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Krewe of Hunters #17
The Hidden
Can the same killer strike again—a hundred and fifty years later?
Estes Park, Colorado, is a place of serenity. But it wasn't always so serene. Shortly after the Civil War, Nathan Kendall and his wife were murdered there, leaving behind a young son. The crime was never solved.
Now…historian Scarlet Barlow is working at a small museum attached to a B and B, the same building where that murder occurred. She recently came to Colorado, reeling after her divorce from FBI agent Diego McCullough. Diego—who's just been asked to join the Krewe of Hunters, a unit dealing with "unusual" situations…
When Scarlet unwittingly takes pictures of people who've been murdered—just like the Kendalls a hundred and fifty years before—the police look at her with suspicion. Then the museum's statues of historic people, including Nathan Kendall, begin to talk to her, and she knows it's time to call her ex-husband. Diego heads to Estes Park, determined to solve the bizarre case that threatens Scarlet's life—and to reunite with the woman he never stopped loving.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2015
637 people are currently reading
3332 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
583 books6,913 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 304 reviews
May 6, 2018
Historian Scarlet Barlow is working in the Estes Park Colorado at a small museum attached to a B and B. Shortly after the Civil War was a man and his wife murdered there and the murderer was never caught. Now it seems that the history is repeating itself and Scarlet calls in her ex-husband, FBI agent Diego McCullough when the police start to question her about pictures on her camera. It seems that she had pictures of the murder on her camera, pictures that then disappeared. Is she involved in the murders or is she in danger?
Both the cover and the blurb made me eager to read this book and for most of the book was the story really good. I liked the characters, Scarlet and Diego was a good couple, the still cared about each other and this case was what they needed to clear the air about why they divorced. Diego and his colleague Brett has just joined Krewe of Hunters, a unit that deals with “unusual” situations like this. So when Scarlet calls Diego they come to her aid.
My problem with the book came at the ending, it was too cliché. I had hoped for a more paranormal touch to the story. Some blood vengeance or something and in the end, it was something as mundane as…well I won't give that away. But I was disappointed because I felt that this could really, really be a new series for me to read. This was the first book I had read and I just loved the idea of a paranormal unit in the FBI dealing with ghost and zombies and other creatures.
I liked the book, but I did not love the book. But, I will read more since I think the idea is so fascinating. I just hope for books with better endings.
I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review! Thank you!
Both the cover and the blurb made me eager to read this book and for most of the book was the story really good. I liked the characters, Scarlet and Diego was a good couple, the still cared about each other and this case was what they needed to clear the air about why they divorced. Diego and his colleague Brett has just joined Krewe of Hunters, a unit that deals with “unusual” situations like this. So when Scarlet calls Diego they come to her aid.
My problem with the book came at the ending, it was too cliché. I had hoped for a more paranormal touch to the story. Some blood vengeance or something and in the end, it was something as mundane as…well I won't give that away. But I was disappointed because I felt that this could really, really be a new series for me to read. This was the first book I had read and I just loved the idea of a paranormal unit in the FBI dealing with ghost and zombies and other creatures.
I liked the book, but I did not love the book. But, I will read more since I think the idea is so fascinating. I just hope for books with better endings.
I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review! Thank you!
January 12, 2025
The Hidden by Heather Graham
Krewe of Hunters series #17. Paranormal romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Scarlett Barlow works and lives above a small museum in Estes Park, Colorado. She has roots in the town going back many years. When graphic photos of a murder show up in her camera, she’s horrified. She took photos of trees, not bloody bodies. Then the photos disappear and the police are suspicious.
FBI Agent Diego McCullough is surprised to get a call from his ex-wife but he’s more than willing to go to Colorado to help figure out what’s going on. Being part of the FBI Krewe means he has special abilities to see or talk to ghosts and now it seems Scarlett shares that ability. Now they need to figure out who killed the man than that is stalking her, and figure out how the photos appeared on the camera. A ghost would not have that ability so they know there is a dangerous predator killing descendants of a specific bloodline.
Creepy. Seeing photos and then they disappear. And not on an app you’d expect things to disappear from. And then the statue moves into her room! That thing would have been locked up if it was me.
Good mystery and suspense. Entertaining story for the horror crowd.
Krewe of Hunters series #17. Paranormal romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Scarlett Barlow works and lives above a small museum in Estes Park, Colorado. She has roots in the town going back many years. When graphic photos of a murder show up in her camera, she’s horrified. She took photos of trees, not bloody bodies. Then the photos disappear and the police are suspicious.
FBI Agent Diego McCullough is surprised to get a call from his ex-wife but he’s more than willing to go to Colorado to help figure out what’s going on. Being part of the FBI Krewe means he has special abilities to see or talk to ghosts and now it seems Scarlett shares that ability. Now they need to figure out who killed the man than that is stalking her, and figure out how the photos appeared on the camera. A ghost would not have that ability so they know there is a dangerous predator killing descendants of a specific bloodline.
Creepy. Seeing photos and then they disappear. And not on an app you’d expect things to disappear from. And then the statue moves into her room! That thing would have been locked up if it was me.
Good mystery and suspense. Entertaining story for the horror crowd.
August 8, 2015
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
I have only read a few of the Krewe Hunters books, but I love each of them so far. I love any kind of mystery that involves ghosts.
This book takes place in the beautiful Colorado Mountains. Scarlet Barlow, the main character, works here at the Conway Ranch as a researcher and curator. The ranch has been turned into a B&B, has a gift shop and museum, and you can go on trail rides and take in the magnificent scenery.
Also, if you would like to look over yonder way, you can see the famous Stanley Hotel! :) I love the author added that addition to the book. The details and surroundings the author described in the book are just gorgeous and if it was a real place I would love to visit there! The Conway Ranch that is, and would probably try the Stanley as well..
So, Ben And Trisha Kendall own the farm and they have Angus Fillmore as the ranch hand. Linda Reagan is the head housekeeper.
Scarlet lives over the museum in an awesome two bedroom apartment. It all seems too good to be true. Yeah.... One day she is showing Ben some pictures she took of a moose, but the pictures that came up on the screen were of a man and woman slaughtered! Scarlet and Ben both saw the pictures and then they just vanished and the moose was there again. Then... when two people are killed exactly like the pictures, poor Scarlet is hauled in for questioning. She calls her ex-husband who is in the FBI and getting ready to join the Krewe who are also FBI but they are a paranormal branch.
A whole bunch of the Krewe show up including, Diego, the ex-husband. Let's just say he's probably not going to stay an ex for long :)
They go through some more deaths and find out all of this is connected to the death of Nathan and Jillian Kendall back in the 1870's. It seems there are a lot of descendents of the Kendall's including Scarlet and someone seems to be killing them off!
