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Harrison Investigation #3
Ghost Walk
THIS IS NO DREAM... Nikki DuMonde's newest employee and friend, Andy, is standing at the end of her bed at four o'clock in the morning begging for help. It's a joke, right? Besides, as manager of a successful New Orleans haunted–tour company, Nikki doesn't scare easily. But in the cold light of day, the harshness of reality sets in as a police officer informs her that Andy was brutally murdered at the exact time Nikki swears the distraught woman was pleading in her room.
No one believes her except Brent Blackhawk, a paranormal investigator desperately trying to forget his tragic past. Half Irish, half Native American–and able to communicate with the dead–Brent is used to living in two worlds. But when he realises the ghost of a slain government agent is also trying to reach out to Nikki, he knows that she, too, must listen to the dead...if she wants to keep living.
No one believes her except Brent Blackhawk, a paranormal investigator desperately trying to forget his tragic past. Half Irish, half Native American–and able to communicate with the dead–Brent is used to living in two worlds. But when he realises the ghost of a slain government agent is also trying to reach out to Nikki, he knows that she, too, must listen to the dead...if she wants to keep living.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2005
575 people are currently reading
4067 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
414 books6,874 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 381 reviews
October 4, 2012
1.5 stars
Oh boy, where to begin.... I've enjoyed Heather Graham's books in the past as the fun brain candy they can be, sadly this wasn't one of them. I can't say it's a terrible book, but it's far from good. Everything is just so lifeless, the characters, the mystery plot, the romance, everything was lame and weak. Which brings me to the dialogue which is clunky and often awkward. At one time, Nikki, the main character, had just come from her best friend's funeral and is now at the after-service gathering, where she proceeds to remark to another friend that she and her boyfriend are good for each other. What? How? Who? Who does that? How could you even think of anything else at a time where you're crushed at your friend's death? Totally strange and was one of many instances that took me out of the book. The romance, oh the romance. We get these two supposedly perfect people who both have the personality of a wet rag on a good day, aren't very bright, more so on Nikki's end, don't know each other, never seem to have any conversations, and definitely have no (none! nein! zilch! nada!) chemistry together. Oy vey. Looks really aren't everything. Okay, so the ghosts are a bit more interesting but that's not enough to save the book. Come to think of it, they were actually more alive than the living characters. Ha! Too bad the book wasn't told from their view.
I had issues with the constant PC (politically correct) references throughout, mainly when someone would use the horrific, scarred-for-life-if-uttered I-word. *whispers* Indian. Sarcasm Alert! OMG, did someone just die? I'm so sorry, I meant Native American! Talk about annoying, there were at least three instances of that, one especially stupid. Believe it or not, but there are actually those who prefer to be called (American) Indian rather than Native American.
I don't know if Ms. Graham was going through something or if this was a rush job or what, but this was one boring book filled with boring people who lead boring lives where boring situations may or may not happen, all of which leads up to an absolutely dumb ending to the book's lame plot. It's so dumb I don't even want to think about it anymore. The only thing saving this from one star is that I didn't hate the book, it just didn't inspire me to care one way or the other about anything or anybody in the story. Thumbs down.
Originally Reviewed: October 4, 2012
Received: Digital copy borrowed from my library
Oh boy, where to begin.... I've enjoyed Heather Graham's books in the past as the fun brain candy they can be, sadly this wasn't one of them. I can't say it's a terrible book, but it's far from good. Everything is just so lifeless, the characters, the mystery plot, the romance, everything was lame and weak. Which brings me to the dialogue which is clunky and often awkward. At one time, Nikki, the main character, had just come from her best friend's funeral and is now at the after-service gathering, where she proceeds to remark to another friend that she and her boyfriend are good for each other. What? How? Who? Who does that? How could you even think of anything else at a time where you're crushed at your friend's death? Totally strange and was one of many instances that took me out of the book. The romance, oh the romance. We get these two supposedly perfect people who both have the personality of a wet rag on a good day, aren't very bright, more so on Nikki's end, don't know each other, never seem to have any conversations, and definitely have no (none! nein! zilch! nada!) chemistry together. Oy vey. Looks really aren't everything. Okay, so the ghosts are a bit more interesting but that's not enough to save the book. Come to think of it, they were actually more alive than the living characters. Ha! Too bad the book wasn't told from their view.
