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Krewe of Hunters #13
The Hexed
A place of history, secrets...and witchcraft.
Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn't be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina—her "crazy" great-aunt, who spoke to the dead—a woman was murdered nearby.
Craig Rockwell—known as Rocky—is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI's team of paranormal investigators. He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods. Now another body's been found in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle. And Devin's been led to a third body—by...a ghost?
Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem's rich and disturbing history. Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other, something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of. But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth—or Devin's might be the next body in the woods...
Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn't be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina—her "crazy" great-aunt, who spoke to the dead—a woman was murdered nearby.
Craig Rockwell—known as Rocky—is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI's team of paranormal investigators. He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods. Now another body's been found in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle. And Devin's been led to a third body—by...a ghost?
Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem's rich and disturbing history. Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other, something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of. But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth—or Devin's might be the next body in the woods...
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 29, 2014
451 people are currently reading
2702 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
593 books6,947 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 286 reviews
July 9, 2017
Excellent cover on this one. Great use of graphics. Great representation on the story found within. It loses a star for the author's name being more prominent than the title.
Enjoyed this one. Loved the setting. Loved the history. The mystery kept me guessing right until the end. What I wasn't a fan of was how we are left hanging in the romance department. It seemed a little abrupt and with no resolution of whether they were even a couple of just fuck buddies.
That said, I don't read these books for the romance, so c'est la vie.
September 22, 2014
Very enjoyable and suspenseful story set in Salem, Massachusetts. Paranormal investigators, the Krewe of Hunters, are investigating a new series of murders that may have ties back to the days of the witch trials. Interesting and spooky with vivid descriptions, and very atmospheric.
February 3, 2018
The moment you see this takes place in Salem you know it's going to be connected to the thing Salem is known for most.
The story follows the usual pattern: the protagonists see ghosts, the ghosts are mostly helpful. Oh, and there's romance and stuff.
The thing that drove me crazy is the way the past was presented - through lectures. Whether it's on a guided tour through the area or someone is telling someone else about an event from the past, everything looks like a quote from a book on history or folklore. And occasionally it gets preachy in a don't-hate-other-people kind of way. If I were a child, it would work.
Next, when you don't want to paint one whole group of people with the same brush, that goes for the positive side too. If you don't want to say 'all X are bad', you can't say 'all X are good' either.
The romance was predictable. This isn't a critique, just a note on it. You could say they didn't do much for me.
The mystery was underwhelming. A couple of times things happened and it was clear that some of the characters are not that squeaky clean. And what was supposed to be this suspenseful, edge-of-the-seat reveal was anything but. The moment that scene starts, you know what's going on.
Overall, all I can say is that I didn't hate the story.
The story follows the usual pattern: the protagonists see ghosts, the ghosts are mostly helpful. Oh, and there's romance and stuff.
The thing that drove me crazy is the way the past was presented - through lectures. Whether it's on a guided tour through the area or someone is telling someone else about an event from the past, everything looks like a quote from a book on history or folklore. And occasionally it gets preachy in a don't-hate-other-people kind of way. If I were a child, it would work.
Next, when you don't want to paint one whole group of people with the same brush, that goes for the positive side too. If you don't want to say 'all X are bad', you can't say 'all X are good' either.
The romance was predictable. This isn't a critique, just a note on it. You could say they didn't do much for me.
The mystery was underwhelming. A couple of times things happened and it was clear that some of the characters are not that squeaky clean. And what was supposed to be this suspenseful, edge-of-the-seat reveal was anything but. The moment that scene starts, you know what's going on.
Overall, all I can say is that I didn't hate the story.
May 31, 2020
Nice twist at the end.
January 9, 2015
Woo! This is set in my state, Massachusetts! Boo! Graham got some facts and dialogue wrong. There was more use of the work 'wicked; in this one story than I've heard in the past five years. I guess the errors could be chalked up to artistic license, but disappointing nonetheless.
I knew the basics of the Salem witch trials before reading this book but I learned a lot. I have no idea at all how accurate it is but the story is richly detailed and some of course will have been adapted or created for the story, but it seems as if Graham did extensive research. Although there was a lot of detail, it didn't bog down the story but gave it depth. Rocky believes the current murders are connected to the Salem witch trials and Devin is convinced that at least one of the accused witches back then was murdered by her family.
At times, the connection between the past and the present was tenuous and I had trouble understanding and believing Rocky's determined belief that there was a connection. Much more believable was Rocky and Devin's ability to see and talk to ghosts. This is the thirteenth in the series with characters who can see and talk to ghosts and Graham has got it down pat.
Devin sees the ghost of her Aunt Mina and she's fully developed, despite being dead. She was a hoot and made me laugh out loud several times. She assists with the investigations and also pushes Rocky and Devin together while yet interrupting them at the most inopportune moments. In spite of her assistance, Rocky and Devin do get together and their first time was sweet. After she's threatened at her home, Rocky gets her a room at the hotel. Later in the night, she knocks on the door, hoping to seduce him but he's so focused on the case, he misses her cues completely until she spells it out for him. It was awkward, sweet, and tender. They're good together though I was completely on his side when he'd yell at her for being stupid. And she several times acted quite stupidly but at least she had the good sense to realize she'd been stupid.
The mystery was overly complicated at times and the connections between the past mystery and the current one were strained at times. There were many plausible suspects though several were too obvious and easily dismissed. I was surprised at the final reveal; I had considered that person but dismissed them. I'm still not convinced that it made sense but it holds together reasonably well.
"The Hexed" has atmosphere, a smooth flow, enjoyable characters, and was engrossing despite its flaws. This series keep getting better and bette
I knew the basics of the Salem witch trials before reading this book but I learned a lot. I have no idea at all how accurate it is but the story is richly detailed and some of course will have been adapted or created for the story, but it seems as if Graham did extensive research. Although there was a lot of detail, it didn't bog down the story but gave it depth. Rocky believes the current murders are connected to the Salem witch trials and Devin is convinced that at least one of the accused witches back then was murdered by her family.
At times, the connection between the past and the present was tenuous and I had trouble understanding and believing Rocky's determined belief that there was a connection. Much more believable was Rocky and Devin's ability to see and talk to ghosts. This is the thirteenth in the series with characters who can see and talk to ghosts and Graham has got it down pat.
Devin sees the ghost of her Aunt Mina and she's fully developed, despite being dead. She was a hoot and made me laugh out loud several times. She assists with the investigations and also pushes Rocky and Devin together while yet interrupting them at the most inopportune moments. In spite of her assistance, Rocky and Devin do get together and their first time was sweet. After she's threatened at her home, Rocky gets her a room at the hotel. Later in the night, she knocks on the door, hoping to seduce him but he's so focused on the case, he misses her cues completely until she spells it out for him. It was awkward, sweet, and tender. They're good together though I was completely on his side when he'd yell at her for being stupid. And she several times acted quite stupidly but at least she had the good sense to realize she'd been stupid.