I love so many things about this book. I love the scenery and background. I love the history behind the people that have lived there. I love the ghosts that are there to help them in their search for the killer. And I love all of the characters, including the bad guys. There is a remarkable cast of characters and they all add to the book even if they just had a bit part.
I recommend to anyone that loves mysteries and the paranormal.
**I would like to thank NETGALLEY and HARLEQUIN for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.**
I have only read a few of the Krewe Hunters books, but I love each of them so far. I love any kind of mystery that involves ghosts.
This book takes place in the beautiful Colorado Mountains. Scarlet Barlow, the main character, works here at the Conway Ranch as a researcher and curator. The ranch has been turned into a B&B, has a gift shop and museum, and you can go on trail rides and take in the magnificent scenery.
Also, if you would like to look over yonder way, you can see the famous Stanley Hotel! :) I love the author added that addition to the book. The details and surroundings the author described in the book are just gorgeous and if it was a real place I would love to visit there! The Conway Ranch that is, and would probably try the Stanley as well..
So, Ben And Trisha Kendall own the farm and they have Angus Fillmore as the ranch hand. Linda Reagan is the head housekeeper.
Scarlet lives over the museum in an awesome two bedroom apartment. It all seems too good to be true. Yeah.... One day she is showing Ben some pictures she took of a moose, but the pictures that came up on the screen were of a man and woman slaughtered! Scarlet and Ben both saw the pictures and then they just vanished and the moose was there again. Then... when two people are killed exactly like the pictures, poor Scarlet is hauled in for questioning. She calls her ex-husband who is in the FBI and getting ready to join the Krewe who are also FBI but they are a paranormal branch.
A whole bunch of the Krewe show up including, Diego, the ex-husband. Let's just say he's probably not going to stay an ex for long :)
They go through some more deaths and find out all of this is connected to the death of Nathan and Jillian Kendall back in the 1870's. It seems there are a lot of descendents of the Kendall's including Scarlet and someone seems to be killing them off!
I love so many things about this book. I love the scenery and background. I love the history behind the people that have lived there. I love the ghosts that are there to help them in their search for the killer. And I love all of the characters, including the bad guys. There is a remarkable cast of characters and they all add to the book even if they just had a bit part.
I recommend to anyone that loves mysteries and the paranormal.
**I would like to thank NETGALLEY and HARLEQUIN for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.**
September 25, 2015
Scarlet Barlow knows it’s time to call her ex-husband and his mysterious FBI unit when pictures start appearing and disappearing on her camera and the museum’s statues of historic people start talking to her in this pulse pounding romantic suspense.
Diego McCullough may be new to the Krewe of Hunters but he immediately takes off for Estes Park and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the intrigue and excitement as Diego sets out to solve the case and reunite with his ex-wife. The chemistry between Diego and Scarlet certainly isn’t a problem but life got in the way and some emotional issues mucked up the relationship which has some emotional turmoil capturing the heart as these easily related to and strong, compelling characters grab your attention and the fast paced, smooth flowing plot keeps the adrenaline pumping throughout the story with suspense, action, and romance.
Chills, thrills and expectation builds throughout the story as Scarlet finds herself surrounded by ghosts with lots of excitement building as several murders leads the Krewe to believe that Scarlet is definitely a target. The well written scenes and details paint vivid images that capture the imagination and make it easy for the reader to picture each and every event as it takes place with the well-orchestrated suspense drawing the reader in and refusing to let go and unexpected twists along with the past / present events mirroring each other keep the readers guessing.
I was hooked from the very first chapter as the events surely captured my attention and my curiosity of course that doesn’t really surprise me since Heather Graham has such a gift with her ability to make the stories so life like and believable and the fascinating Krewe also has a way of making the stories seem real as they invite me along to help solve their cases, so I can’t wait to read the next case file.
- Eva
Diego McCullough may be new to the Krewe of Hunters but he immediately takes off for Estes Park and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the intrigue and excitement as Diego sets out to solve the case and reunite with his ex-wife. The chemistry between Diego and Scarlet certainly isn’t a problem but life got in the way and some emotional issues mucked up the relationship which has some emotional turmoil capturing the heart as these easily related to and strong, compelling characters grab your attention and the fast paced, smooth flowing plot keeps the adrenaline pumping throughout the story with suspense, action, and romance.
Chills, thrills and expectation builds throughout the story as Scarlet finds herself surrounded by ghosts with lots of excitement building as several murders leads the Krewe to believe that Scarlet is definitely a target. The well written scenes and details paint vivid images that capture the imagination and make it easy for the reader to picture each and every event as it takes place with the well-orchestrated suspense drawing the reader in and refusing to let go and unexpected twists along with the past / present events mirroring each other keep the readers guessing.
I was hooked from the very first chapter as the events surely captured my attention and my curiosity of course that doesn’t really surprise me since Heather Graham has such a gift with her ability to make the stories so life like and believable and the fascinating Krewe also has a way of making the stories seem real as they invite me along to help solve their cases, so I can’t wait to read the next case file.
- Eva
October 26, 2018
Can't go wrong with the Krew and a great setting. Now I really want to explore Estes Park.
November 17, 2019
And another Heather Graham fan is born…
My blogging friends have been telling me I would like Graham’s books for a while now. They were right! The Hidden is right up my alley: suspenseful but not too gruesome or scary, well-plotted, and with a good dose of both romance and the paranormal. I’d class it as paranormal romantic suspense, with the emphasis on the first and third words. The romance was enjoyable – I liked both Scarlet and Diego very much – but the balance is probably 2/3 mystery, 1/3 romance, and it was the mystery that kept me reading late into the night.
The Krewe of Hunters refers to both an elite FBI group that deals with the paranormal, and the series of books about them. This was my first introduction to the Krewe, and I had no trouble jumping in. Because Scarlet and Diego are both relatively new to the Krewe, it was easy for Graham to slip in the background information I needed without it feeling like an infodump. It’s actually the 17th book in the series, but only one prior book is mentioned directly (and it’s one I’ll probably skip, since I don’t do zombies.)
I loved the setting – a ranch near Estes Park, Colorado. Graham describes both so well that I could easily picture them (and would love to visit them!) Plot and setting are integrated well. The way the murders are tied to the ranch’s history limits the number of characters and possible suspects somewhat, but there’s still a tourist town nearby, so you can’t rule out someone from there, which heightens the suspense.
Graham really kept me guessing who the murderer was. I suspected someone right off the bat, then discounted that person later on. I went through about 6 suspects in my head before I got to the end – and discovered my first suspicion was actually correct. A fair number of people had opportunity and/or means, and since the motive wasn’t clear until close to the end, it was very hard to narrow it down. And Graham adds several twists to the plot that completely surprised me.