I had issues with the constant PC (politically correct) references throughout, mainly when someone would use the horrific, scarred-for-life-if-uttered I-word. *whispers* Indian. Sarcasm Alert! OMG, did someone just die? I'm so sorry, I meant Native American! Talk about annoying, there were at least three instances of that, one especially stupid. Believe it or not, but there are actually those who prefer to be called (American) Indian rather than Native American.
I don't know if Ms. Graham was going through something or if this was a rush job or what, but this was one boring book filled with boring people who lead boring lives where boring situations may or may not happen, all of which leads up to an absolutely dumb ending to the book's lame plot. It's so dumb I don't even want to think about it anymore. The only thing saving this from one star is that I didn't hate the book, it just didn't inspire me to care one way or the other about anything or anybody in the story. Thumbs down.
Originally Reviewed: October 4, 2012
Received: Digital copy borrowed from my library
May 4, 2025
Ghost Walk is a supernatural romance/paranormal suspense novel set in New Orleans. It's the third book (of ten) in the Harrison Investigation series, which I assume (because the Krewe is run by a guy with that name) is a prequel series to Graham's much longer and quite popular Krewe of Hunters series. It was quite similar to one of the Krewe books that I read a year or so ago, The Unforgiven, which also features a young lady who makes her living by conducting ghost tours in New Orleans. It's a somewhat formulaic romance story, but it's well done fun. As usual, Graham includes a lot of interesting historical and cultural details about the locale, and most of her (sometimes unlikely, both living and not so much) characters are engaging. It's a fast and captivating light read, one of those things that makes you say "Gee, I wish 3.5 stars was an option." PS- After setting down the above comments, I skimmed through a bunch of the other postings about Ghost Walk and was amused that many of the readers complained that it was too steamy and an equal number thought it was not steamy enough. Several people were put off that it was too PC and several that it was not PC enough... sometimes you just can't win. I'm just glad that things seemed to work out all right for those crazy kids.
June 16, 2010
Harrison Investigation Series:
1. Haunted (2003)
2. The Presence (2004)
3. Ghost Walk (2005)
4. The Vision (2006)
5. The Seance (2007)
6. The Dead Room (2007)
7. The Death Dealer (2008)
8. Nightwalker (2009)
9. Unhallowed Ground (2009)
1. Haunted (2003)
2. The Presence (2004)
3. Ghost Walk (2005)
4. The Vision (2006)
5. The Seance (2007)
6. The Dead Room (2007)
7. The Death Dealer (2008)
8. Nightwalker (2009)
9. Unhallowed Ground (2009)
November 2, 2019
Rated 4.2 Stars
Out of this 4 book series, Harrison Investigation, this book, Ghost Walk is my favorite.
It's a Paranormal Romantic Suspense and lived up to its title and genre. Not a lot of humor, but plenty of ghosts, action & romance.
I don't know why they say I've read this twice as this is my first time reading it. That's GR's for ya!
Out of this 4 book series, Harrison Investigation, this book, Ghost Walk is my favorite.
It's a Paranormal Romantic Suspense and lived up to its title and genre. Not a lot of humor, but plenty of ghosts, action & romance.
I don't know why they say I've read this twice as this is my first time reading it. That's GR's for ya!
February 13, 2016
Decided to leave it unfinished. She used the word "demanded" too much and it was too white for a book set in New Orleans. I think I would have liked Nikki more if she wasn't all "I'm a pristine teetotaler in this boozer town. Hey Brent, did you start seeing ghosts after having too much peyote?" Ugh.
February 17, 2016
3.5 Star
I really like this author's Paranormal books they are always full interesting details, and history that interweave with the mystery. The plot is full of twists and turns, and no matter how much I think I have figured out who the baddie(s) is/are I always end up being wrong!
My only complaint is that the romances always feel so forced. I never feel an overwhelming passion between the H/h. They often feel "wooden" together. I think it's because the mystery story is the focus, and the romance takes a back seat. I think these books would be 4-5 star reads for me if a tiny bit more time was spent developing the romance aspect.
In any case, I really enjoyed this one!
I really like this author's Paranormal books they are always full interesting details, and history that interweave with the mystery. The plot is full of twists and turns, and no matter how much I think I have figured out who the baddie(s) is/are I always end up being wrong!
