scene and set the table for what to expect through the rest of the book. I confess that it felt a bit like I was being dropped into the middle of something when the romance pair shuck clothes and go at it within the first few pages. But, then the breakup happens and a year passes to reset things for the main part of the story. That opener turned out to be a good thing so I could see a bit of what it was like before the reunion after and I didn't have to wonder why the pair of them were edgy around each other.
A ghost and a group assault on a teen girl start things off in the next phase of the story. It was a good blend of small town, gritty suspense, and sensual slow burn into spicy romance. Because Taylor's FBI unit are psychics, it was not a usual procedural and they worked a case differently. Dez was usually confined to the dead though if she pushed, she could get feelings and intent off the living if they were broadcasting strong enough.
The narration is mostly Dez and Taylor, but the other main players got page time, too. It wasn't distracting and actually served to hone my interest more deeply in the situation. Dez finds herself with more than one ghost asking for her help and ends up with a cold case close to home for Taylor that puts a strain on them both. Again, it seems like a lot going on, but it all transitioned well and worked to make a whole picture.
I love that Dez sees ghosts and solves murders and brings resolution for the dead and their family, but I also appreciated how the author showed the difficulties and the toll this takes on her. And, showed her tug o' war feelings about Taylor so that she was wary of loving him because he pushed her away and being abandoned by her mother in the past makes this rejection even more acute.
Taylor pushed her away, but I never felt like he was being a jerk. He is not open with her or anyone about his past pain, but he also had the work taboo thing as her boss. He never denies he cares and he's not mean to her though apparently everyone else sees him as something of a jerk because he's hard-nosed about getting a job done and protecting the people in his unit. His pain was palpable and I was really rooting for him to open up and let Dez be there for him like he wanted to be there for her.
My one niggle was that I could have used a longer denouement after all the twists and reveals at the end so I got a better feel of where they were going with their shared future and even the decision he was going to make about his career. Maybe this is answered further in the series.
I've got a few more FBI Psychics stories on the shelf and I am eager to keep going with this series. For those who like to get to know all the players and have a slow-develop twisting suspense and romance, these are a good fit.
January 23, 2012
Memorable Scenes:
- the necklace talisman thing > loved it as it showed a vulnerable Taylor
- Taylor groveling when he wants Dez back and realizes he needs to make the first move > loved this scene, from the moment they arrive at where Dez is staying till the making love part the next day it was the embodiment of why I love the romance part of this book the most
- the climax and unravelng of the suspense > blew away the reservations I had in regards to the plot
Desiree 'Dez' Lincoln is an FBI Special Agent with the gift of talking to dead souls. She is cocky, sarcastic and yet she is kind and compassionate. She’s a heroine I clicked with from the moment she entered the stage in THE MISSING and I loved her own story.
Taylor Jones is a FBI Special Agent in Charge and Dez’s boss. He’s consumed by guilt of not being able to save children from the serial killers and women from predators that kidnap and kill them. He’s the epitome of a cold bastard but that’s just what he shows to the world. He’s cool, collected and in control of his emotions. He doesn't let them show easily, but when he does it's all the way. Taylor Jones is gentleness wrapped in determination.
This book was a tough one for me! I loved the previous book in this series. I adore Shiloh Walker's writing but I didn't love THE DEPARTED as much as I expected or wanted to. This had to do with the plot involving ghosts. It's definitely not a plot I actively search out because I'm not a fan of ghosts in books and this book is filled to the brim with them.
There were parts in this book I did have feeling the romance was outshone by the suspense. There was romance but it felt like the suspense got more stage time than the romance. At least it did during the first 1/3 of the book. This changed after the halfway point and that’s when I started loving the book.
The suspense plot was extensive, intricate and layered. At first I struggled a bit keeping some parts of it straight but that was only briefly. Once I unraveled some things for myself and put aside some personal dislikes I was glued to the pages, wondering where and how it was going to end. While the focus was more on the suspense and plot, the romance was the best part for me.
I adored the romance part of this book! It was brilliantly written and set up gradually but in a very intense way. The love scenes were equally beautiful and intense. Shiloh Walker writes explicit and sizzling hot sex scenes yet they are never crass or over the top.
Regardless of what I think of the plot or the fact that there are ghosts in this book, I’m smitten with Shiloh Walker’s writing and have been from the very first time I read a book by her. She’s another author I find hard to explain why I love her writing. It just resonates with me. I like her characters, I love the way she writes suspense and I melt at her love scenes and romance.
Though the book didn't completely work for me I absolutely think fans of romantic suspense with supernatural elements will appreciate this sequel of THE MISSING because the writing is excellent, the suspense is thrilling and the main characters and their relationship are engaging! And can’t wait to read more in this series and after the snippets I read of THE REUNITED I will even overlook the ghosts.