Both hero and heroine are really likeable and believable. Diego is almost too perfect a hero: strong, compassionate, and completely dedicated to keeping Scarlet safe and to finding and stopping the murderer. Scarlet is smart and equally strong in her way, but she’s understandably frightened, especially by the uncanny things that keep happening around and to her. It is clear neither has ever stopped loving the other, which makes the resumption of their relationship a foregone conclusion. Hence, there is much more tension in the mystery plot than in the romance, but that was fine with me.
The book does have a few weaknesses. One development stretched my credulity a bit far – and I don’t mean the ghosts. The Krewe members suggest and carry out a scheme to try to unveil the murderer. It’s certainly something that Krewe agents would be comfortable with, but not something I can see anyone believing that normal FBI agents would involve themselves with. Character reactions to the plan are mixed, but no one ever asks, “WTH? What kind of FBI agents are you?” – which would have been my first reaction.
The other thing that bothered me is that a character has a turnaround in their attitude toward Scarlet which is never really explained. That really irks me as a reader; if someone’s behavior changes, show me why.
On the whole, though, I really enjoyed The Hidden, and will definitely be reading more of Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series. Luckily for me, I already have books #1 and #13 on my Kindle… and you can bet I’ll be checking the library for more!
Read for COYER Scavenger Hunt: #14 - any type of crime novel
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
My blogging friends have been telling me I would like Graham’s books for a while now. They were right! The Hidden is right up my alley: suspenseful but not too gruesome or scary, well-plotted, and with a good dose of both romance and the paranormal. I’d class it as paranormal romantic suspense, with the emphasis on the first and third words. The romance was enjoyable – I liked both Scarlet and Diego very much – but the balance is probably 2/3 mystery, 1/3 romance, and it was the mystery that kept me reading late into the night.
The Krewe of Hunters refers to both an elite FBI group that deals with the paranormal, and the series of books about them. This was my first introduction to the Krewe, and I had no trouble jumping in. Because Scarlet and Diego are both relatively new to the Krewe, it was easy for Graham to slip in the background information I needed without it feeling like an infodump. It’s actually the 17th book in the series, but only one prior book is mentioned directly (and it’s one I’ll probably skip, since I don’t do zombies.)
I loved the setting – a ranch near Estes Park, Colorado. Graham describes both so well that I could easily picture them (and would love to visit them!) Plot and setting are integrated well. The way the murders are tied to the ranch’s history limits the number of characters and possible suspects somewhat, but there’s still a tourist town nearby, so you can’t rule out someone from there, which heightens the suspense.
Graham really kept me guessing who the murderer was. I suspected someone right off the bat, then discounted that person later on. I went through about 6 suspects in my head before I got to the end – and discovered my first suspicion was actually correct. A fair number of people had opportunity and/or means, and since the motive wasn’t clear until close to the end, it was very hard to narrow it down. And Graham adds several twists to the plot that completely surprised me.
Both hero and heroine are really likeable and believable. Diego is almost too perfect a hero: strong, compassionate, and completely dedicated to keeping Scarlet safe and to finding and stopping the murderer. Scarlet is smart and equally strong in her way, but she’s understandably frightened, especially by the uncanny things that keep happening around and to her. It is clear neither has ever stopped loving the other, which makes the resumption of their relationship a foregone conclusion. Hence, there is much more tension in the mystery plot than in the romance, but that was fine with me.
The book does have a few weaknesses. One development stretched my credulity a bit far – and I don’t mean the ghosts. The Krewe members suggest and carry out a scheme to try to unveil the murderer. It’s certainly something that Krewe agents would be comfortable with, but not something I can see anyone believing that normal FBI agents would involve themselves with. Character reactions to the plan are mixed, but no one ever asks, “WTH? What kind of FBI agents are you?” – which would have been my first reaction.
The other thing that bothered me is that a character has a turnaround in their attitude toward Scarlet which is never really explained. That really irks me as a reader; if someone’s behavior changes, show me why.
On the whole, though, I really enjoyed The Hidden, and will definitely be reading more of Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series. Luckily for me, I already have books #1 and #13 on my Kindle… and you can bet I’ll be checking the library for more!
Read for COYER Scavenger Hunt: #14 - any type of crime novel
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
October 2, 2015
In The Hidden, we meet Scarlet Barlow, the ex-wife of Diego McCullough. We met Diego in Miami, Florida in The Forgotten. Scarlet is now working as a historian for a small B&B nestled near the Rocky Mountains. The work is fascinating particularly because she ties to Nathan Kendall. He and his wife were previous owners that were found brutally murdered. When grisly murder scene pictures appear on her camera she soon finds herself under arrest. She calls the one man she knows will come to her aid, Diego. Diego has been offered a place on the Krewe and a series of events followed by Scarlet’s frantic call have him joining and asking for assistance. He and his partner fly to Colorado and the fun begins...
The case was intense tying the past to the present. I enjoyed all the suspects and clues as the murderer becomes more brazen. The paranormal aspects are in the form of ghosts. They are all victims who have been murdered and they reach out to Scarlett. The connection between them and the past was interesting; as was the motive for the present day murders. Graham weaves local history into her stories, and we learn a little about Stephen King and his stay in the small-town, as well as the history of Nathan Kendall. It gave the story a little more depth and I loved all the tidbits. I also felt a connection to the characters from the past and current murder victims.
A second chance romance between Scarlett and her ex-husband Diego felt genuine. Graham gave us chemistry and enough back story that I became invested in their outcome. I enjoyed seeing them admit to past mistakes and realizing it takes two. Graham did a great job of sharing their feelings and I am glad that the physical need to connect helped them open up.
Adam Harrison the founder of the Krewe and other Krewe members aided with reconstructing facial images to identify victims and canvassing for clues. Graham dabbles in some of the forensic and police procedures but keeps the details light. I questioned a few aspects of the story, particularly with the local police officer in charge of the case. However, nothing bothered me enough to hinder my enjoyment. Of course, red herrings, and suspects keeping secrets led us on a merry chase towards a nail-biting, life or death climax.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
The case was intense tying the past to the present. I enjoyed all the suspects and clues as the murderer becomes more brazen. The paranormal aspects are in the form of ghosts. They are all victims who have been murdered and they reach out to Scarlett. The connection between them and the past was interesting; as was the motive for the present day murders. Graham weaves local history into her stories, and we learn a little about Stephen King and his stay in the small-town, as well as the history of Nathan Kendall. It gave the story a little more depth and I loved all the tidbits. I also felt a connection to the characters from the past and current murder victims.