The mystery was overly complicated at times and the connections between the past mystery and the current one were strained at times. There were many plausible suspects though several were too obvious and easily dismissed. I was surprised at the final reveal; I had considered that person but dismissed them. I'm still not convinced that it made sense but it holds together reasonably well.
"The Hexed" has atmosphere, a smooth flow, enjoyable characters, and was engrossing despite its flaws. This series keep getting better and bette
April 23, 2021
Review to come
June 21, 2018
Solid 3.5 stars!
I can't explain it but I have fun reading this series. I'm obsessively commented like I get but they are pleasurable and the spirits make me giggle.
I can't explain it but I have fun reading this series. I'm obsessively commented like I get but they are pleasurable and the spirits make me giggle.
September 24, 2014
My favorite kind of cozy mysteries are those with a paranormal element. There is just something about adding a bit (okay, sometimes a lot) of supernatural to a story that appeals to me most. Despite The Hexed being the thirteenth book in the Krewe Hunters series, it is my first. Fortunately for me, The Hexed is very much a stand alone novel. There is so little (nothing really) about characters that may have appeared in earlier books, that a reader jumping in now should not feel lost or feel like he or she missed out on a minor continuing story line.
In The Hexed, readers are introduced to Craig "Rocky" Rockwell, an FBI agent who asks to be assigned to the an elite division of the FBI called the Krewe Hunters. The Krewe Hunters, once a private detection agency, was adopted by the FBI because of their special abilities in dealing with the supernatural, namely ghosts. Rocky is haunted by the ritualistic murder of a friend when they were teenagers and when another body is found in the same area and in the same manner over a decade later, he requests to be involved in the investigation.
Devin Lyle, once reporter now children's book author, has only recently returned home to Salem, taking up residence in her deceased aunt's home. One night she hears a cry for help and runs outside into the woods by her house only to find the body of a woman.
Devin is pulled into the investigation of the murders due to her ability to see and talk to ghosts, one of which Rocky and Devin are sure has the key who is behind the murders and why someone would want the women dead. Add in an eccentric great-aunt who is a ghost, a black raven named Poe, and a budding love story, and you have an entertaining novel.
I really liked the character of Rocky. He is such a sweetheart, maybe a little too perfect. I found it interesting how the Krewe team gave him lead upon their arrival to town to help with the murder investigation, especially given how new he was to the unit. It made sense in some ways, I suppose: this was the area he had grown up in, one of his childhood friend's was the local lead on the case, and he was the first on the scene. It wasn't something that bothered me at all, just something I noticed.
Devin was no slouch, that's for sure. She's smart as a whip, especially when it comes to the history of the area. Sometimes when a civilian character gets involved with a police investigation it seems too unbelievable to buy into, but not so in Devin's case. At least I did not think so. In part, keeping her close was to protect her, but she was also the person the ghost from long ago wanted to talk to.
I enjoyed seeing the evolution of Devin and Rocky's relationship, but admit the moment they made their feelings known seemed forced somehow and so sudden. It wasn't how I imagined either character acting except maybe in their heads. Still, it was not a bad thing. Given how stressful the situation was, how dangerous, I should not be completely surprised.
The Hexed was an enjoyable read. I suspected just about everyone in the book at one point or another of being the killer, but it was not until closer to the end that I had it figured out. Somewhat. The investigation was slow going at times, but rightfully so given the amount of research and foot work the characters had to do. There is a bit of a need to suspend one's disbelief (and I'm not referring to the ghosts) in how Rocky came to some of his conclusions, but it was easy to look past as much fun as I was having reading to see what would happen next.
Will I read more by this author? Absolutely. I'm curious to learn more about the other members of the Krewe Hunters team and see what mysteries they encounter.
Copy provided by publisher for an honest review.
In The Hexed, readers are introduced to Craig "Rocky" Rockwell, an FBI agent who asks to be assigned to the an elite division of the FBI called the Krewe Hunters. The Krewe Hunters, once a private detection agency, was adopted by the FBI because of their special abilities in dealing with the supernatural, namely ghosts. Rocky is haunted by the ritualistic murder of a friend when they were teenagers and when another body is found in the same area and in the same manner over a decade later, he requests to be involved in the investigation.
Devin Lyle, once reporter now children's book author, has only recently returned home to Salem, taking up residence in her deceased aunt's home. One night she hears a cry for help and runs outside into the woods by her house only to find the body of a woman.
Devin is pulled into the investigation of the murders due to her ability to see and talk to ghosts, one of which Rocky and Devin are sure has the key who is behind the murders and why someone would want the women dead. Add in an eccentric great-aunt who is a ghost, a black raven named Poe, and a budding love story, and you have an entertaining novel.
I really liked the character of Rocky. He is such a sweetheart, maybe a little too perfect. I found it interesting how the Krewe team gave him lead upon their arrival to town to help with the murder investigation, especially given how new he was to the unit. It made sense in some ways, I suppose: this was the area he had grown up in, one of his childhood friend's was the local lead on the case, and he was the first on the scene. It wasn't something that bothered me at all, just something I noticed.
Devin was no slouch, that's for sure. She's smart as a whip, especially when it comes to the history of the area. Sometimes when a civilian character gets involved with a police investigation it seems too unbelievable to buy into, but not so in Devin's case. At least I did not think so. In part, keeping her close was to protect her, but she was also the person the ghost from long ago wanted to talk to.
I enjoyed seeing the evolution of Devin and Rocky's relationship, but admit the moment they made their feelings known seemed forced somehow and so sudden. It wasn't how I imagined either character acting except maybe in their heads. Still, it was not a bad thing. Given how stressful the situation was, how dangerous, I should not be completely surprised.
The Hexed was an enjoyable read. I suspected just about everyone in the book at one point or another of being the killer, but it was not until closer to the end that I had it figured out. Somewhat. The investigation was slow going at times, but rightfully so given the amount of research and foot work the characters had to do. There is a bit of a need to suspend one's disbelief (and I'm not referring to the ghosts) in how Rocky came to some of his conclusions, but it was easy to look past as much fun as I was having reading to see what would happen next.
Will I read more by this author? Absolutely. I'm curious to learn more about the other members of the Krewe Hunters team and see what mysteries they encounter.
Copy provided by publisher for an honest review.
August 12, 2014
This one was better than her last book but it still had some problems. Or rather one major problem. I liked the story even though it was a little slow in some places, but that's nothing new with this author. I also liked how she brought in a lot of the old history of the town she was basing this story in. To me that's what makes these stories good and she hasn't done that a lot recently. The main problem though I had was a big one. I didn't like the main female character. For starters she was whiny and shrill. Also she was hypocritical. She would yell at people for even asking questions about Wiccan's and then she would yell at people for calling her great-aunt a witch when she was a Wiccan. I understand that it's hard to create newish characters when you write as many books as the author does but to me this main character was a miss. Otherwise though the book was just as good as all of her others.
April 13, 2017
Each book in this series that I read seems to be my new favorite... but this one was great. Ghosts and Salem witch trials history. What could be better? Yes, I had the killer pegged pretty early, but didn't enjoy the book one bit less due to that. Looking forward to continuing the series.
March 12, 2023
Another great Krewe novel! As someone who just went to Salem in October it was so fun to be back in that sphere! Loved the past murder and the future mystery and the addition of a pet bird. This little trilogy in this series so far is so good!!
May 2, 2018
I'd actually give this 3&1/2 stars.
January 6, 2019
Another fun paranormal romance novel. My little guilty pleasures.
July 14, 2019
I picked up this book whilst my car was being serviced, just something for the wait, and I’m glad I did. A twisty tale of the craziness people can believe, along with a few ghosts, a little romance. A good read.
November 29, 2018
Stars: 3.5 / 5
Recommendation: Yes, pick it up for a mystery involving paranormal elements, historical flair and the romantic side of the plot.
The Hexed is the thirteenth book in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham and published in May of 2014. The plot is set in and around Salem, MA and centers around Devin Lyle - a children's book author - and Craig "Rocky" Rockwell - an FBI agent and recent recruit to the Krewe of Hunters.
This forms the second book in the second trilogy within the series. The first book being The Cursed (Review here: https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). The first trilogy is a set of three books with"The Night is...." in their title: the ninth book The Night is Watching (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... the tenth book The Night is Alive (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... the eleventh book The Night is Forever (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
Krewe are a secret FBI unit with each member of the unit honing a particular psychic talent of their own, making them the paranormal investigating team. This unit was created to deal with murders having supernatural undertones and paranormal activities. Headed by paranormal investigator Adam Harrison, this elite unit is called on to solve cases linked to historical mystery involving legendary crime and serial killings, war events and hauntings. The Krewe are divided into three distinct groups. The first group is led by Jackson Crow, who is also the Assistant Director of the Krewe, and called as the original Krewe of Hunters; the second group is led by Texas Ranger Logan Raintree and called as the Texas Krewe; the third group headed by Malachi Gordon although they haven't named their team yet.
Devin Lyle finally moves back into her family home in Salem, MA inherited from her great-aunt Mina, and on her third children's fantasy book. Just when life seems all calm and serene, she finds a dead woman in the woods behind her home. FBI agent Craig "Rocky" Rockwell is assigned to his first case after joining the Krewe of Hunters - Team One. A case that brings him to Devin's neck of the woods; a case that is so similar to what he had occurred 13 years ago; a case that literally runs Devin into Rocky's path.
But more bodies are piling up. And a serial killer need to be stopped before there is a reoccurrence of witch trials that happened some 300 years ago. In the meanwhile Devin is falling for Rocky hard and fast. Is that magic? Or feelings coming from two people thrown into a stressed out situation? Or is it more? Only way to know is to read the book and find out for yourself.
The Krewe of hunter books are getting more and more chilling and preying on the human psychology a lot than the Harrison Investigation books. This one in particular surrounding witches and witchcraft definitely gave me shivers enough to last the entire night.
Like I mentioned in one of the book before, it always bugged me in Heather Graham's plots that at the end no matter how many agents are around you or how many safety mechanisms are put in place, somehow the lead heroine always ends up with the protagonist. Can there be one plot where that doesn’t happen? I guess not. But it always bugs me.
The Krewe of Hunters who get invited into the investigation are from Team One, The Krewe of Hunters - Angela Crowe (Jackson Crowe's wife - the head of Team One; Their story is told in the first book Phantom Evil (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...) and we knew her as Angela Hawkins in that plot), Samuel Anthony Hall and his girlfriend Jenna Duffy (Their story is told in the fourth book The Evil Inside (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...) and Jane Everett from Team Two, The Texas Krewe (girlfriend of Sloan Trent; their story is told in ninth book The Night is Watching (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
Since the case that Sam and Jenna had worked in The Evil Inside is in the same area as this case, a lot of reminiscence of that case is shown to the readers connecting the books and characters. Oh don’t forget Adam Harrison who always joins the cost at the most opportune time.
On a side note, in the copy of the book that I have, there are no hard card inserts that gives reader an opportunity to either join a book club and win books, or buy a book and get a few free.
A very good mingle of murder and mystery; past and present; witches and witchcraft; and above all romance and love. Although I am surprised at the number of grammatical and sometimes character errors I see in the books as the series progresses. Clearly who ever edits for Heather Graham isn't doing a good job.
Another successful thriller in the series of books under Krewe of Hunters by Heather Graham that is an easy ready and still enjoyable. A tale that captures one easily till the end.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. Finally Heather clears the fact around Jackson Crowe's position - he is the assistant director of the Krewe and heads Team One titled Krewe of Hunters.
b. Some of the TV shows that Aunite Mina - Devin Lyle's great-aunt - enjoyed were pretty much close to what I enjoy too:
i. Monk, TV series about an OCD Detective (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monk_(T...)
ii. The Big Bang Theory, TV Series about physicists and comedy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big...)
iii. Frasier, TV Series about a psychiatrist turned radio show host (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frasier)
iv. Murder, She Wrote, TV Series about a teacher turned mystery writer who solves murders (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder,...). I love this series very much too and actually have read a few books of whose review one can find here (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...)
v. Perry Mason, TV Series about a defense attorney (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perry_M...). I love this series too and read a few books that the TV series was based on. Their reviews can be found here (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
c. Heather Graham hints of a Yankee Krewe being formed the way the numbers were increasing. Possibly we will see a third or fourth Krewe team, whichever way you look at it pretty soon.
2. Sub Plots:
a. In eleventh book, The Night Is Forever (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), Dustin Blake was part of an FBI team consisting of Grant Shelby, Cindy Greenstreet and Jerry Gunter. I am wondering why Heather Graham had mentioned their complete names as well as a brief intro, albeit as part of the conversation. Will they resurface in future plots is something we have to wait and see.
b. Dustin Blake has a sister Rayna Blake who is a Nashville sensation - a country music singer. I wonder if Heather Graham will use her as a lead character in a future book.
c. Katie O'Hara and David Beckett are two characters in The Cursed plot. And a history into their background paused me to think they might be characters from another of Heather Graham book. I was pretty sure they weren't from Krewe of Hunters or Harrison Investigation series. A little dig on google pointed me to Ghost Shadow, the first book in Bone Island Series by Heather Graham published in 2010. Having not yet read that series, I am curious if Hannah O'Brien or Liam Beckett, David's brother, appear in that book as well.
d. In The Cursed, Heather Graham while giving a background of The Krewe of Hunters, has Logan Raintree talk about only two Krewe units. But I distinctly remember that in tenth book The Night is Alive, Malachi Gordon was made the head of the third unit which is yet to be named. Was I confused about that? Or has Malachi Gordon rejected being head of third unit and is simply part of one of the already existing two Krewes? Very confusing on that part.
3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 84, Line 8, it should be "…None of them were…"
b. On Pg. 59, in the scene Heather describes, it seems that Rocky already is sipping his cup of coffee. But on Pg. 61, she has Devin put the coffee tray on the table and then offer him coffee. So, an error in scene representation, perhaps.
c. On Pg. 17, Heather has Rocky's mom remarry a retired fireman. But on 142, she has her remarried to a retired cop. An error in character depiction.
d. On Pg. 207, Line 5 from bottom, it should be "…stay as it was…"
e. On Pg. 298, Line 8, it should be "…I've seen her…"
Recommendation: Yes, pick it up for a mystery involving paranormal elements, historical flair and the romantic side of the plot.
The Hexed is the thirteenth book in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham and published in May of 2014. The plot is set in and around Salem, MA and centers around Devin Lyle - a children's book author - and Craig "Rocky" Rockwell - an FBI agent and recent recruit to the Krewe of Hunters.
This forms the second book in the second trilogy within the series. The first book being The Cursed (Review here: https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). The first trilogy is a set of three books with"The Night is...." in their title: the ninth book The Night is Watching (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... the tenth book The Night is Alive (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... the eleventh book The Night is Forever (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
Krewe are a secret FBI unit with each member of the unit honing a particular psychic talent of their own, making them the paranormal investigating team. This unit was created to deal with murders having supernatural undertones and paranormal activities. Headed by paranormal investigator Adam Harrison, this elite unit is called on to solve cases linked to historical mystery involving legendary crime and serial killings, war events and hauntings. The Krewe are divided into three distinct groups. The first group is led by Jackson Crow, who is also the Assistant Director of the Krewe, and called as the original Krewe of Hunters; the second group is led by Texas Ranger Logan Raintree and called as the Texas Krewe; the third group headed by Malachi Gordon although they haven't named their team yet.
Devin Lyle finally moves back into her family home in Salem, MA inherited from her great-aunt Mina, and on her third children's fantasy book. Just when life seems all calm and serene, she finds a dead woman in the woods behind her home. FBI agent Craig "Rocky" Rockwell is assigned to his first case after joining the Krewe of Hunters - Team One. A case that brings him to Devin's neck of the woods; a case that is so similar to what he had occurred 13 years ago; a case that literally runs Devin into Rocky's path.
But more bodies are piling up. And a serial killer need to be stopped before there is a reoccurrence of witch trials that happened some 300 years ago. In the meanwhile Devin is falling for Rocky hard and fast. Is that magic? Or feelings coming from two people thrown into a stressed out situation? Or is it more? Only way to know is to read the book and find out for yourself.
The Krewe of hunter books are getting more and more chilling and preying on the human psychology a lot than the Harrison Investigation books. This one in particular surrounding witches and witchcraft definitely gave me shivers enough to last the entire night.
Like I mentioned in one of the book before, it always bugged me in Heather Graham's plots that at the end no matter how many agents are around you or how many safety mechanisms are put in place, somehow the lead heroine always ends up with the protagonist. Can there be one plot where that doesn’t happen? I guess not. But it always bugs me.
The Krewe of Hunters who get invited into the investigation are from Team One, The Krewe of Hunters - Angela Crowe (Jackson Crowe's wife - the head of Team One; Their story is told in the first book Phantom Evil (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...) and we knew her as Angela Hawkins in that plot), Samuel Anthony Hall and his girlfriend Jenna Duffy (Their story is told in the fourth book The Evil Inside (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...) and Jane Everett from Team Two, The Texas Krewe (girlfriend of Sloan Trent; their story is told in ninth book The Night is Watching (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
Since the case that Sam and Jenna had worked in The Evil Inside is in the same area as this case, a lot of reminiscence of that case is shown to the readers connecting the books and characters. Oh don’t forget Adam Harrison who always joins the cost at the most opportune time.
On a side note, in the copy of the book that I have, there are no hard card inserts that gives reader an opportunity to either join a book club and win books, or buy a book and get a few free.
A very good mingle of murder and mystery; past and present; witches and witchcraft; and above all romance and love. Although I am surprised at the number of grammatical and sometimes character errors I see in the books as the series progresses. Clearly who ever edits for Heather Graham isn't doing a good job.
Another successful thriller in the series of books under Krewe of Hunters by Heather Graham that is an easy ready and still enjoyable. A tale that captures one easily till the end.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. Finally Heather clears the fact around Jackson Crowe's position - he is the assistant director of the Krewe and heads Team One titled Krewe of Hunters.
b. Some of the TV shows that Aunite Mina - Devin Lyle's great-aunt - enjoyed were pretty much close to what I enjoy too:
i. Monk, TV series about an OCD Detective (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monk_(T...)
ii. The Big Bang Theory, TV Series about physicists and comedy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big...)
iii. Frasier, TV Series about a psychiatrist turned radio show host (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frasier)
iv. Murder, She Wrote, TV Series about a teacher turned mystery writer who solves murders (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder,...). I love this series very much too and actually have read a few books of whose review one can find here (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...)
v. Perry Mason, TV Series about a defense attorney (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perry_M...). I love this series too and read a few books that the TV series was based on. Their reviews can be found here (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
c. Heather Graham hints of a Yankee Krewe being formed the way the numbers were increasing. Possibly we will see a third or fourth Krewe team, whichever way you look at it pretty soon.
2. Sub Plots:
a. In eleventh book, The Night Is Forever (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), Dustin Blake was part of an FBI team consisting of Grant Shelby, Cindy Greenstreet and Jerry Gunter. I am wondering why Heather Graham had mentioned their complete names as well as a brief intro, albeit as part of the conversation. Will they resurface in future plots is something we have to wait and see.
b. Dustin Blake has a sister Rayna Blake who is a Nashville sensation - a country music singer. I wonder if Heather Graham will use her as a lead character in a future book.
c. Katie O'Hara and David Beckett are two characters in The Cursed plot. And a history into their background paused me to think they might be characters from another of Heather Graham book. I was pretty sure they weren't from Krewe of Hunters or Harrison Investigation series. A little dig on google pointed me to Ghost Shadow, the first book in Bone Island Series by Heather Graham published in 2010. Having not yet read that series, I am curious if Hannah O'Brien or Liam Beckett, David's brother, appear in that book as well.
d. In The Cursed, Heather Graham while giving a background of The Krewe of Hunters, has Logan Raintree talk about only two Krewe units. But I distinctly remember that in tenth book The Night is Alive, Malachi Gordon was made the head of the third unit which is yet to be named. Was I confused about that? Or has Malachi Gordon rejected being head of third unit and is simply part of one of the already existing two Krewes? Very confusing on that part.
3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 84, Line 8, it should be "…None of them were…"
b. On Pg. 59, in the scene Heather describes, it seems that Rocky already is sipping his cup of coffee. But on Pg. 61, she has Devin put the coffee tray on the table and then offer him coffee. So, an error in scene representation, perhaps.
c. On Pg. 17, Heather has Rocky's mom remarry a retired fireman. But on 142, she has her remarried to a retired cop. An error in character depiction.
d. On Pg. 207, Line 5 from bottom, it should be "…stay as it was…"
e. On Pg. 298, Line 8, it should be "…I've seen her…"
August 7, 2014
Hexed is the thirteenth book in the Krewe of Hunters paranormal mystery/romance series by Heather Graham. One of the things I love about this series is that each can work as a standalone. In Hexed, Graham took us to the Massachusetts’ area on the outskirts of Salem. An unsolved murder occurred thirteen years ago, and it looks like the killer is back. Romance, the witch trials and paranormal woo-woo made this tale a real page-turner.
The newest member of the Krewe of Hunters is Craig Rockwell, nicknamed Rocky. When a body is found that appears to be murdered in the same fashion as a friend he found back in high school, he requests to join the Krewe. Rocky grew up in the area outside of Salem, and his friend’s murder is what drove him to join the FBI. On his way to the local police department, he almost hits Devin Lyle, who has returned to the area after inheriting her great-aunt Mina’s cabin. Devin has just found another body and a ghost led her to it. Devin is former reporter who writes children’s book, and she may have inherited more than her Aunt’s cabin as a ghostly spirit has Devin and Rocky looking into Salem’s dark past.
We get to see older members of the Krewe and I loved the addition of Rocky. His back-story regarding the first murder was interesting, and I was fond of him. Devin was interesting, from her family history to the wonderful witchy children books she writes. The townsfolk were colorful and just how I imagine the locals to be. I love that Graham fleshed them out while weaving in the history of the witch trials.
High body count, ghostly aspirations and an interesting list of suspects have Devin and Rocky delving into the past and looking at the local suspects. Graham knows how to spin a good yarn, and the atmosphere of the Salem area and its witchy background added an excellent layer of suspense, and tension to the Hexed. The romance that develop between Devin ad Rocky was the slow building, passionate romance that readers’ love. I easily connected to both and adored Devin. She is quirky, strong, and lives with a crow and her dead Aunt Mina! The execution of the mystery kept me guessing, with the twists and turns Graham weaved. The reveal was fascinating, and I always love discovering the why.
From the slow-building romance to the murder mystery, Graham had me hooked with Hexed. Fans of paranormal woo-woo and Salem history will love this addition to the Krewe of Hunters.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
The newest member of the Krewe of Hunters is Craig Rockwell, nicknamed Rocky. When a body is found that appears to be murdered in the same fashion as a friend he found back in high school, he requests to join the Krewe. Rocky grew up in the area outside of Salem, and his friend’s murder is what drove him to join the FBI. On his way to the local police department, he almost hits Devin Lyle, who has returned to the area after inheriting her great-aunt Mina’s cabin. Devin has just found another body and a ghost led her to it. Devin is former reporter who writes children’s book, and she may have inherited more than her Aunt’s cabin as a ghostly spirit has Devin and Rocky looking into Salem’s dark past.
We get to see older members of the Krewe and I loved the addition of Rocky. His back-story regarding the first murder was interesting, and I was fond of him. Devin was interesting, from her family history to the wonderful witchy children books she writes. The townsfolk were colorful and just how I imagine the locals to be. I love that Graham fleshed them out while weaving in the history of the witch trials.
High body count, ghostly aspirations and an interesting list of suspects have Devin and Rocky delving into the past and looking at the local suspects. Graham knows how to spin a good yarn, and the atmosphere of the Salem area and its witchy background added an excellent layer of suspense, and tension to the Hexed. The romance that develop between Devin ad Rocky was the slow building, passionate romance that readers’ love. I easily connected to both and adored Devin. She is quirky, strong, and lives with a crow and her dead Aunt Mina! The execution of the mystery kept me guessing, with the twists and turns Graham weaved. The reveal was fascinating, and I always love discovering the why.
From the slow-building romance to the murder mystery, Graham had me hooked with Hexed. Fans of paranormal woo-woo and Salem history will love this addition to the Krewe of Hunters.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
February 12, 2015
This story drew me right in as soon as I opened it. The setting is so wonderfully spooky, the ghosts are just enough to be interesting and Devin and Rocky are interesting and likable. I even liked Poe, the raven Devin inherited from her Aunt Mina. I thought the mix of history was well done and they did research! I love when they do research in books! Rocky was a nice guy. Smart, driven and so relieved to be with other people who could see ghosts it seeped off the pages. The rest of the Krewe is interesting and I'm looking forward to reading their stories. I liked that Rocky's relationships with his old friends isn't all hearts and rainbows. There's some tension and some old resentments and while that's not present all the time they do stumble on the undercurrents sometimes. The look into the behind the scenes of the tourist town was interesting. I liked how the relationship progressed between Devin and Rocky. It didn't feel unnaturally fast and they liked each other from first meeting. It felt real and went with the flow of the book. The pacing for this one was very good and really I just wanted to curl up with a cup of tea and read this one. Perfect rainy day reading!
Con: I found myself thinking "Okay well how did they reach that conclusion?" a few times. It wasn't that it didn't make sense it was that there were some jumps in logic that were pretty big or that they would all of a sudden turn theory into fact. Granted this is a mystery where ghosts help out so I'm not looking for 100% accuracy but it did puzzle me a few times. Bea at Bea's Book Nook had some issues with some of the accuracy of the facts about Massachusetts and the overuse of the world "wicked". I have never been to Massachusetts and have no connection to the state so none of this bothered me but if you're from there or are familiar with the area be prepared!
Overall: This is a fun book with just enough creep to add atmosphere but not so much to give you nightmares. Though this is book #13 in the series in no way let that stop you from picking this one up. These are only loosely connected and each can be read as stand alone.
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
Con: I found myself thinking "Okay well how did they reach that conclusion?" a few times. It wasn't that it didn't make sense it was that there were some jumps in logic that were pretty big or that they would all of a sudden turn theory into fact. Granted this is a mystery where ghosts help out so I'm not looking for 100% accuracy but it did puzzle me a few times. Bea at Bea's Book Nook had some issues with some of the accuracy of the facts about Massachusetts and the overuse of the world "wicked". I have never been to Massachusetts and have no connection to the state so none of this bothered me but if you're from there or are familiar with the area be prepared!
Overall: This is a fun book with just enough creep to add atmosphere but not so much to give you nightmares. Though this is book #13 in the series in no way let that stop you from picking this one up. These are only loosely connected and each can be read as stand alone.
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
June 30, 2016
This was a fast paced murder mystery. It takes place in Salem, home of the famous witch trials. The first murder took place thirteen years ago, and a friend to Craig Rockwell, who is the newest member of a paranormal investigation squad. The next murder is so close to the first murder that they know either they are looking at a copy cat, or the original murder is back. Devin Lyle has just moved back to the area, since her beloved aunt passed away, leaving her property to Devlin. She is just settling in when she hears someone pleading for help. She runs into the woods by her home, and finds a young woman laid out in a Pentagon shape with her neck slashed. She runs into the road to get help and is almost hit by Craig. This book has a spooky, ghost, and paranormal quality to it. It also gives a lot of information concerning the witch trials, and the insanity that spread leading to many innocent deaths. The reasons behind the continuing murders is on going, as the group tries to unravel tips from humans, and ghosts. All the suspects are friends to either Craig, or Devlin. The book goes to great lengths to keep the reader guessing. I had my murderer picked out, and changed my mind several times, but still felt my first pick was best. I won't give anything away. There is a romance, and a little sex, but not graphic or over done. I liked the final chapters which was a great way to finish the story. I have just recently found this author, but I have not been disappointed. Murder, romance, with a gothic, and paranormal twist...good read.
January 12, 2019
Their Jane Doe lay on the table. If she weren't such a strange color and didn't feel like ice -- and didn't have the Y incision that was the most obvious sign of an autopsy -- she might have been any young woman catching a few rays.
Wow I don't even know what to say about that little paragraph. I mean seriously it boils down to " except for ALL of the obvious signs that she is dead she might be alive". How moronic. It seems like each book has more asinine sections in it than the last. It's almost like the author is saying "Hey I was successful for 12 other books why try anymore!"
It's hard to get through a story when you keep thinking the characters must have brains the size of fleas. And the way they keep giving history lessons on Salem to people that live there. People that live in Salem may give a history lesson to a stranger but NOT to the neighbors. If they do I am never going to visit there because somehow they can turn fascinating history into very dull history. Because if this book is any indication they will repeat and repeat the same lecture over and over and over again. It really doesnt vary much from conversation to conversation either. "The pentagram is not evil, Wiccans are not evil" blah, blah, blah and etc. Maybe I will count how many times it actually says that in the book and edit my review but that would mean reading it again and I'm just not sure I have the fortitude required to do that.
Wow I don't even know what to say about that little paragraph. I mean seriously it boils down to " except for ALL of the obvious signs that she is dead she might be alive". How moronic. It seems like each book has more asinine sections in it than the last. It's almost like the author is saying "Hey I was successful for 12 other books why try anymore!"
It's hard to get through a story when you keep thinking the characters must have brains the size of fleas. And the way they keep giving history lessons on Salem to people that live there. People that live in Salem may give a history lesson to a stranger but NOT to the neighbors. If they do I am never going to visit there because somehow they can turn fascinating history into very dull history. Because if this book is any indication they will repeat and repeat the same lecture over and over and over again. It really doesnt vary much from conversation to conversation either. "The pentagram is not evil, Wiccans are not evil" blah, blah, blah and etc. Maybe I will count how many times it actually says that in the book and edit my review but that would mean reading it again and I'm just not sure I have the fortitude required to do that.
June 7, 2020
I think this is the 1st time I give it a 1 star. It wasn't even because 45 mins into the book and already we were in cheeseville. The main woman character in this book is like a broken recorder. She is such a pain constantly saying that it CAN NOT be anyone she knows who is the killer. She seems so entitled and snobbish the whole time. Both her ghost are lame. A pet crow? Come on! Also, it just doesn't make sense how an FBI would just let a regular civilian, a rude and annoying one, come along with him to investigate multiple murders. Lazy writing in this one. You can figure out who it is so easily despite the rather obvious attempts to throw you off. It was hard not falling asleep during this one. Glad it's over sad to see the charters will be in the novela, of course, SHOCKER getting married...eye roll.
These books have the same formula. There is either a man or a woman as the main charter. If its a man, he is handsome and smart. If it's a woman she is beautiful and although the writer makes you believe she is smart, she will always end up being the damsel in distress. The female is most of the time annoying and dislikes the man but somehow they fall in love. And not just love but the book ends with them going away and either getting engaged or married. Ridiculous! This is the same every time that I am just going to copy-paste this part of my review moving forward. And for anyone wondering why I am reading these, they are free and I am pregnant during a quarantine.
These books have the same formula. There is either a man or a woman as the main charter. If its a man, he is handsome and smart. If it's a woman she is beautiful and although the writer makes you believe she is smart, she will always end up being the damsel in distress. The female is most of the time annoying and dislikes the man but somehow they fall in love. And not just love but the book ends with them going away and either getting engaged or married. Ridiculous! This is the same every time that I am just going to copy-paste this part of my review moving forward. And for anyone wondering why I am reading these, they are free and I am pregnant during a quarantine.
September 11, 2014
f you are in the mood for some spooky Halloween-ish reading, The Hexed is definitely the book for you. I've always been a fan of Heather Graham. She does paranormal suspense so well. This book will have you turning the pages until you are finished, and anything that goes bump in the night will make you jump.
It has all the things that make a book spooky. Ghosts, some friendly, like Devin's aunt and some a bit more on the creepy side.
The murders have a witchy twist, which makes the setting in the Salem area absolutely perfect. There are three murders and Rocky and Devin are the ones that are going to solve this crime.
What makes this book so fabulous, besides all the wonderful Salem history, is how Heather leads you down a merry chase when it comes to the killer. Just when you think you know, that character is taken out of the pool. There was one point where I was absolute sure I knew who killed all the women, only to find out I was wrong.
I love a mystery where I'm kept guessing.
This is book 13 in the Krewe of Hunters series, and it works great as a stand alone, but it is definitely a series that you'll want to check out. (Maybe not all at once, but a few at a time, especially in the month of Oct)
Highly recommended!