Favorite Quotes:
She resisted, just barely, the childish urge to stick her tongue out at him. Taylor Jones brought out all sorts of strange impulses. Childish ones. Wanton ones. Erotic ones. She’d long since adjusted to that very disturbing fact, but adjusting to it didn’t make it any easier to fight.
That steel curtain, for just a moment, parted. Fluttered. Just beyond that curtain, she saw pain, misery, and guilt . . . and something else that stole the breath from her lungs.
Molten, burning, scalding heat . . .
The sight of that heat did something to her low, low inside her belly. Her heart skipped a few beats, then settled into a quick, rapid rhythm—a thousand butterflies trapped inside her chest. Butterflies with wings dipped in some seriously strong sort of aphrodisiac, too. Lust, hot and heavy, moved through her, and before Dez knew what she was doing, she had her hand on Taylor’s cheek.
That elegant, long-fingered hand stroked down the front of his shirt. The smile that curled her lips was so smug, so sexy and female—if he hadn’t already been rock hard and aching . . . fuck, he could have gone to his knees and begged just then.
Dez stood there, all but wallowing in it. It was so exhilarating it took a minute to realize that something felt off. Wrong. Completely off. Utterly wrong. And terribly foul. A whisper of evil, underlain with terror. It skittered along her shields like a slimy little beast trying to push its way inside her soul.
“Don’t delude yourself. I see the son of a bitch—he’s part of you. But I also see the guy who paces the floor when one of his people gets hurt. I see the guy who went into a career that guts him and now I even know why. I see a man who looks at me in a way nobody else ever has, who makes me feel like nobody else ever has.”
She settled back on her feet, turning her face into his hand and kissing his palm. She squeezed his wrist gently and then looked back at him. “I see the s.o.b., all right, because he’s part of you. And I’ve always seen you.”
“If you see me, then why are you still around me?” He pushed his hand into her hair.
She glanced around. Did they really need to discuss this here? Hell. They were here . . . She reached up and fisted a hand in the front of his shirt, tugged him close. “Because I see you. All of you. The s.o.b., the guy who cares too much and doesn’t let it show, the man who turns my bones to mush with just a look. That’s who you are and if you don’t see it, then maybe I just see you better.”
Rating:
8 out of 10 – GREAT READ!
July 12, 2018
A great series so far!
May 31, 2019
4.5⭐️
September 3, 2014
3.5 stars. Good story with some niggles. Dez can see dead people, as corny as is sounds, but as a member of an elite FBI team of fellow agents with "special" gifts, she can help the ghosts who come to her for assistance. The team is run by Taylor Jones whose gift is spotting the gifted. He is fascinated by her and when a job goes bad and she gets hurt, he finds the feeling is mutual and they have their one night. But he can't handle it and pushes her so hard she quits the team and sets up on her own.
A year later she's still on her own. Worn ragged by the non stop calls for help from the dead, who she calls the Departed, she's drawn to Illinois and the home town of Taylor where evil has kidnapped a girl who Dez finds just in time. Taylor is in town as well on an unrelated errand. His sister disappeared years ago and he comes to town to honor her memory.
Finding the girl is just the tip of the iceberg and Dez and Taylor team up to find the culprits and find the answers to Taylor's sister's disappearance.
The beginning of this book is stellar. Dez and Taylor are both strong with real reasons behind why they are the way they are. She doesn't back down and he's not always a jerk. The mystery is well done as well though I don't like getting the POV of the bad guy and would have liked the story more without that.
Dez and Tayor's emotions are all over the map and that worked most of the time. It made them real and not caricatures of a medium and and a team leader.
I'm mixed on the end. We don't learn what happens to everyone as the job of following up falls to local police. The bad guy arguably gets what he deserves and it makes sense the FBI pulls out when it did however I do wish we had more closure.
Still overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one.
A year later she's still on her own. Worn ragged by the non stop calls for help from the dead, who she calls the Departed, she's drawn to Illinois and the home town of Taylor where evil has kidnapped a girl who Dez finds just in time. Taylor is in town as well on an unrelated errand. His sister disappeared years ago and he comes to town to honor her memory.
Finding the girl is just the tip of the iceberg and Dez and Taylor team up to find the culprits and find the answers to Taylor's sister's disappearance.
The beginning of this book is stellar. Dez and Taylor are both strong with real reasons behind why they are the way they are. She doesn't back down and he's not always a jerk. The mystery is well done as well though I don't like getting the POV of the bad guy and would have liked the story more without that.
Dez and Tayor's emotions are all over the map and that worked most of the time. It made them real and not caricatures of a medium and and a team leader.
I'm mixed on the end. We don't learn what happens to everyone as the job of following up falls to local police. The bad guy arguably gets what he deserves and it makes sense the FBI pulls out when it did however I do wish we had more closure.
Still overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one.
February 27, 2012
Parallel lives that intersect and a multi-layered suspense are the driving forces behind Shiloh Walker’s latest release The Departed. With brooding and haunting undertones this combination romance, suspense, mystery and paranormal is a slow moving freight train full of emotions and dynamics. The dialogue and prose will immediately draw you in as the author deftly unveils each nuance of the characters and the plot, and in the best tradition of both romance and mystery each piece of the puzzle is slowly and artfully revealed.
Like the back beat to a great score there is a constant underlying tension and sense of urgency that propels both the romance and the mystery. It is suspenseful in a quiet way, no big action scenes, nothing blows up. It’s the kind of suspense that surprises you because you didn’t see it coming.
The Departed is emotional without being manipulative and suspenseful without being overly dramatic. There is a crisp tension in both the mystery and romance that leads a supporting cast of characters as well as the protagonists in a cleverly developed and skillful ride to find all the pieces of the puzzle.
Full review on BN.com's Heart to Heart blog http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t...
Like the back beat to a great score there is a constant underlying tension and sense of urgency that propels both the romance and the mystery. It is suspenseful in a quiet way, no big action scenes, nothing blows up. It’s the kind of suspense that surprises you because you didn’t see it coming.
The Departed is emotional without being manipulative and suspenseful without being overly dramatic. There is a crisp tension in both the mystery and romance that leads a supporting cast of characters as well as the protagonists in a cleverly developed and skillful ride to find all the pieces of the puzzle.
Full review on BN.com's Heart to Heart blog http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t...
December 27, 2015
The story deserves 4 stars, but I had a hard time trying to like the main character Dez... she was way too harsh for my taste.
Aus Books & Reading
Aus Books & Reading
September 19, 2015
After reading the first in this series, I was wondering how Ms. Walker was going to make Taylor Jones an appealing hero as he was such a *#!@ in the first book. But she maintained his SOB persona, gave us the reasons behind his personality and then gave his character additional depth by showing how much he cared for Dez and his sister who disappeared when he was a young teenager. And she crafted his character really well, as she did with all the characters in the book.
The dual plot in the story worked really well, one is the current crime that Dez is pulled into and one is the older case of Taylor's missing sister. Once again I was really hooked into this story.
The dual plot in the story worked really well, one is the current crime that Dez is pulled into and one is the older case of Taylor's missing sister. Once again I was really hooked into this story.
March 2, 2016
Loved this
March 16, 2025
Talking Dead
The Departed is book two in the series The FBI Psychics by Shiloh Walker. The books are interconnected with reoccurring characters but can be read as standalones. The romance in The Departed is slow burn AND second change with lots of sizzle involving a tortured hero and heroine. At least two of the books involve IR couples with this book being one. Ms. Walker has created a unique group of psychics and empaths with varying categories of talent. Desiree "Dez" Lincoln can communicate with the restless spirits of the dead, using her gift to help them tie up loose ends. She initially uses her gift working with the FBI for a special unit headed by Special Agent Taylor Jones. For years, the pair has danced around their feelings until passion explodes. In the aftermath, in true Jones fashion, Taylor pushes her away due to his honor and his own shadows. When they connect again it is in his hometown with a slew of mysteries and darkness to uncover. Ms. Walker uses multiple voices to tell her story, the living, the dead, the villains and the innocents all tell a part of the story. I enjoyed this story, and the chills and angst made for a great plot, I DID wish that the villains had more concrete and immediate legal consequences.
https://theretiredreader.com/?blog=y
The Departed is book two in the series The FBI Psychics by Shiloh Walker. The books are interconnected with reoccurring characters but can be read as standalones. The romance in The Departed is slow burn AND second change with lots of sizzle involving a tortured hero and heroine. At least two of the books involve IR couples with this book being one. Ms. Walker has created a unique group of psychics and empaths with varying categories of talent. Desiree "Dez" Lincoln can communicate with the restless spirits of the dead, using her gift to help them tie up loose ends. She initially uses her gift working with the FBI for a special unit headed by Special Agent Taylor Jones. For years, the pair has danced around their feelings until passion explodes. In the aftermath, in true Jones fashion, Taylor pushes her away due to his honor and his own shadows. When they connect again it is in his hometown with a slew of mysteries and darkness to uncover. Ms. Walker uses multiple voices to tell her story, the living, the dead, the villains and the innocents all tell a part of the story. I enjoyed this story, and the chills and angst made for a great plot, I DID wish that the villains had more concrete and immediate legal consequences.
https://theretiredreader.com/?blog=y
October 30, 2025
The concept behind The Departed is what drew me in—FBI agent Taylor Jones assembles a team of psychics to solve murders and track serial killers. These “special” individuals can speak to the dead, read minds, or glimpse the future, and the cases they tackle are dark, twisted, and emotionally charged.