A second chance romance between Scarlett and her ex-husband Diego felt genuine. Graham gave us chemistry and enough back story that I became invested in their outcome. I enjoyed seeing them admit to past mistakes and realizing it takes two. Graham did a great job of sharing their feelings and I am glad that the physical need to connect helped them open up.
Adam Harrison the founder of the Krewe and other Krewe members aided with reconstructing facial images to identify victims and canvassing for clues. Graham dabbles in some of the forensic and police procedures but keeps the details light. I questioned a few aspects of the story, particularly with the local police officer in charge of the case. However, nothing bothered me enough to hinder my enjoyment. Of course, red herrings, and suspects keeping secrets led us on a merry chase towards a nail-biting, life or death climax.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
October 21, 2024
This novel is part of Graham's Krewe of Hunters series, but this one stands quite well on its own. I've read several of other books, and was pleased to (finally!) learn where the name Krewe comes from in this one. They're a branch of the FBI comprised of bright and attractive agents who have the added ability to see ghosts; they investigate and apprehend serial killers. One of the Graham's strengths is the depth she develops the stories' settings and history, and this one is no exception. It's set in Colorado, amusingly near the hotel that inspired Stephen King's The Shining. The story centers around Scarlet, an historian who divorced Diego (Graham's characters all seem to have sexy names), who is a Krewe member. She felt that he was paying too much attention to his job and not enough to her, but when she comes under suspicion, she calls him immediately. Diego arrives to save the day with some other agents, even the chief of the whole division, and, since it's a sweet paranormal romance, they soon rekindle their relationship. It's a good story, with just a couple of silly details that bothered me. (Can you really disguise a crossbow as a moose head? And the local policeman in charge of the investigation starts out as an irritable roadblock but switches into an energetic team player with little motivation or explanation.) There are several ghosts extant, but they don't really help much this time. The team works together well, the atmosphere in suitably creepy and ominous, and it was a fun read.
October 7, 2015
Heather Graham needs to work a bit more on substance over quantity. Mentioning Stephen King several times and referencing where he wrote the Shinning is not substance especially since the murder mystery takes place in a lodge nearby and has nothing to do with the Stanley Hotel other than a brief ghost tour by the cast.
I'll give her 1.5 stars instead of one because I did like some the historical facts that she mentioned.
I have read all of the other Krewe of Hunter books and while they were not mind binding mysteries they were fun enough but this one was just plain boring and poorly written. I think that the early books when Adam was first starting the team because he was able to hear the dead but could only hear and see his dead son were the best.
The "romance" was forced and unromantic. Throwing two characters back together to have sex before they even talk about why they REALLY divorced previously was just lazy writing and an excuse to get a sex scene early in the book.
Spoiler Alert:
The worst idea was setting up a crossbow to be triggered when someone HAPPENED to knock on a wall with no real idea of who it would kill. BUT wait it gets worse. This jerry-rigged crossbow was set up INSIDE of the head of a taxidermy moose that is over 100 years old and rigged to shoot out of the moose's nose! I don't know a lot about taxidermy but I do know that it would be very fragile from age and doubt it would be hollow inside or hold together if the killer tried to clean it out.
The killers motivation for multiple murders was obvious AND yet really not needed for the reason that he did it. I could understand targeting and threatening people who knew the history of the lodge but the random people killing was just pointless and did not really advance the story other than to give the characters some "busy" work to do.
I'll give her 1.5 stars instead of one because I did like some the historical facts that she mentioned.
I have read all of the other Krewe of Hunter books and while they were not mind binding mysteries they were fun enough but this one was just plain boring and poorly written. I think that the early books when Adam was first starting the team because he was able to hear the dead but could only hear and see his dead son were the best.
The "romance" was forced and unromantic. Throwing two characters back together to have sex before they even talk about why they REALLY divorced previously was just lazy writing and an excuse to get a sex scene early in the book.
Spoiler Alert:
The worst idea was setting up a crossbow to be triggered when someone HAPPENED to knock on a wall with no real idea of who it would kill. BUT wait it gets worse. This jerry-rigged crossbow was set up INSIDE of the head of a taxidermy moose that is over 100 years old and rigged to shoot out of the moose's nose! I don't know a lot about taxidermy but I do know that it would be very fragile from age and doubt it would be hollow inside or hold together if the killer tried to clean it out.
The killers motivation for multiple murders was obvious AND yet really not needed for the reason that he did it. I could understand targeting and threatening people who knew the history of the lodge but the random people killing was just pointless and did not really advance the story other than to give the characters some "busy" work to do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2016
I bought this book at the library for 25 cents. It was terribly overpriced. I feel like a smart toddler could spill a can of alphabet soup and accidentally write a better book.
August 15, 2018
An entertaining read concerning an FBI unit which deals with paranormal events. The only problem I had was so many ghosts!
September 27, 2021
I really enjoy the Krewe of Hunters series. There's a bit of mystery, thriller and always a lots of misunderstood ghosts and/or spirits. This involved the decendants of a man and his family who were murdered shortly after the Civil War. Set in Colorado, the grandeur was well described. Enjoyable characters and story line.
December 22, 2015
Lots of ghosts, murder, suspense and love scenes. Some swearing in a well told story. Lots of new characters, suspects and some old familiar characters in this 17th book of Krewe of Hunters.
A hundred and fifty years ago Nathan Kendall and his wife were killed on there ranch in Estes Park, Colorado. Now a series of murders happen again the same way. Neither murder has been caught yet.
Scarlet Barlow is a divorced historian working at a small museum attached to a B and B same place that the murders happen. She is a suspect and taken in and questioned because of some pictures that showed up on her camera of dead bodies that disappears.
Scarlet is scared and calls her ex-husband for help. Diego McCullough a FBI Agent was asked to be a Krewe member and after Scarlet's phone call he accepts. And the team in FL fly out to see if they can help.
Scarlet is also being stalked but no one sees the guy who is following her. Other weird things are happening around her.
I guessed right on one murder but not the new ones. It kept me guessing till it was revealed. Good mystery that made sense when it was revealed.
I really like the scene where the FBI Agents hold a seance with some of the suspects. It was funny, and action packed scene.
I was given The Hidden by Net Galley and Harlequin to read and in return I agreed to give The Hidden a honest review.
August 31, 2015
4.5 stars
I LOVED this book. I've read @Heather Graham before but never the Krewe series. Boy, have I been missing out. This was a great story and I loved all the characters, well except the bad guy, of course. I am still seriously wondering why Lieutenant Gray changed his whole attitude.
I tried to read this all in one sitting, but my pills kicked in and I just couldn't do it. But I seriously believe that if it hadn't been for the pills, there would have no way I would have been able to sleep without knowing the ending! It was a reunion of ghosts!! I thought it was funny where the carving of Jillian was and amazed that no one had found it and stolen it yet. Guess they're all too high and happy in Colorado to go around grave robbing. Ha!!!
Anyways, this was a really entertaining book which definitely held my interest and I would definitely recommend it. I have always liked Heather Graham's books and have completely missed the Krewe series, I've got to get myself in gear and get onto this series.
Thanks Harlequin Books and Net Galley for the free e-galley in exchange for an honest review! I found it every entertaining and enjoyable!
I LOVED this book. I've read @Heather Graham before but never the Krewe series. Boy, have I been missing out. This was a great story and I loved all the characters, well except the bad guy, of course. I am still seriously wondering why Lieutenant Gray changed his whole attitude.
I tried to read this all in one sitting, but my pills kicked in and I just couldn't do it. But I seriously believe that if it hadn't been for the pills, there would have no way I would have been able to sleep without knowing the ending! It was a reunion of ghosts!! I thought it was funny where the carving of Jillian was and amazed that no one had found it and stolen it yet. Guess they're all too high and happy in Colorado to go around grave robbing. Ha!!!
Anyways, this was a really entertaining book which definitely held my interest and I would definitely recommend it. I have always liked Heather Graham's books and have completely missed the Krewe series, I've got to get myself in gear and get onto this series.
Thanks Harlequin Books and Net Galley for the free e-galley in exchange for an honest review! I found it every entertaining and enjoyable!
January 23, 2016
A very good read by Heather Graham. This book drew me in because we hike in the Rockies outside of Estes Park every year. Beautiful part of the country.
Nothing wrong with a mystery set in Colorado with an added intriguing hint of a past historical setting. This book deals with a murder that took place on a ranch around the time of the Civil War. How this all connects to the present is captured in The Hidden. Entertaining and enjoyable.
Nothing wrong with a mystery set in Colorado with an added intriguing hint of a past historical setting. This book deals with a murder that took place on a ranch around the time of the Civil War. How this all connects to the present is captured in The Hidden. Entertaining and enjoyable.
September 8, 2022
This is a story of mystery, ghosts and some love themes with many characters to follow. The flow seemed to be going good, but I needed to keep notes to track characters relationships/roles. It was going good but the end could have been better.
March 6, 2016
Good book with a good plot. Lots of characters, so sometimes difficult to keep track of the storyline. Well written!
December 22, 2020
Scarlet is a curator at a small museum in Colorado. She snaps pictures of an elk against a gorgeous backdrop, but when she shows the pictures to the museum owner, Ben, they’re both shocked to discover dead bodies instead. After a few other odd incidents, Scarlet decides to call her ex-husband, Diego, to help her out of the tough situation. He arrives with his fellow team members in tow to crack not only the current murder case -and more-but also the 150 year old unsolved murder that may have triggered the current spree.
I always know I’m in for the unusual and suspenseful whenever I dive in to a Krewe book and The Hidden delivered! I liked the variety of ghosts, giving me a bit of chills in one moment and then rolling my eyes and laughing the next. Actually the ghosts were my favorite part of the entire book, including the romance! They provided comic relief and more clues than anyone else. The cast of suspects was pretty wide and very interesting too. I found myself waffling back and forth before settling on suspects. I was right and wrong, but that was also half the fun! This was a good read and I can’t wait to continue with this series.
I always know I’m in for the unusual and suspenseful whenever I dive in to a Krewe book and The Hidden delivered! I liked the variety of ghosts, giving me a bit of chills in one moment and then rolling my eyes and laughing the next. Actually the ghosts were my favorite part of the entire book, including the romance! They provided comic relief and more clues than anyone else. The cast of suspects was pretty wide and very interesting too. I found myself waffling back and forth before settling on suspects. I was right and wrong, but that was also half the fun! This was a good read and I can’t wait to continue with this series.
January 5, 2019
Scarlet Barlow, newly divorced from F.B.I agent Diego McCullough, works in a historical museum at a bed and breakfast ranch in Estes Park, Colorado. When she is implicated in a mysterious double murder, she calls Diego for help. He immediately responds.
Diego is a new recruit to a special F.B.I. unit called Krew. Members of Krew are capable of seeing ghosts, and their mission is to investigate unusual cases that often involve the occult.
And ghosts are indeed involved in the murders in Estes Park.
Graham is a good writer who holds the reader's interest with unique and sympathetic characters. But the manuscript could stand a minor polish. Missing words, confusing pronouns, and two love scenes that do nothing to advance the story can be easily overlooked. The read is light and fast, not at all gross, and very entertaining. And I do have a weakness for paranormal stories.
Diego is a new recruit to a special F.B.I. unit called Krew. Members of Krew are capable of seeing ghosts, and their mission is to investigate unusual cases that often involve the occult.
And ghosts are indeed involved in the murders in Estes Park.
Graham is a good writer who holds the reader's interest with unique and sympathetic characters. But the manuscript could stand a minor polish. Missing words, confusing pronouns, and two love scenes that do nothing to advance the story can be easily overlooked. The read is light and fast, not at all gross, and very entertaining. And I do have a weakness for paranormal stories.
August 19, 2019
Family mystery for the ages
A new state, a new type of ghosts and ghostly interaction and a mystery cold case spanning decades. Also, the romance is different in that it is a second chance. I enjoyed this story greatly. The emotions, reactions, Krewe dynamic and vivid descriptions of crime scenes, history and geography kept me captivated. As I have mentioned in other reviews of the series, yes you know the premise going in as each story involves the Krewe, but each book is a delight in how the Krewe solves the unexplainable!
A new state, a new type of ghosts and ghostly interaction and a mystery cold case spanning decades. Also, the romance is different in that it is a second chance. I enjoyed this story greatly. The emotions, reactions, Krewe dynamic and vivid descriptions of crime scenes, history and geography kept me captivated. As I have mentioned in other reviews of the series, yes you know the premise going in as each story involves the Krewe, but each book is a delight in how the Krewe solves the unexplainable!
May 1, 2024
Really enjoyed this and it would have been a solid five IF the heroine wasn’t so annoying. Classic Krewe novel but I expected a little more drama/angst around a divorced couple and not for the heroine to just invite the hero to sleep with her on night one 😒
August 9, 2019
pretty sure so far, this is the quickest I’ve read a Heather Graham krewe book....this one was extremely hard to put down!
Read
September 18, 2022What a twist at the end.
