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Rae Hatting Mysteries #2
Misfortune
Death is on the cards...
There’s a new serial killer on the loose, dumping bodies in sinister relation to tarot card meanings, preying on his victims’ vices. With roving psychics, all claiming to have knowledge of the killer, to a mysterious Cajun woman, who just so happens to be related to Dr. Sabine Lawson, will Luke and Rae solve the case before another person ends up tempting fate and succumbing to an unfortunate mishap?
There’s a new serial killer on the loose, dumping bodies in sinister relation to tarot card meanings, preying on his victims’ vices. With roving psychics, all claiming to have knowledge of the killer, to a mysterious Cajun woman, who just so happens to be related to Dr. Sabine Lawson, will Luke and Rae solve the case before another person ends up tempting fate and succumbing to an unfortunate mishap?
Unknown Binding
First published November 21, 2015
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Heather Osborne
29 books128 followersHeather Osborne was born and raised in California. She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Victimology, as well as coursework in Early Childhood Education. In 2009, she moved to Scotland. Heather has been writing short stories for as long as she can remember. She also has written and directed several plays. In her spare time, Heather enjoys reading, writing (of course!), theatre, as well as caring for her young son.
She also reviews for Readers' Favorite.
She also reviews for Readers' Favorite.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 24, 2016
***** 5 Cranky Stars *****
Yet again, this author does not disappoint. Obsorne’s way with words and wonderful plot make this another page turner.
I love the characters have real problems and are intelligent enough to master them.
In this story, Rae is again faced with a serial killer, who ritualistically places the victims in poses based on tarot cards. As an aside, where does the author come up with these psychopathic killer’s themes? They are awesome.
Rae has to be my favorite character in a mystery story. She is cool and strong, and her compassion is endless. I welcomed the return of Luke in this work and also, seeing Rae with Grace, her adopted daughter, was wonderful to see.
Rae and Luke work well together. The romantic tension and funny moments lighten the mood in what is, at times, a gruesome crime drama.
Every page is a new discovery and as Obsorne uses first person point of view, the reader gets more of an insight into these well-rounded characters.
The descriptions of Washington and New Orleans are accurate. The psychic fair was a great way to keep me on the edge of my kindle. I think the emotions and reactions are believable. I was laughing, crying, and cheering for them.
I look forward to the next book in the series and can’t wait to catch up with Rae some more. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I will continue to read and recommend Heather Osborne’s books to everyone. Long may she write!
http://twistedbookcur.blogspot.ch/201...
November 7, 2015
The Rae Hatting mysteries are a growing, thriving story-in-progress, and I love this latest one most of all. I enjoyed Crushed Gardenias and The Fairest of Them, but Misfortune is where this writer finds her pace and Rae Hatting becomes (to me, anyway) a living, breathing person. Some of the scenes in the book (ahem … the bathroom scene!) are laugh-out-loud funny while still developing the characters and relationships, and other scenes (one murder I won't spoil) are particularly gruesome, gristly and just … eww! Like seriously, this person is way past the point of needing some psychiatric help! (Um … I mean the killer, not necessarily the author!) The book is fun and funny in parts, gory in other parts, and – most importantly of all – entertaining in all the parts. Kudos!
November 20, 2015
As the 3rd Rae Hatting Mystery, I had some idea of what to expect, and I will give this installment 4.5 stars. Ms. Osborne does a good job of mixing romance and chilling crime scenes, and this book certainly continues the trend. In the last book, The Fairest of Them, the serial killer had a chilling fairy tale theme, that also served as an introduction of Rae to Luke Thompson. As we begin Misfortune, Luke has completed his FBI training and is partnered with Rae for their first case, which happens to be another serial killer with a theme. The theme this time recreates tarot cards, which leads the dynamic duo on quite an adventure first to Washington DC (Luke’s tirade about the capital city is worth the price alone) and then to New Orleans for a psychic convention.
The chemistry between Rae and Luke continues to become more prevalent and intense. Jealous moments on both sides , when neither actually has reason to be jealous, run from amusing to laugh out loud funny. Some of the characters they encounter, both in DC and N'Awlins truly fill out the definition of character. Surprisingly perhaps the most intriguing and amusing of these is Sabine's grandmother (Sabine is the coroner from The Fairest of them.) In fact, I do believe Madame Evangeline was my favorite character in the book. A sweet little old grand-mere she isn't, but tons of fun and intrigue, while retaining her Southern Belle charm are perfectly written.