It has all the things that make a book spooky. Ghosts, some friendly, like Devin's aunt and some a bit more on the creepy side.
The murders have a witchy twist, which makes the setting in the Salem area absolutely perfect. There are three murders and Rocky and Devin are the ones that are going to solve this crime.
What makes this book so fabulous, besides all the wonderful Salem history, is how Heather leads you down a merry chase when it comes to the killer. Just when you think you know, that character is taken out of the pool. There was one point where I was absolute sure I knew who killed all the women, only to find out I was wrong.
I love a mystery where I'm kept guessing.
This is book 13 in the Krewe of Hunters series, and it works great as a stand alone, but it is definitely a series that you'll want to check out. (Maybe not all at once, but a few at a time, especially in the month of Oct)
Highly recommended!
May 14, 2017
I went into this not knowing that this was part of a series, or that it dealt with the extent it did of the supernatural. I should have realized that something with a group called Krewe would probably not be enjoyable to me, but it was Salem and witches and murder and I was blinded. seriously, this is just bad. Someone's been murdering people and it probably ties into a murder that took place years ago, and everything falls into place with so much coincidence that it really is just boring. I should have stopped reading when the ghost showed up and realized what kind off mystery this was, but I was really foolish thinking it would get better. Then I realized I was on the last chapter and still nothing had happened! Also the relationship between Rocky and Devin was just... So annoying and forced and not interesting at all. The ending was also just forced together and sudden with no real wrap up because I guess we're just going to find out in the next novel...
November 14, 2014
These are my go to books. I am a major fan of Heather Graham and this book doesn't disappoint. I loved that this book is in Salem and witch involved. No shortage of ghosts either. Loved the aunt! This book series is paranormal romance. I have grown to love the characters and can't wait for their return in her other books. Like I said, they are my go to books and I will put myself on the list for the next release.
October 15, 2016
Yeah loved this book, it's another fantastic book in this series, and yeah, I can't wait to read more!
October 6, 2020
This time Heather took me to.Salem, Massachusetts and it was wonderful. As soon as this COVID stuff is over ~ I'm going.
May 20, 2024
It was... okay. I'm not familiar with Graham's work and I'm now learning that there is a series of Krewe Books which in theory sounds fun.
This particular story starts out pretty strong. The introduction of the first murder really draws you in. The main protagonist is okay, very preachy, and not particularly interesting. She spends most of the story telling the history of Salem despite being an author of children's fiction, instead of allowing the tour guide friend to share the history he's employed to know. I wish Graham made use of the initial traits (ex journalist) given to Devin, made her a bit more independent in trying to find details on who the killer might be. Instead Devin is made to look like a clumsy damsel which doesn't make sense for the journalist-type. It would have made the coupling more interesting if she kept impeding the FBI's case in an attempt to figure it out on her own. Probably would have made for a more charismatic romantic pairing like an enemies to lovers ordeal. Instead, they were practically attached at the hip the entire story and neither character is memorable when independent from each other.
Though the story has a pretty strong start and even an interesting premise, the story drags out too long and offers the audience way too much irrelevant details on the history of Salem. It also doesn't really find an interesting way to provide that information because its always in the form of a long speech courtesy of Devin. The book constantly revisits the same possible suspects over and over because it refuses to introduce new characters until the last chapter which makes the detective work seem really lacking and cyclical.
In an effort to make it clear that "all Wiccan's aren't bad" the author spends a lot of time tying witchcraft to early Christianity... and then ironically settles on blaming Satanists which is hypocritical if you ask me. The reveal is stale for two reasons: (1) "Satanist are selfish and bad" is not a very creative motive and it lacks depth (2) The person Graham inevitably goes with isn't given enough build up, likely to avoid the audience suspicion. It should have been a bigger deal but the reveal just falls flat because Graham rushes the ending so much that there's no emotional pay off whatsoever. The last few pages is just explaining everything and tying all the minor details in a way that is so lazy. Its almost as if Graham didn't decide until the last few chapters who the killer would be. It's a disappointing read in my opinion, but is fun if your only looking for a surface level romance with supernatural elements.
This particular story starts out pretty strong. The introduction of the first murder really draws you in. The main protagonist is okay, very preachy, and not particularly interesting. She spends most of the story telling the history of Salem despite being an author of children's fiction, instead of allowing the tour guide friend to share the history he's employed to know. I wish Graham made use of the initial traits (ex journalist) given to Devin, made her a bit more independent in trying to find details on who the killer might be. Instead Devin is made to look like a clumsy damsel which doesn't make sense for the journalist-type. It would have made the coupling more interesting if she kept impeding the FBI's case in an attempt to figure it out on her own. Probably would have made for a more charismatic romantic pairing like an enemies to lovers ordeal. Instead, they were practically attached at the hip the entire story and neither character is memorable when independent from each other.
Though the story has a pretty strong start and even an interesting premise, the story drags out too long and offers the audience way too much irrelevant details on the history of Salem. It also doesn't really find an interesting way to provide that information because its always in the form of a long speech courtesy of Devin. The book constantly revisits the same possible suspects over and over because it refuses to introduce new characters until the last chapter which makes the detective work seem really lacking and cyclical.
In an effort to make it clear that "all Wiccan's aren't bad" the author spends a lot of time tying witchcraft to early Christianity... and then ironically settles on blaming Satanists which is hypocritical if you ask me. The reveal is stale for two reasons: (1) "Satanist are selfish and bad" is not a very creative motive and it lacks depth (2) The person Graham inevitably goes with isn't given enough build up, likely to avoid the audience suspicion. It should have been a bigger deal but the reveal just falls flat because Graham rushes the ending so much that there's no emotional pay off whatsoever. The last few pages is just explaining everything and tying all the minor details in a way that is so lazy. Its almost as if Graham didn't decide until the last few chapters who the killer would be. It's a disappointing read in my opinion, but is fun if your only looking for a surface level romance with supernatural elements.
December 29, 2025
4 Stars
‘Adam Harrison put together a group of people with special skills … These are their stories.’
The Hexed is the thirteenth book in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham...
Okay, so if you’re into crime-solving with a supernatural twist, then Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series is like comfort food for your spooky-loving soul. Imagine a team of FBI agents who can see and communicate with ghosts - but instead of it being all doom and gloom, it’s got this cozy, slightly romantic vibe mixed in with the mystery.
Each book focuses on a different agent, so you get fresh characters and settings every time, but there’s still that familiar “Krewe family” feel. The cases range from creepy old mansions to haunted battlefields, and Ms. Graham is really good at weaving in bits of history without making it feel too ‘heavy’.
Are the plots sometimes a little predictable? Sure. But honestly, that’s part of the charm - you’re there for the atmosphere, the ghostly encounters, and the slow-burn romances as much as the whodunit. It’s the kind of series you can dip in and out of without feeling lost, although saying that, reading the books in consecutive order gives you a bigger picture as well as providing a nice sense of connection between the characters.
If you like your mysteries with a dash of paranormal, a sprinkle of romance, and a cast of likable, slightly quirky investigators - then the Krewe of Hunters is a fun, binge-worthy ride. Perfect for late-night reading with a cup of tea.
Happy Reading… 👻
‘Adam Harrison put together a group of people with special skills … These are their stories.’
The Hexed is the thirteenth book in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham...
Okay, so if you’re into crime-solving with a supernatural twist, then Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series is like comfort food for your spooky-loving soul. Imagine a team of FBI agents who can see and communicate with ghosts - but instead of it being all doom and gloom, it’s got this cozy, slightly romantic vibe mixed in with the mystery.
Each book focuses on a different agent, so you get fresh characters and settings every time, but there’s still that familiar “Krewe family” feel. The cases range from creepy old mansions to haunted battlefields, and Ms. Graham is really good at weaving in bits of history without making it feel too ‘heavy’.
Are the plots sometimes a little predictable? Sure. But honestly, that’s part of the charm - you’re there for the atmosphere, the ghostly encounters, and the slow-burn romances as much as the whodunit. It’s the kind of series you can dip in and out of without feeling lost, although saying that, reading the books in consecutive order gives you a bigger picture as well as providing a nice sense of connection between the characters.
If you like your mysteries with a dash of paranormal, a sprinkle of romance, and a cast of likable, slightly quirky investigators - then the Krewe of Hunters is a fun, binge-worthy ride. Perfect for late-night reading with a cup of tea.
Happy Reading… 👻
January 30, 2018
I like Heather Graham's novels periodically. The Krewe series are the ones I usually read. They are very similar in that each member of the Krewe have special paranormal talents.
This one is focused on a new member of the Krewe, Craig Rockwell aka Rocky, returning to his hometown of Salem Ma. He is drawn back in search of the murderer of a high school friend which he had found and the case was never solved. The ritualistic form of the murder and the fact that more women were now found, with the same details of his friend's murder, brought him searching.
Devin Lyle had just moved back to Salem, after the death of her beloved aunt and now wrote her popular children's books in the cottage her aunt left to her. Devin soon finds and accepts that she has special talents.
Of course, Rocky and Devin, along with the other Krewe members and friends, are soon deeply involved in solving this case. There's ALOT of history of the witch trials, the area, wiccans, the family trees and how everyone from the area can trace their roots back to the original people who settled in the area. It really became redundant to me and I skimmed much of that.
I had an idea who the murderer was from the time all the characters were introduced. This is okay because Ms. Graham wrote the other characters' stories in such a way that I could still think that "yeah, maybe it's them'. In the end it was my first choice.
Fun paranormal mindless quick read.....(enough adjectives 😉).
This one is focused on a new member of the Krewe, Craig Rockwell aka Rocky, returning to his hometown of Salem Ma. He is drawn back in search of the murderer of a high school friend which he had found and the case was never solved. The ritualistic form of the murder and the fact that more women were now found, with the same details of his friend's murder, brought him searching.
Devin Lyle had just moved back to Salem, after the death of her beloved aunt and now wrote her popular children's books in the cottage her aunt left to her. Devin soon finds and accepts that she has special talents.
Of course, Rocky and Devin, along with the other Krewe members and friends, are soon deeply involved in solving this case. There's ALOT of history of the witch trials, the area, wiccans, the family trees and how everyone from the area can trace their roots back to the original people who settled in the area. It really became redundant to me and I skimmed much of that.
I had an idea who the murderer was from the time all the characters were introduced. This is okay because Ms. Graham wrote the other characters' stories in such a way that I could still think that "yeah, maybe it's them'. In the end it was my first choice.
Fun paranormal mindless quick read.....(enough adjectives 😉).
June 14, 2023
The Hexed is book thirteen in the Krewe of Hunters by Heather Graham. All his working career Craig Rockwell wanted to join the FBI Team of paranormal investigators called the Krewe of Hunters, and he finally achieved his dream. Craig Rockwell's first assignment was to look into the murder of young women near Salem. On arrival, Craig Rockwell came T Devin Lyle, who found another body similar to Craig's childhood friend in the woods. The murder of young girl tried to murder Devin, so Craig and Devin joined forces to find the killer. The readers of The Hexed will continue to follow Criag and Devin to discover what happens.
The Hexed is another fantastic addition to this excellent series by Heather Graham that keeps you engaged with the plot from the start. I love Heather Grahams's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Hexed is well-written and researched by Heather Graham. I like Heather Graham's description of the settings of The Hexed, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Krewe of Hunters will understand that after trauma has a child, you need to find closure to move on with your life. Also, the readers of Krewe of Hunters will learn about the pagan religion called Wicca.
I recommend this book.
The Hexed is another fantastic addition to this excellent series by Heather Graham that keeps you engaged with the plot from the start. I love Heather Grahams's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Hexed is well-written and researched by Heather Graham. I like Heather Graham's description of the settings of The Hexed, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Krewe of Hunters will understand that after trauma has a child, you need to find closure to move on with your life. Also, the readers of Krewe of Hunters will learn about the pagan religion called Wicca.
I recommend this book.
July 15, 2024
Another amazing mystery of the Krewe of Hunters. We’re back in Salem and this time it’s about witches or more specifically, Wiccan’s. Devin lost her aunt a few months ago and after moving into her wood cottage she finds a murdered women in the woods, similar to a crime that occurred in the same woods thirteen years before. Rocky knows the first murder well as he was one of the young men of fond the murdered girl. Now, an FBI Agent recently assigned to the Krewe, he’s back in Salem to help solve the mystery. Devi on has always seen ghost but she’s denied it until she see’s her aunt after she died. Now, with the Healy of some ghost Devin, Rocky, and the Krewe must solve the mystery bending murders spanning back to the Salem Witch Trials and continuing into the present. The killers identity surprised me. I was confused for awhile so I didn’t catch on until the end. Still, i wasn’t expecting it to be someone so close to Devin.
I love seeing member of the first Krewe and the Texas Krewe together again. It’s been awhile. Rocky and Devin are a great couple, although it took them longer than most Krewe members. We’ve been seeing more of Adam lately and I’m liking that. I hope we can see more of him in the future.
I love seeing member of the first Krewe and the Texas Krewe together again. It’s been awhile. Rocky and Devin are a great couple, although it took them longer than most Krewe members. We’ve been seeing more of Adam lately and I’m liking that. I hope we can see more of him in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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