August 2, 2021
I really liked this book a lot. It kept my interest , and although it was sad in places, as people were killed, it was also a great mystery. The author leads you down several of avenues for possible reasons for the murders, and then you figure them out, and she sends you in another direction. The same with the suspects. Plus there was a great back story to Diego, and Scarlet. It just all went together so well, and it had an epilogue, which is always a plus for me. The ghosts in this one had good purpose, and could help. I loved the ending. The Krewe of hunters that came, all had specific talents that were needed, and helped one character understand, and deal with her new gift. 5 stars. Well plotted, and great characters, and suspense.
March 18, 2017
This book was fantastic! I enjoyed seeing Diego again, with the woman he loves, even though they got a divorce! Fantastic book, and I can't wait to read more! I've almost caught up, yeah!
January 23, 2019
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 Hidden is the seventeenth book in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham and published in September of 2015. The plot centers around FBI Special Agent Diego McCullough - newly recruited agent to the Krewe of Hunters - and Scarlet Barlow - a historian working at Estes Park, Colorado. The plot is set in Colorado and occurs right after the events in The Forgotten.
This forms the third book in the third trilogy within the series - first book being the 15th book The Silenced and 16th book The Forgotten. Although not mentioned exclusively, I consider them as a trilogy as the characters kind of flow from one book to the next keeping the continuity. First trilogy consisted of the ninth book The Night is Watching; the tenth book The Night is Alive; the eleventh book The Night is Forever. Second trilogy consisted of the 12th book The Cursed, 13th book the Hexed and 14th book The Betrayed.
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 is Yankee Krewe, based in NYC, overseen by Jackson Crow. A possibility of a fourth group in Miami, FL is touched upon in the 17th book The Hidden.
We met FBI Special Agent Diego McCullough in the previous book The Hidden as an able and competent partner to FBI Special Agent Brett Cody. We had seen his character evolve through the plot and a bit of his past shown. Now we get to see his story in this book.
Scarlet Barlow comes to Estes Park, Colorado to work as the researcher and curator for The Conway Ranch, more specifically the museum on the ranch. However, 2 months into her stay she becomes a suspect in a murder of a couple - a murder that looks eerily similar to what happened to the couple who owned the ranch first time way back approx 150 years ago. And the only person she thinks of calling to help her is her ex-husband FBI Special Agent Diego McCullough.
After Brett Cody, Diego's partner, accepting his position at The Krewe in VA, Diego is given an offer. Right before he considers accepting it, Scarlet reaches out to him for help. Putting all hands on deck, Diego along with the Krewe agents Brett Cody, Meg Murray and Matt Bosworth reach Estes Park, Colorado to aid him. However, the case takes a much more sinister path that has connection to the murders of the first owners of the Ranch that occurred a good 150 years ago and much more needing every talent of the agents to be put to use - including their extra sensory perception and paranormal abilities.
Heather touches a bit more about relationship problems and how to deal with while spinning the tale around Scarlet and Diego - two people who had been very much in love with each other but separate when they are unable to do the basic thing; communicate effectively. Although rarely we see couples who have split come together again, it was really nice to see how Scarlet and Diego reconcile. However, Heather doesn’t show a lot of discussion between them on the events from past, but there is a light conversation on it.
Heather Graham describes FBI Agent Diego McCullough as looking like Mandy Patinkin in the 1987 American romantic fantasy comedy film, The Princess Bride in the previous book when he was introduced. But nowhere here she alludes to that description in this book.
As expected we see the agents from the previous two books traverse into this plot as well along with Lara Mayhew who is now engaged to Brett Cody; Jane Everett - the forensic artist with Texas Krewe. This time Adam Harrison also joins the investigation.
I see a pattern to Heather Graham's stories in the Harrison Investigations and Krewe of Hunters series, apart from the presence of ghosts and spirits. Usually the stories revolve around historical inferences, somehow connecting the past to the present either by way of characters or incidents and they involve hidden tunnels be it in cemetery or old houses or mortuaries. Always has one new pair of Krewe of Hunters or Harrison Investigations investigators. I wonder if Heather will add a third twist to the plot.
As always there is historical and paranormal references from past are given to the reader with artifacts, events and places. This time there is a page at the end where it gives reader an opportunity to either join a book club and win books, or buy a book and get a few free. Yet again there are so many grammatical and character errors seen in this edition. I wonder if whoever edits or proof-reads her books, is efficient enough.
A very good mingle of murder and mystery; past and present; old and new west; betrayal and treasure hunting; and above all romance and love. 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. The plot is set very close to The Stanley Hotel, which is the setting for the famous Stephen King novel The Shining, and he had been staying there when inspired to write the novel. Although the movie was pictured at Oregon's Timberline Lodge.
b. Brett Cody after accepting the offer at The Krewe thinks of talking to Adam Harrison and Jackson Crow to see if a small Krewe office can be opened at Miami too. Guess the future plots will have a fourth Krewe office in Miami, FL.
c. They have a Testicle Festival (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testicl...) in Estes Park. It is basically an event where the primary food is testicles of various animals. That is so gross! Eew!
2. Sub Plots:
a. In the 16th book The Forgotten, Dr. Phil Kinny seemed have paranormal abilities. Will he be a main character in another book?
b. In eleventh book, The Night Is Forever, 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.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. Jane Everett and Sloan Trent were part of Team Two: Texas Krewe. But in The Betrayed, Heather mentions that they were going to be permanent members of the Yankee Krewe. Have to read the rest of the books to know if that is where she sends them.
3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 98, Line 9, it should be "…when he was out…"
b. Around Chapter 5, we still see only two sets of murder victims - one pair a fresh kill that Scarlet is suspected of committing and the second pair are human remains / bones found recently prior to the fresh kill. Yet on Pg. 112, Heather mentions that her character Meg calls the Krewe office to find more about this third set of remains. When did it become a third set? Or is Heather considering Nathan and Jillian Kendal's murder as the first one?
c. On Pg. 257, Line 10 from bottom, it should be "…knew she was naked…"
d. On Pg. 313, Line 6 from bottom, it should be "Did you move the…"
Recommendation: Yes, pick it up for a mystery involving paranormal elements, historical flair and the romantic side of the plot.
The Hidden is the seventeenth book in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham and published in September of 2015. The plot centers around FBI Special Agent Diego McCullough - newly recruited agent to the Krewe of Hunters - and Scarlet Barlow - a historian working at Estes Park, Colorado. The plot is set in Colorado and occurs right after the events in The Forgotten.
This forms the third book in the third trilogy within the series - first book being the 15th book The Silenced and 16th book The Forgotten. Although not mentioned exclusively, I consider them as a trilogy as the characters kind of flow from one book to the next keeping the continuity. First trilogy consisted of the ninth book The Night is Watching; the tenth book The Night is Alive; the eleventh book The Night is Forever. Second trilogy consisted of the 12th book The Cursed, 13th book the Hexed and 14th book The Betrayed.
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 is Yankee Krewe, based in NYC, overseen by Jackson Crow. A possibility of a fourth group in Miami, FL is touched upon in the 17th book The Hidden.
We met FBI Special Agent Diego McCullough in the previous book The Hidden as an able and competent partner to FBI Special Agent Brett Cody. We had seen his character evolve through the plot and a bit of his past shown. Now we get to see his story in this book.
Scarlet Barlow comes to Estes Park, Colorado to work as the researcher and curator for The Conway Ranch, more specifically the museum on the ranch. However, 2 months into her stay she becomes a suspect in a murder of a couple - a murder that looks eerily similar to what happened to the couple who owned the ranch first time way back approx 150 years ago. And the only person she thinks of calling to help her is her ex-husband FBI Special Agent Diego McCullough.
After Brett Cody, Diego's partner, accepting his position at The Krewe in VA, Diego is given an offer. Right before he considers accepting it, Scarlet reaches out to him for help. Putting all hands on deck, Diego along with the Krewe agents Brett Cody, Meg Murray and Matt Bosworth reach Estes Park, Colorado to aid him. However, the case takes a much more sinister path that has connection to the murders of the first owners of the Ranch that occurred a good 150 years ago and much more needing every talent of the agents to be put to use - including their extra sensory perception and paranormal abilities.
Heather touches a bit more about relationship problems and how to deal with while spinning the tale around Scarlet and Diego - two people who had been very much in love with each other but separate when they are unable to do the basic thing; communicate effectively. Although rarely we see couples who have split come together again, it was really nice to see how Scarlet and Diego reconcile. However, Heather doesn’t show a lot of discussion between them on the events from past, but there is a light conversation on it.
Heather Graham describes FBI Agent Diego McCullough as looking like Mandy Patinkin in the 1987 American romantic fantasy comedy film, The Princess Bride in the previous book when he was introduced. But nowhere here she alludes to that description in this book.
As expected we see the agents from the previous two books traverse into this plot as well along with Lara Mayhew who is now engaged to Brett Cody; Jane Everett - the forensic artist with Texas Krewe. This time Adam Harrison also joins the investigation.
I see a pattern to Heather Graham's stories in the Harrison Investigations and Krewe of Hunters series, apart from the presence of ghosts and spirits. Usually the stories revolve around historical inferences, somehow connecting the past to the present either by way of characters or incidents and they involve hidden tunnels be it in cemetery or old houses or mortuaries. Always has one new pair of Krewe of Hunters or Harrison Investigations investigators. I wonder if Heather will add a third twist to the plot.
As always there is historical and paranormal references from past are given to the reader with artifacts, events and places. This time there is a page at the end where it gives reader an opportunity to either join a book club and win books, or buy a book and get a few free. Yet again there are so many grammatical and character errors seen in this edition. I wonder if whoever edits or proof-reads her books, is efficient enough.
A very good mingle of murder and mystery; past and present; old and new west; betrayal and treasure hunting; and above all romance and love. 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. The plot is set very close to The Stanley Hotel, which is the setting for the famous Stephen King novel The Shining, and he had been staying there when inspired to write the novel. Although the movie was pictured at Oregon's Timberline Lodge.
b. Brett Cody after accepting the offer at The Krewe thinks of talking to Adam Harrison and Jackson Crow to see if a small Krewe office can be opened at Miami too. Guess the future plots will have a fourth Krewe office in Miami, FL.
c. They have a Testicle Festival (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testicl...) in Estes Park. It is basically an event where the primary food is testicles of various animals. That is so gross! Eew!
2. Sub Plots:
a. In the 16th book The Forgotten, Dr. Phil Kinny seemed have paranormal abilities. Will he be a main character in another book?
b. In eleventh book, The Night Is Forever, 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.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. Jane Everett and Sloan Trent were part of Team Two: Texas Krewe. But in The Betrayed, Heather mentions that they were going to be permanent members of the Yankee Krewe. Have to read the rest of the books to know if that is where she sends them.
3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 98, Line 9, it should be "…when he was out…"
b. Around Chapter 5, we still see only two sets of murder victims - one pair a fresh kill that Scarlet is suspected of committing and the second pair are human remains / bones found recently prior to the fresh kill. Yet on Pg. 112, Heather mentions that her character Meg calls the Krewe office to find more about this third set of remains. When did it become a third set? Or is Heather considering Nathan and Jillian Kendal's murder as the first one?
c. On Pg. 257, Line 10 from bottom, it should be "…knew she was naked…"
d. On Pg. 313, Line 6 from bottom, it should be "Did you move the…"
October 7, 2015
The very first sentence of this blurb caught my eye and even if I weren't already a fan of the series, that alone would have drawn me in. Add in the setting and I was sold. I had the pleasure to visit Estes park years ago and it was gorgeous. After reading the book, I want to go back again and visit everything I missed the first time.
As for the story, Graham did it again. I have a few nitpicks but as a whole the story was gripping and entertaining. Graham did a fantastic job with the setting, making the reader feel as if they were truly there, capturing the beauty of the land and the distance from one place to the next. And the setting is integral to the mystery as it involves ranches, gold miners and US Marshalls in addition to our Scooby gang, the Krewe unit of the FBI. As always, the story is a blend of paranormal, mystery, and romance. The paranormal aspect and the mystery are predominant but she doesn't forget the romance. We met Diego previously, most recently in book 16, "The Forgotten".
The mystery was tightly written with several red herrings. I had several potential suspects whose billing as the top suspect changed as new information was revealed. In the end, the killer was someone I'd considered but discarded as a suspect. Well done. Ms.Graham!
Now the nitpicks; there are several. Granted, the Krewe is not your typical FBI unit and the agents use unusual methods but we still need believability. A suggestion is made by the agents that stretches credibility but not a single character blinked or thought it odd for a law enforcement officer to make. It's actually an idea I could see the Krewe doing on a regular basis; it was just odd that none of the non-Krewe characters thought was weird or even crazy for them to suggest.
Second, one of the local police officers did a 180 degree change in behavior and personality and we don't know why. A few of the characters note that he's behaving differently but it's left at that, no questioning of it. It was jarring. I kept waiting for a revelation and he was one of my candidates for the killer.
My last nitpick was the romance. I'm not a fan of second chance romances but sometimes they work. This one mostly did; the reasons they split up were believable as was their effort at reuniting and working through their problems. What felt off to me was how quick they were to fall in bed together. Yes, they'd been married before and weren't strangers but BOOM! they're in bed before working out their problems. I'd have preferred to see them talk and work through their problems before jumping in the sack.
Still, despite those niggles, "The Hidden" was enjoyable with strong writing, realistic and enjoyable characters (my heart broke for Nathan), an intriguing premise and set-up, and an entertaining mystery.
As for the story, Graham did it again. I have a few nitpicks but as a whole the story was gripping and entertaining. Graham did a fantastic job with the setting, making the reader feel as if they were truly there, capturing the beauty of the land and the distance from one place to the next. And the setting is integral to the mystery as it involves ranches, gold miners and US Marshalls in addition to our Scooby gang, the Krewe unit of the FBI. As always, the story is a blend of paranormal, mystery, and romance. The paranormal aspect and the mystery are predominant but she doesn't forget the romance. We met Diego previously, most recently in book 16, "The Forgotten".
The mystery was tightly written with several red herrings. I had several potential suspects whose billing as the top suspect changed as new information was revealed. In the end, the killer was someone I'd considered but discarded as a suspect. Well done. Ms.Graham!
Now the nitpicks; there are several. Granted, the Krewe is not your typical FBI unit and the agents use unusual methods but we still need believability. A suggestion is made by the agents that stretches credibility but not a single character blinked or thought it odd for a law enforcement officer to make. It's actually an idea I could see the Krewe doing on a regular basis; it was just odd that none of the non-Krewe characters thought was weird or even crazy for them to suggest.
Second, one of the local police officers did a 180 degree change in behavior and personality and we don't know why. A few of the characters note that he's behaving differently but it's left at that, no questioning of it. It was jarring. I kept waiting for a revelation and he was one of my candidates for the killer.
My last nitpick was the romance. I'm not a fan of second chance romances but sometimes they work. This one mostly did; the reasons they split up were believable as was their effort at reuniting and working through their problems. What felt off to me was how quick they were to fall in bed together. Yes, they'd been married before and weren't strangers but BOOM! they're in bed before working out their problems. I'd have preferred to see them talk and work through their problems before jumping in the sack.
Still, despite those niggles, "The Hidden" was enjoyable with strong writing, realistic and enjoyable characters (my heart broke for Nathan), an intriguing premise and set-up, and an entertaining mystery.
September 18, 2020
After the last book I got my hopes up that maybe the series was improving in a long-term way, but no. The female lead is back to being relatively useless aside from her connection to the ghosts. The only deviation from the typical formula is that she and the male lead were divorced, and the male lead appeared as a character in a previous book. Diego was sadly, extremely bland, it was as if all his personality from the previous book had been sucked out of him. He was still nice, which is a relief, but no longer fun and interesting.
This book spends an awful lot of time trying to excuse a husband ignoring his wife's calls for the entire time she's in the hospital due to a miscarriage (after a miscarriage they usually keep you in the hospital for four or five more hours, so that's over 5 hours of ignoring her multiple calls) based on the fact that he didn't know she was pregnant (he didn't even check his phone before he got home). This is absolutely silly. Even if he had known she was pregnant, that wouldn't mean he'd pay attention to her calls, it's not like he'd know before picking up that she had a miscarriage. And if she wasn't pregnant and was in the hospital for a different reason, it would still be really shitty for him to ignore her calls for hours to the point where she had to go home on her own.
The main female character got damseled, and it was contrived as usual. Also as usual, the author made excuses for all the sexism that would have been more effective if the male love interests were ever the ones being protected and damseled. The killers were another man-woman team in what has become an increasingly improbable list. I suspect it's supposed to be a plot twist, but there's no twist when it's the most common configuration of killers in the series.
You know what would be a real plot twist? A killer ghost. If ghosts can throw things, trip people, and handle guns, than they can kill.
And how in the fuck did the murderer sneak around with a heavy wooden mannequin? I'm pretty sure even a fairly heavy sleeper would notice a person lugging a human-sized hunk of wood up stairs and into their bedroom, and placing it directly by their bed.
This book spends an awful lot of time trying to excuse a husband ignoring his wife's calls for the entire time she's in the hospital due to a miscarriage (after a miscarriage they usually keep you in the hospital for four or five more hours, so that's over 5 hours of ignoring her multiple calls) based on the fact that he didn't know she was pregnant (he didn't even check his phone before he got home). This is absolutely silly. Even if he had known she was pregnant, that wouldn't mean he'd pay attention to her calls, it's not like he'd know before picking up that she had a miscarriage. And if she wasn't pregnant and was in the hospital for a different reason, it would still be really shitty for him to ignore her calls for hours to the point where she had to go home on her own.
The main female character got damseled, and it was contrived as usual. Also as usual, the author made excuses for all the sexism that would have been more effective if the male love interests were ever the ones being protected and damseled. The killers were another man-woman team in what has become an increasingly improbable list. I suspect it's supposed to be a plot twist, but there's no twist when it's the most common configuration of killers in the series.
You know what would be a real plot twist? A killer ghost. If ghosts can throw things, trip people, and handle guns, than they can kill.
And how in the fuck did the murderer sneak around with a heavy wooden mannequin? I'm pretty sure even a fairly heavy sleeper would notice a person lugging a human-sized hunk of wood up stairs and into their bedroom, and placing it directly by their bed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2017
I really enjoyed the story in this book. I've always had a soft spot for the out West settings, and I especially like the old and new that this series does so well.
The couple is a switch up from the normal too ... Scarlet & Diego are divorced ... but apparently it was a mistake on Scarlet's part on leaving. To say they pick up where they left off is an understatement ... but it definitely sped the relationship part of the story along.
I honestly thought I had the whodunnit figured out, but I was surprised by the twist at the end. I only got it half right.
The ancestry angle was intriguing. It's amazing how many descendants can come from one couple. Especially when their one child has 16 kids!!
Another great Krewe book!
The couple is a switch up from the normal too ... Scarlet & Diego are divorced ... but apparently it was a mistake on Scarlet's part on leaving. To say they pick up where they left off is an understatement ... but it definitely sped the relationship part of the story along.
I honestly thought I had the whodunnit figured out, but I was surprised by the twist at the end. I only got it half right.
The ancestry angle was intriguing. It's amazing how many descendants can come from one couple. Especially when their one child has 16 kids!!
Another great Krewe book!
October 23, 2015
This is probably my least fave of her books. I had trouble getting through it because it just didn't entice me. I don't think so much that it was the plot of the crime so much as it was the romance side. I guess I like new romances more than divorced couples finding their ways back to each other. As all I can think is..if they had just TALKED the divorce wouldn't have happened. Failure to communicate. The common cause of failure in relationships. I know that's real life...I'm not reading to read real life. I guess mostly new love is just more exciting to read. Or even stories where they've known each other forever and the relationship finally happens. I would say all her other books that I've read are 5 stars. She's one of my fave authors. This one just lacked something that I'm guessing was the romance side of things.
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