One certainly can't complain that the story moves too slow on this one. It seems there is never a dull moment. The few check-ins we have with Rae’s daughter Grace remind us what a doll of a girl she is, even as a teenager. Both Rae and Luke’s mothers made scolding phone calls to their wayward children, but I will admit I would have loved to have seen more of both of them. As I have said, there is no shortage of "character" in Heather's characters, and these two fall very solidly in that definition. Hopefully we will see a little bit more of them in the next book.
I guess the biggest reason I couldn't give the book a full five stars is that I found the serial killer storyline rather convoluted at best, and a nagging comment made by Luke that I didn't feel was ever addressed. But overall, it was an enjoyable read without so many plot twists and turns that your head is left spinning. I also continue to see growth as an author in each of Ms. Osborne's books, and the readability (aka lack of grammatical and editing errors) are very refreshing, as well as the humor and sly wit Heather weaves throughout. I definitely look forward to following Luke and Rae on their next adventure, err, case. I may not be a pyshic or fotunr telller, but i do see quiteva future for this pair, and I look forward to riding along with them through to the end.
The chemistry between Rae and Luke continues to become more prevalent and intense. Jealous moments on both sides , when neither actually has reason to be jealous, run from amusing to laugh out loud funny. Some of the characters they encounter, both in DC and N'Awlins truly fill out the definition of character. Surprisingly perhaps the most intriguing and amusing of these is Sabine's grandmother (Sabine is the coroner from The Fairest of them.) In fact, I do believe Madame Evangeline was my favorite character in the book. A sweet little old grand-mere she isn't, but tons of fun and intrigue, while retaining her Southern Belle charm are perfectly written.
One certainly can't complain that the story moves too slow on this one. It seems there is never a dull moment. The few check-ins we have with Rae’s daughter Grace remind us what a doll of a girl she is, even as a teenager. Both Rae and Luke’s mothers made scolding phone calls to their wayward children, but I will admit I would have loved to have seen more of both of them. As I have said, there is no shortage of "character" in Heather's characters, and these two fall very solidly in that definition. Hopefully we will see a little bit more of them in the next book.
I guess the biggest reason I couldn't give the book a full five stars is that I found the serial killer storyline rather convoluted at best, and a nagging comment made by Luke that I didn't feel was ever addressed. But overall, it was an enjoyable read without so many plot twists and turns that your head is left spinning. I also continue to see growth as an author in each of Ms. Osborne's books, and the readability (aka lack of grammatical and editing errors) are very refreshing, as well as the humor and sly wit Heather weaves throughout. I definitely look forward to following Luke and Rae on their next adventure, err, case. I may not be a pyshic or fotunr telller, but i do see quiteva future for this pair, and I look forward to riding along with them through to the end.
Read
February 14, 2016This is the third book in the Rae Hatting series, and it's just as good as the first two. You can read my reviews for the first two here.
Rae and Luke are now partners, and they’re assigned to a case where a serial killer is leaving bodies positioned like Tarot cards. Their investigations take them to New Orleans where a national convention for psychics and mediums has been scheduled. Along the way, they meet some interesting characters, like Sabine's grandmother, Evangeline. As they follow the clues, it dawns on them they might be dealing with someone in law enforcement. And they could be the next target.
Rae and Luke’s characters evolve more in this book, as their mutual attraction sets them at odds against each other. Not a lot of tension, but enough to make it tantalizing. I really enjoyed the bathroom scene.
The story traveled along at a good pace, it was well-written and the characters were well-developed. Between the grisly deaths, and surprise revelations, the book kept me entertained.
What I didn’t like: the switching of first POV from Rae and Luke. Most authors who use that method, do it at each chapter. Osborne does it during the same chapter, which can be confusing . Because of that, I couldn’t get quite as involved in the story as I wanted.
If you love a good thriller or serial killer tale, then you need to read this story. I’m looking forward to following Rae and Luke in their adventure. I give my 4 feathers.
Rae and Luke are now partners, and they’re assigned to a case where a serial killer is leaving bodies positioned like Tarot cards. Their investigations take them to New Orleans where a national convention for psychics and mediums has been scheduled. Along the way, they meet some interesting characters, like Sabine's grandmother, Evangeline. As they follow the clues, it dawns on them they might be dealing with someone in law enforcement. And they could be the next target.
Rae and Luke’s characters evolve more in this book, as their mutual attraction sets them at odds against each other. Not a lot of tension, but enough to make it tantalizing. I really enjoyed the bathroom scene.
The story traveled along at a good pace, it was well-written and the characters were well-developed. Between the grisly deaths, and surprise revelations, the book kept me entertained.