My only complaint is that the romances always feel so forced. I never feel an overwhelming passion between the H/h. They often feel "wooden" together. I think it's because the mystery story is the focus, and the romance takes a back seat. I think these books would be 4-5 star reads for me if a tiny bit more time was spent developing the romance aspect.
In any case, I really enjoyed this one!
February 1, 2009
I enjoyed this paranormal romantic suspense book by Heather Graham. I especially liked the two main characters, Brent Blackhawk and Nikki DuMonde. There were enough characters in the book, that the murderer was not instantly obvious.
Nikki DuMonde is crushed when her friend and fellow employee is found dead. She is confused by the fact that she is certain she awoke during the night to see her friend standing by her bed at what she now knows is the exact time of death. Soon, it becomes obvious to Nikki that she is now seeing ghosts. Brent Blackhawk, a paranormal investigator who is delving into the death of an undercover FBI agent, realizes what Nikki is going through and tries to help her cope. Although the police believe her friend died of a drug overdose, Brent agrees with Nikki's assertion that foul play was involved, and he suspects a connection with the death of the FBI agent. Brent and Nikki soon develop strong feelings for one another and begin a relationship. Brent must protect Nikki from danger while they investigate to find out who was behind the murders.
Ghostwalk was an entertaining, fast paced book. The mystery was enhanced by the setting of New Orleans, with its legends and cemeteries. I enjoyed the way in which the characters of Nikki and Brent related to one another. There was a large cast of interesting secondary characters that also added to the novel. If you are a fan of paranormal romantic suspense, give this book a try.
Nikki DuMonde is crushed when her friend and fellow employee is found dead. She is confused by the fact that she is certain she awoke during the night to see her friend standing by her bed at what she now knows is the exact time of death. Soon, it becomes obvious to Nikki that she is now seeing ghosts. Brent Blackhawk, a paranormal investigator who is delving into the death of an undercover FBI agent, realizes what Nikki is going through and tries to help her cope. Although the police believe her friend died of a drug overdose, Brent agrees with Nikki's assertion that foul play was involved, and he suspects a connection with the death of the FBI agent. Brent and Nikki soon develop strong feelings for one another and begin a relationship. Brent must protect Nikki from danger while they investigate to find out who was behind the murders.
Ghostwalk was an entertaining, fast paced book. The mystery was enhanced by the setting of New Orleans, with its legends and cemeteries. I enjoyed the way in which the characters of Nikki and Brent related to one another. There was a large cast of interesting secondary characters that also added to the novel. If you are a fan of paranormal romantic suspense, give this book a try.
September 12, 2011
Once again I have to say I wish I had found Graham a few years ago when her books first came out. I am enjoying these ghost stories. Nikki's newest employee has been killed and her ghost comes to Nikki for help but she freaks (of course). Brent comes into the picture who has seen ghost all of his life to help Nikki and to solve the mystery. I made it all the way through this book without a clue of the "who and why" and I love that. The one thing I would complain about? Nikki's BFF Julian.. His character is just so uncaring and a type A personality that he was distracting to me and I wanted him to be the bad guy so he would go away. That being said I love a book I don't figure out and with a couple I care about. I also enjoyed Huey the ghost and the trivia information of New Orleans make me want to visit and take a ghost tour.
July 25, 2015
SMH.....I have always enjoyed Heather Graham books but this one just left me feeling sooooo disappointed. It began with a ridiculous amount of characters introduced right off the bat, none of which were ever fully developed.....ever....Ms. Graham would throw in what seemed like afterthoughts about a characters background to make it fit into the story plot at that particular moment. The ending was horrific....this book was based on characters being able to see and talk to the dead but at the end....and completely out of the blue.....a significant character is found murdered and yet his ghost never appeared throughout the entire book. It was like one of those "oh lets just wrap it up" moments where she really didn't know what to do, the story had gone so far off course it was not redeemable, so she just threw in the towel and ended it with some stupid crap that just irritated me and made me want to throw the book.....nope, take that back......BURN the stupid book so no one else has to suffer through it. Yes, unfortunately, it was that bad....and I REALLY hate to say that about one of Ms. Graham's books but I have to be honest in my opinion. It was by far not her best work....but it will not keep me from reading more of her work in the future because I do know she is a very talented author and this was just a "bump in the road" for her (again, in my opinion).
June 19, 2015
We made a quick trip to New Orleans so I decided to read this book before we left. The author's description of the city and the charcaters who live there are exactly what you can expect to find, and was spot on. I enjoyed being at the same places where the charcaters roamed, namely the famous cemetaries like LaFayette, as well as following the lives and footsteps of a ghost tour guide. The main plot was an interesting murder mystery (actual double murder) and had some twists. The love interest between the two protagonists who both could see ghosts, was easily predictable, but it made a charming love story. If you like murder stories with a side romance, no one does it like Heather Graham. This was a fun and quick murder/lovestory book.
March 10, 2021
To say I was bored is an understatement 🙃 I don't get it, I loved the first book by her I read but these last too were very... snoozefests. I just... didnt care about anything happening and the MC refusing to tell anyone important things, like she saw ghosts to the man who also saw them, just made me dislike her.
April 23, 2013
I don't like ghosts....period!!!! If I read about them, I dream about them so that keeps me far away. BUT...I've read Heather Graham before so trusted her. And was glad I did. I had no dreams and the book turned out to be very captivating. I enjoyed it...but I still don't like ghosts!!!!
January 2, 2024
Disappointing. This series has been disappointing so far so I don't much see myself finishing it out. The writing is kind of juvenile and it reads like a young teen rather than a solid paranormal mystery.
June 26, 2018
set in new orleans
June 15, 2024
Had insomnia and found this book in old box. Fast read that kept me reading but I wasn’t at the edge of my seat nor really excited about the end.
June 6, 2021
Ghost and NOLA how can you go wrong
Heather Graham nailed it again with mystery, ghost, romance and a arm chair vacation to New Orleans. Suspence till the end. Easy read and full of fun NOLA facts and ghost stories.
Heather Graham nailed it again with mystery, ghost, romance and a arm chair vacation to New Orleans. Suspence till the end. Easy read and full of fun NOLA facts and ghost stories.
August 29, 2016
3.5/5 Stars
While allusions are made to the Krewe of Hunters in this book, this is not part of the series. In fact, it's kind of a prequel to that batch of books.
Anyway, Nikki DuMonde is a tour guide in New Orleans with a unique ability -- she can see ghosts. One ghost she keeps seeing is a vagrant to whom she gave $20 the day he died. Another, shortly after, is her colleague Andrea ... who has been murdered.
Another person who can see ghosts is Brent Blackhawk; he's part of Adam Harrison's nascent paranormal investigation group in the Behavioral Analysis Unit, and he's also a New Orleans native who is reluctant to go home.
One of the occasional problems I have with this series is that the OTP becomes obvious pretty early on -- and that there seems to be no real chemistry between them. That was the case with Brent and Nikki. It gets talked about a lot ... but even the sexy-times scenes (and there are some) don't really show it to me.
Anyway, the whodunnit was a surprise and the scene was set in one of my favorite cities ... so it was still enjoyable.
While allusions are made to the Krewe of Hunters in this book, this is not part of the series. In fact, it's kind of a prequel to that batch of books.
Anyway, Nikki DuMonde is a tour guide in New Orleans with a unique ability -- she can see ghosts. One ghost she keeps seeing is a vagrant to whom she gave $20 the day he died. Another, shortly after, is her colleague Andrea ... who has been murdered.
Another person who can see ghosts is Brent Blackhawk; he's part of Adam Harrison's nascent paranormal investigation group in the Behavioral Analysis Unit, and he's also a New Orleans native who is reluctant to go home.
One of the occasional problems I have with this series is that the OTP becomes obvious pretty early on -- and that there seems to be no real chemistry between them. That was the case with Brent and Nikki. It gets talked about a lot ... but even the sexy-times scenes (and there are some) don't really show it to me.
Anyway, the whodunnit was a surprise and the scene was set in one of my favorite cities ... so it was still enjoyable.
January 14, 2012
At first, I was confused with all the different characters. It was hard to keep them all straight. I thought the story slowed down a little with all the tours and explanations. I got hooked trying to figure out who the bad guy was. The ending was okay--Just a little "Scooby Doo-ish"--when they said...oh this is the bad one right here who really isn't who he says he was.
I loved the hero, I thought Brent was a great hero. I'm sure he was a hunk. I just hated that the scene that brought both of them together was a roach!
I'm not sure I'd recommend this to a friend. I'm a writer and I am learning about Paranormal Romance. I've learned alot from reading this. What I'd do and not do. What can be rather trite or what can be original.
I loved the hero, I thought Brent was a great hero. I'm sure he was a hunk. I just hated that the scene that brought both of them together was a roach!
I'm not sure I'd recommend this to a friend. I'm a writer and I am learning about Paranormal Romance. I've learned alot from reading this. What I'd do and not do. What can be rather trite or what can be original.
January 12, 2016
I was sadly disappointed in this book. The plot didnt grip me the way Graham's usually do. I was mildly curious to see what happened but that was about it. I felt that everything about this book from the plot to the romances was underdeveloped. The sex scenes were uninspired and while i didnt dislike the leads i didnt really connect to them either. the plot was a good idea but i felt it dragged on way too long then wrapped up far too fast. almost 400 pages and only the last 5 or so explained the mystery behind the whole thing. And just out of nowhere the leads were getting married....they never once discussed how they felt each other. So yeah this is going in my give away pile...would not recommend it. A dud from a pretty great author
March 27, 2011
Two and a half stars. A light read; not much depth to the characters and the plot not particularly gripping but still kept me reading to find out who done it.
I must admit, Initially I suspected this person but dismissed him because he was a nothing character who popped in and out the story without having much affect the lives of the main characters. I thought it was too easy - oh well.
The romance was okay, although I'm not a big fan of two people becoming soul mates within the matter of days or weeks. I like to see a relationship develop over the course of the story, whether it's a human romance or supernatural.
I won't be in a hurry to read any more Heather Graham books.
I must admit, Initially I suspected this person but dismissed him because he was a nothing character who popped in and out the story without having much affect the lives of the main characters. I thought it was too easy - oh well.
The romance was okay, although I'm not a big fan of two people becoming soul mates within the matter of days or weeks. I like to see a relationship develop over the course of the story, whether it's a human romance or supernatural.
I won't be in a hurry to read any more Heather Graham books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2014
This is Harrison Investigations #2. Nikki DuMonde runs a ghost walking tour of New Orleans. One of her employees and friend is found dead. But Andy came to her in the middle of the night asking for help. Then Nikki realizes that Andy was already dead. With the help of Brent Blackhawk, she learns that she can see ghosts. Nikki and Brent get caught in a drug smuggling operation. Are they the people responsible for the deaths?
I liked this story. I love books that have New Orleans as a setting, add in the spooky storyline and I am a happy girl.
I liked this story. I love books that have New Orleans as a setting, add in the spooky storyline and I am a happy girl.
September 25, 2009
I seriously feel like I wasted my time. Okay, ghosts you think scary, well this was not. Second, the relationship that is somehow developed in this book was so unbelievable that I want to choke on it. And the villian in the end was just so well, lame. I love to give authors a one chance to make me a avid reader and this one just did not do it for me. The only saving grace for me in this book was the interesting tidbits about New Orleans.
March 1, 2012
Standard paranormal romance. Likable protagonists. Immediate emotional connection that never is explained. Too many characters that it was a bit confusing. The changes in the POV don't help. Nice writing style and good setting. The mystery itself wasn't terribly interesting. What the novel needed was more tension. For some reason, I didn't feel it at all.
July 13, 2016
Heather Graham never fails to disappoint me. I loved this book. It was full of suspense, history, a strong plot, a love story and kept me guessing through out the entire book. I loved the romance between Nikki and Brent. I loved the fact that Brent was kind, gentle and understanding. And of course, I loved the interaction with the ghosts.
April 3, 2016
1. This was another book club pick, it was a light fun read.
2. What I enjoyed most was it took place in New Orleans, now I really want to visit that area.
3. It was kind of silly at times, and had some pretty weak lines.
2. What I enjoyed most was it took place in New Orleans, now I really want to visit that area.
3. It was kind of silly at times, and had some pretty weak lines.
April 4, 2015
Oh, this was a great book, romance was a bit predictable, but the mystery was really great!
September 26, 2014
I am branching out to different reading material. Getting away from my rut I have gotten into. This book was fun.
September 6, 2015
Friendly ghost stuff. Just an OK read.
August 11, 2018
Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: A neat blend of history and paranormal folded with romance and murder is what we see with this plot.
Ghost Walk is the third book in the Harrison Investigation Series by the paranormal author Heather Graham published in September of 2005. This time around the central plot revolves around Nikki DuMonde - manager of a successful New Orleans haunted-tour company "Myths and Legends of New Orleans" - and Brent Blackhawk - a paranormal investigator with a tragic past.
Long before her Krewe of Hunters series (My review of the books I have read in that series so far are here (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...)), she had her Harrison Investigation Series headed by Adam Harrison. She credits him for starting the FBI special division called the Krewe of Hunters. While I was reading those books I was curious to read about Adam Harrison and books that came under his series. And now I have a few books from that series that I can read. This current book is the third in the series.
In this episode, Brent Blackhawk works as a paranormal investigator with Harrison Investigations headed by Adam Harrison. He is sent to New Orleans to investigate the death of an undercover agent and another woman's death - Andy Ciello, friend to Nikki DuMonde. Nikki is the only one who believes that Andy's death is not overdose but a murder. Now it is Brent's job to find the truth and get to the bottom of not only the two cases but also help Nikki understand her new-found paranormal ability to see ghosts.
However, they are attracted physically and emotionally in a way that they havent been to anyone else before. How do they act on their feelings while still trying to unravel the mystery is what the rest of the plot is about.
The cast of the plot aside from Nikki and Brent - Maximilian "Max" Dupuis (the founder of the company), Andrea "Andy" Ciello (a new recruit in the haunted tour company), Julian (Nikki's best friend from childhood), Nathan & Patricia Broussard (A couple as well as guides at the tour company), Mitch (A Philly born tour guide) and Madame D'Orso (owner of the café of the same name). And ofcourse the detectives who are on the case - Detective Owen Massey and his partner Detective Marc Joulette.
There is a lot of historical tours that Heather takes the readers along-side the ghost tours of Myths & Legends of New Orleans tour company. A lot more one can learn about the city - The Queen of Storyville Josie, Archibald McManus and his slave Huey, Madame Delphine Lalaurie and her husband Dr. Louis Lalaurie. Marie Laveau. This time around Heather also adds a tinge of politics on the edge of the paranormal mystery.
With so many characters, there would be repeat paraphrasing of having to explain a particular scene to the remaining characters. However, it was lesser compared to her previous book, The Presence (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). She also leaves a lot of inconsequential details along the plot just like her other books. But this time around I missed her explanation of a few of them at the end, or tying them up neatly.
A neat blend of history and paranormal folded with romance and murder is what we see with this plot. Like always Heather Graham makes it chiller without making it gorier and at the same time makes it softly erotic with the undertones of sexual tension between the two lead characters.
On a side note, I see the paper insert at the end for a reader tow buy two bestselling novels and get a free gift along. Very nostalgic.
Another intriguing plot that would lead to a plethora of books in this series and entertaining the reader every step of the way.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. Heather takes us through quite a few hangout and visiting spots in New Orleans with this plot - Pat O' Briens (http://www.patobriens.com/patobriens/...), Saint Louis Number 1 Cemetery (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_L...), Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Maxie's Supper Club and Oyster Bar.
b. Heather talks about TV crime shows where they solve a crime in one single day while in real life it takes much longer and sometimes cases go unsolved. I always wondered on the same thing. Life for any kind of cop on TV is made to look a lot more easier on camera.
2. Sub Plots:
a. In the previous book, The Presence (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), we get introduced to two of the investigators working for Adam Harrison - Darcy Stone and her husband Matt Stone. I started reading the remaining books in the series, but yet to get to Darcy and Matt's story.
3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 38, Line 3, it should be "…that native people…"
b. On Pg. 188, Line 24, it should be "…keep seeing both of…"
c. On Pg.213, Heather mentions only a "Ms. McManus" while introducing a character who was a descendent of Archibald McManus. However immediately after on Pg.214, she addresses her as "Marie"…without anywhere letting the readers know that her name is Marie McManus. A step somewhere missed in between perhaps.
Recommendation: A neat blend of history and paranormal folded with romance and murder is what we see with this plot.
Ghost Walk is the third book in the Harrison Investigation Series by the paranormal author Heather Graham published in September of 2005. This time around the central plot revolves around Nikki DuMonde - manager of a successful New Orleans haunted-tour company "Myths and Legends of New Orleans" - and Brent Blackhawk - a paranormal investigator with a tragic past.
Long before her Krewe of Hunters series (My review of the books I have read in that series so far are here (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...)), she had her Harrison Investigation Series headed by Adam Harrison. She credits him for starting the FBI special division called the Krewe of Hunters. While I was reading those books I was curious to read about Adam Harrison and books that came under his series. And now I have a few books from that series that I can read. This current book is the third in the series.
In this episode, Brent Blackhawk works as a paranormal investigator with Harrison Investigations headed by Adam Harrison. He is sent to New Orleans to investigate the death of an undercover agent and another woman's death - Andy Ciello, friend to Nikki DuMonde. Nikki is the only one who believes that Andy's death is not overdose but a murder. Now it is Brent's job to find the truth and get to the bottom of not only the two cases but also help Nikki understand her new-found paranormal ability to see ghosts.
However, they are attracted physically and emotionally in a way that they havent been to anyone else before. How do they act on their feelings while still trying to unravel the mystery is what the rest of the plot is about.
The cast of the plot aside from Nikki and Brent - Maximilian "Max" Dupuis (the founder of the company), Andrea "Andy" Ciello (a new recruit in the haunted tour company), Julian (Nikki's best friend from childhood), Nathan & Patricia Broussard (A couple as well as guides at the tour company), Mitch (A Philly born tour guide) and Madame D'Orso (owner of the café of the same name). And ofcourse the detectives who are on the case - Detective Owen Massey and his partner Detective Marc Joulette.
There is a lot of historical tours that Heather takes the readers along-side the ghost tours of Myths & Legends of New Orleans tour company. A lot more one can learn about the city - The Queen of Storyville Josie, Archibald McManus and his slave Huey, Madame Delphine Lalaurie and her husband Dr. Louis Lalaurie. Marie Laveau. This time around Heather also adds a tinge of politics on the edge of the paranormal mystery.
With so many characters, there would be repeat paraphrasing of having to explain a particular scene to the remaining characters. However, it was lesser compared to her previous book, The Presence (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). She also leaves a lot of inconsequential details along the plot just like her other books. But this time around I missed her explanation of a few of them at the end, or tying them up neatly.
A neat blend of history and paranormal folded with romance and murder is what we see with this plot. Like always Heather Graham makes it chiller without making it gorier and at the same time makes it softly erotic with the undertones of sexual tension between the two lead characters.
On a side note, I see the paper insert at the end for a reader tow buy two bestselling novels and get a free gift along. Very nostalgic.
Another intriguing plot that would lead to a plethora of books in this series and entertaining the reader every step of the way.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. Heather takes us through quite a few hangout and visiting spots in New Orleans with this plot - Pat O' Briens (http://www.patobriens.com/patobriens/...), Saint Louis Number 1 Cemetery (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_L...), Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Maxie's Supper Club and Oyster Bar.
b. Heather talks about TV crime shows where they solve a crime in one single day while in real life it takes much longer and sometimes cases go unsolved. I always wondered on the same thing. Life for any kind of cop on TV is made to look a lot more easier on camera.
2. Sub Plots:
a. In the previous book, The Presence (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), we get introduced to two of the investigators working for Adam Harrison - Darcy Stone and her husband Matt Stone. I started reading the remaining books in the series, but yet to get to Darcy and Matt's story.
3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 38, Line 3, it should be "…that native people…"
b. On Pg. 188, Line 24, it should be "…keep seeing both of…"
c. On Pg.213, Heather mentions only a "Ms. McManus" while introducing a character who was a descendent of Archibald McManus. However immediately after on Pg.214, she addresses her as "Marie"…without anywhere letting the readers know that her name is Marie McManus. A step somewhere missed in between perhaps.
March 12, 2022
Ghost Walk, Heather Graham, 2005
My favorite quote: “ … you can get the same feeling at a Civil War battle site — even with all the bodies removed. I guess it’s a way of feeling the past, of history, people, the emotions. Remnants of the lives that were lived there, lost there.” I like this because Heather Graham summed up very nicely my own thoughts on ghosts
Notable characters: Nikki DuMonde, the ghost tour guide; Andy, her recently-deceased friend; Brent Blackhawk, the paranormal investigator
Most memorable scene: Andy’s middle-of-the-night visit — though I have to say, Heather Graham can write some seriously spooktacular scenes when she wants to. I found Ghost Walk to be eerie in all the right ways
Greatest strengths: Ghost Walk is set in New Orleans and Heather Grahams’ descriptions of the city are top-notch. I visited New Orleans many years after reading this and was amazed by Heather Graham’s detail and accuracy in Ghost Walk. The above-ground cemeteries, the French Quarter, the ghost tours … there are a lot of people who’ve written about these things but I gotta say, Heather Graham nailed it like no other
Standout achievements: That would be Heather Graham’s crafty concealment of the killer (say that 5 times fast)
Fun Facts: Ghost Walk is one of many books I’ve picked up in various bookstores over the years simply because I liked the cover … a method that has yet to fail me. Don’t listen to them when they say you can’t judge a book by its cover — you totally can. Take Ghost Walk for example. I’d never even heard of Heather Graham before I stumbled across this book with its awesome cover, and now BAM! I’m a fan for life
Other media: Ghost Walk would make a wonderful movie, but alas …
What it taught me: I’ve talked a little about the spooky stuff, but the truth is, Heather Graham’s a bit of a cross-genre writer — which I love. She excels at suspense and paranormal, no doubt, but she really shines at romance. Few people write romance as well as Heather Graham and when I’m looking to create emotional and sexual tension between two characters, I frequently refer to her work — and Ghost Walk in particular
How it inspired me: Ghost Walk made me want to go to New Orleans
Additional thoughts: I didn’t know until later that Ghost Walk is part of a series — a very good series called the Harrison Investigation books — and I am glad to have discovered it
Haunt me: alistaircross.com
Read Ghost Walk: https://tinyurl.com/42zx7bds
My favorite quote: “ … you can get the same feeling at a Civil War battle site — even with all the bodies removed. I guess it’s a way of feeling the past, of history, people, the emotions. Remnants of the lives that were lived there, lost there.” I like this because Heather Graham summed up very nicely my own thoughts on ghosts
Notable characters: Nikki DuMonde, the ghost tour guide; Andy, her recently-deceased friend; Brent Blackhawk, the paranormal investigator
Most memorable scene: Andy’s middle-of-the-night visit — though I have to say, Heather Graham can write some seriously spooktacular scenes when she wants to. I found Ghost Walk to be eerie in all the right ways
Greatest strengths: Ghost Walk is set in New Orleans and Heather Grahams’ descriptions of the city are top-notch. I visited New Orleans many years after reading this and was amazed by Heather Graham’s detail and accuracy in Ghost Walk. The above-ground cemeteries, the French Quarter, the ghost tours … there are a lot of people who’ve written about these things but I gotta say, Heather Graham nailed it like no other
Standout achievements: That would be Heather Graham’s crafty concealment of the killer (say that 5 times fast)
Fun Facts: Ghost Walk is one of many books I’ve picked up in various bookstores over the years simply because I liked the cover … a method that has yet to fail me. Don’t listen to them when they say you can’t judge a book by its cover — you totally can. Take Ghost Walk for example. I’d never even heard of Heather Graham before I stumbled across this book with its awesome cover, and now BAM! I’m a fan for life
Other media: Ghost Walk would make a wonderful movie, but alas …
What it taught me: I’ve talked a little about the spooky stuff, but the truth is, Heather Graham’s a bit of a cross-genre writer — which I love. She excels at suspense and paranormal, no doubt, but she really shines at romance. Few people write romance as well as Heather Graham and when I’m looking to create emotional and sexual tension between two characters, I frequently refer to her work — and Ghost Walk in particular
How it inspired me: Ghost Walk made me want to go to New Orleans
Additional thoughts: I didn’t know until later that Ghost Walk is part of a series — a very good series called the Harrison Investigation books — and I am glad to have discovered it
Haunt me: alistaircross.com
Read Ghost Walk: https://tinyurl.com/42zx7bds
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