I loved the premise and the mystery at the heart of the story. The plot threads are cleverly connected, often tying back to a character’s personal loss or unresolved trauma. It kept me turning pages, eager to uncover the truth.
The characters are compelling, and the romantic tension between the leads adds another layer of depth. I genuinely cared about their journeys.
But the emotional pacing felt chaotic. The narrative jumps too quickly between characters’ inner feelings, making it hard to stay grounded. It left me feeling a bit disoriented, especially as I started book three and noticed the same pattern repeating.
With tighter emotional flow, this could’ve been a 4.5-star read. As it stands, I’m giving it 3 stars—for the gripping concept, strong characters, and potential that I hope shines through more clearly in future installments.
I loved the premise and the mystery at the heart of the story. The plot threads are cleverly connected, often tying back to a character’s personal loss or unresolved trauma. It kept me turning pages, eager to uncover the truth.
The characters are compelling, and the romantic tension between the leads adds another layer of depth. I genuinely cared about their journeys.
But the emotional pacing felt chaotic. The narrative jumps too quickly between characters’ inner feelings, making it hard to stay grounded. It left me feeling a bit disoriented, especially as I started book three and noticed the same pattern repeating.
With tighter emotional flow, this could’ve been a 4.5-star read. As it stands, I’m giving it 3 stars—for the gripping concept, strong characters, and potential that I hope shines through more clearly in future installments.
September 29, 2017
It's been years since I read the first book in this series (
The Missing
) but it's a story that has stuck with me.
The Departed
was a great addition to the series and a story I was happy to get having met Taylor Jones in the first installment. I'm also thrilled that there are a few more in the series! Ms. Walker does an excellent job of combining some paranormal with excellent suspense and a dash of romance. :)
Full review to come....
Full review to come....
January 19, 2018
Tissues are a requirement
Dez and Jones, phew. She is led by ghosts to solve their death so they can move on he is a focus for her talent. Following Dez getting shot Jones overreacts and she quits the bureau. She spends a year freelancing until waking exhausted one morning she travels to French Licks the family home of one Taylor Jones her ex boss. Here she uncovers actions that have far-reaching consequences including a lost little girl named Anna.
Dez and Jones, phew. She is led by ghosts to solve their death so they can move on he is a focus for her talent. Following Dez getting shot Jones overreacts and she quits the bureau. She spends a year freelancing until waking exhausted one morning she travels to French Licks the family home of one Taylor Jones her ex boss. Here she uncovers actions that have far-reaching consequences including a lost little girl named Anna.
September 16, 2019
Oooooo... if they get better each book.....
Poor Taylor Jones. Now we know why he is the head of the task force. Because of the tragedy in his past. Can Dez help him?
A strong ghost pulls Dez into a magma of trouble in small town Indiana and she unwillingly pulls Taylor Jones in with her. Taylor is just there to make sure Dez doesn't get into trouble, but Dez sees through him and knows there is another reason they are there.
Lots of plot twist and turns. Glad Dez can multi task!
Poor Taylor Jones. Now we know why he is the head of the task force. Because of the tragedy in his past. Can Dez help him?
A strong ghost pulls Dez into a magma of trouble in small town Indiana and she unwillingly pulls Taylor Jones in with her. Taylor is just there to make sure Dez doesn't get into trouble, but Dez sees through him and knows there is another reason they are there.
Lots of plot twist and turns. Glad Dez can multi task!
December 10, 2023
Ive read several of Ms. Walkers books and I've loved them all. You can't help but love the characters. Even the secondary characters are very deep. I'm not sure if there are any more books waiting in the wings for this series, but I think I would really enjoy reading more about this psychic branch of the FBI.
February 6, 2018
i love this book! i wish shiloh walker would writer more book like this. i put this in my top 10 best book with gifts! if you love anything with ghost and gifted people and you ok with a little grow up time then you like this book.
October 27, 2019
GREAT STORY!! RECOMMEND!
This was my first read by this author. I really like how she brings her worlds and characters to life. This is a good story. It has love, suspense and a lot of life issues. A very believable world.
This was my first read by this author. I really like how she brings her worlds and characters to life. This is a good story. It has love, suspense and a lot of life issues. A very believable world.
September 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this one. It was an easy read with lots of action that kept me interested. Great characters too.
August 26, 2018
Psychic FBI
Teen murderers, missing six year old, over stressed medium and love. Well written book but an unhappy experience. Second in a series.
Teen murderers, missing six year old, over stressed medium and love. Well written book but an unhappy experience. Second in a series.
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