What I didn’t like: the switching of first POV from Rae and Luke. Most authors who use that method, do it at each chapter. Osborne does it during the same chapter, which can be confusing . Because of that, I couldn’t get quite as involved in the story as I wanted.
If you love a good thriller or serial killer tale, then you need to read this story. I’m looking forward to following Rae and Luke in their adventure. I give my 4 feathers.
December 29, 2015
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review. This is the second full length book in the series. I knew right from the blurb that I would enjoy this story and I was right.
Luke and Rae are on the case. This time a serial killer is using the Major Arcana of the Tarot deck. This leads them to New Orleans during Mardi Gras for a psychic convention.
The book started off a little slow for me but I was caught up in the story about 1/3 of the way in. I couldn’t wait to learn more about the case and to find out who the serial killer is.
If you love mysteries with just a hint of romance, New Orleans, Mardi Gras, psychics, cemeteries, and serial killers then definitely check out this book. With that being said, remember that this is part of a series… I recommend the entire series!
Reviewed By Cryssy
Luke and Rae are on the case. This time a serial killer is using the Major Arcana of the Tarot deck. This leads them to New Orleans during Mardi Gras for a psychic convention.
The book started off a little slow for me but I was caught up in the story about 1/3 of the way in. I couldn’t wait to learn more about the case and to find out who the serial killer is.
If you love mysteries with just a hint of romance, New Orleans, Mardi Gras, psychics, cemeteries, and serial killers then definitely check out this book. With that being said, remember that this is part of a series… I recommend the entire series!
Reviewed By Cryssy
December 18, 2015
Misfortune! What a fantastic book. Well edited, too. There was never a dull moment. It's packed full of crime scenes and investigations that keep you intrigued and guessing. Also, there are a few laugh-out-loud moments that I loved and they helped lighten the mood of the book a bit. So, I'm one happy reader.
The rush of Melanie and Luke's relationship (from The Fairest of Them) was sort of explained, and now I'm feeling the slow-burn of a promising relationship between Luke and Rae. So, as a romance book-lover, this has me very happy!
I can't wait to see what's in store for Luke and Rae's next adventure!
*Please note that I did win an Advanced Reading Copy of this book, but it didn't alter my opinion of this book in any way.
The rush of Melanie and Luke's relationship (from The Fairest of Them) was sort of explained, and now I'm feeling the slow-burn of a promising relationship between Luke and Rae. So, as a romance book-lover, this has me very happy!
I can't wait to see what's in store for Luke and Rae's next adventure!
*Please note that I did win an Advanced Reading Copy of this book, but it didn't alter my opinion of this book in any way.
December 29, 2015
I picked this book because of the tarot card theme. Murders are committed and victims placed in positions of tarot cards. The hook was enough to reel me in pretty quickly and the book didn't let me down one bit.
An excellent thriller/ mystery, well plotted and written with many memorable scenes and characters. One of the best crime fiction I have read lately.
An excellent thriller/ mystery, well plotted and written with many memorable scenes and characters. One of the best crime fiction I have read lately.
November 24, 2015
Review to come soon...
July 29, 2017
Rae and Luke are back in this, the second book in the series. Heather has again created an original and interesting case for her fictional detectives and readers alike.
People are being killed and posed in positions from tarot cards. Alongside this, old family feuds and generations old arguments continue to cause problems.
Rae and Luke make a great investigative team. They work well together, support each other and there's some romance beginning to bubble under the surface. They each bring their own skills and experience to this case which blends well.
The pace of the story is just right. Pacy enough to keep the story moving, but not so fast that you lose track of what is happening in the case. I thought I knew was involved in/part of the murders from early on, but I'd got it wrong. It was a great read finding out what happened, and why. Recommended to anyone who likes an original, well thought out crime/mystery read
People are being killed and posed in positions from tarot cards. Alongside this, old family feuds and generations old arguments continue to cause problems.
Rae and Luke make a great investigative team. They work well together, support each other and there's some romance beginning to bubble under the surface. They each bring their own skills and experience to this case which blends well.
The pace of the story is just right. Pacy enough to keep the story moving, but not so fast that you lose track of what is happening in the case. I thought I knew was involved in/part of the murders from early on, but I'd got it wrong. It was a great read finding out what happened, and why. Recommended to anyone who likes an original, well thought out crime/mystery read
November 4, 2023
Fascinating
give me tarot cards and give me New Orleans, and you have me hooked as a reader. another exciting read from an incredible author. I didn’t want this one to end.
give me tarot cards and give me New Orleans, and you have me hooked as a reader. another exciting read from an incredible author. I didn’t want this one to end.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews