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Krewe of Hunters #19
Deadly Fate
Alaska—the final frontier?
When Clara Avery, an entertainer working on the Fate, an Alaskan cruise ship, goes to nearby Bear Island, she comes across a scene of bloody mayhem. She also comes across Thor Erikson, who will soon be a member of the FBI's elite paranormal unit, the Krewe of Hunters.
Thor's been sent from the Alaska field office to investigate several grotesque killings, with the dead posed to resemble the victims of notorious murderers. The prime suspect is a serial killer Thor once put behind bars. The man escaped from a prison in the Midwest, and all the evidence says he was headed to Alaska…
Thor and Clara share an unusual skill: the ability to communicate with the dead. Their growing love—and their contact with the ghosts of the victims—brings them together to solve the case…and prevent a deadly fate of their own!
When Clara Avery, an entertainer working on the Fate, an Alaskan cruise ship, goes to nearby Bear Island, she comes across a scene of bloody mayhem. She also comes across Thor Erikson, who will soon be a member of the FBI's elite paranormal unit, the Krewe of Hunters.
Thor's been sent from the Alaska field office to investigate several grotesque killings, with the dead posed to resemble the victims of notorious murderers. The prime suspect is a serial killer Thor once put behind bars. The man escaped from a prison in the Midwest, and all the evidence says he was headed to Alaska…
Thor and Clara share an unusual skill: the ability to communicate with the dead. Their growing love—and their contact with the ghosts of the victims—brings them together to solve the case…and prevent a deadly fate of their own!
363 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2016
611 people are currently reading
2813 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
583 books6,887 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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January 18, 2025
Deadly Fate by Heather Graham
Krewe of Hunters series #19. Paranormal romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Jackson Crowe of the FBI, flies to Bear Island, Alaska to work with Thor Erickson, a member of the FBI’s elite paranormal unit. Several grotesque bodies have been discovered and thought to be from an escaped serial killer. With the help of Clara Avery, who can see and talk with the dead victim, the team tries to find the killer before more victims fall.
Creepy in the wilderness setting for this ghost hunter case. Is it real or just a prank by the film crew working on the island? The killer has made it real and it’s a race to save the film crew and the police from being the next victim.
I’m not a fan of the prank television shows. This group got more than they expected.
I suspected the killer from the start which is unusual for me. I don’t try to solve, but just immerse myself in the story.
Suspenseful and on the edge of horror. So many people seeing ghosts!
On to the next in the series.
Krewe of Hunters series #19. Paranormal romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Jackson Crowe of the FBI, flies to Bear Island, Alaska to work with Thor Erickson, a member of the FBI’s elite paranormal unit. Several grotesque bodies have been discovered and thought to be from an escaped serial killer. With the help of Clara Avery, who can see and talk with the dead victim, the team tries to find the killer before more victims fall.
Creepy in the wilderness setting for this ghost hunter case. Is it real or just a prank by the film crew working on the island? The killer has made it real and it’s a race to save the film crew and the police from being the next victim.
I’m not a fan of the prank television shows. This group got more than they expected.
I suspected the killer from the start which is unusual for me. I don’t try to solve, but just immerse myself in the story.
Suspenseful and on the edge of horror. So many people seeing ghosts!
On to the next in the series.
October 21, 2016
This was not a compelling story; it was easy to put down for days at a time. It took a long time, over half the book, before I connected with Clara and Thor. We met Clara in the previous book and I thought she was a weak character. She was still weak in this book, not interesting enough to carry the story. Thor was more interesting but I never felt like I knew him.
The story was convoluted and while it had some twists, it just didn't hold my interest. I struggled to finish the book. The Alaskan setting was nicely done and Thor's family was interesting.
Overall, a tepid story with a weak romance.
The story was convoluted and while it had some twists, it just didn't hold my interest. I struggled to finish the book. The Alaskan setting was nicely done and Thor's family was interesting.
Overall, a tepid story with a weak romance.
March 29, 2017
It was an amazing book, it started with a bang, and kept going from there! Really enjoyable, and I can't wait to read more!
August 8, 2016
3.5 stars. Continues on from Haunted Destiny featuring Clara, Alexi's actress friend set to play the lead on the Alaskan cruise ship Fate production. I see some inconsistencies with her acceptance of her "I see dead people" abilities from that previous book, though.
July 22, 2016
Thor Erickson a local FBI agent is awakened by a phone call. Where he is summoned to a gruesome murder scene at a Seward hotel. In route, he learns that Jackson Crow his previous partner is on his way to Seward. A serial killer they once captured has escaped prison in the Midwest. Could this murder be his work? The tale that unfolds offers twists, turns and an engaging mystery.
Clara Avery is a character we met aboard the Destiny in Haunted Destiny, Krewe of Hunters #18. Now she is working on the Fate, an Alaskan cruise ship. She was asked to take part in TV show on Bear Island to promote the cruise ship but upon her arrival, she stumbles across a horrific murder scene before crashing into Thor Erickson as she flees.
Graham set the stage for an interesting murder mystery. She weaved in characters we had previously met, reopened a serial case and set everyone on edge as we discovered the gruesome murder scenes. We had several ghost aiding us. I always enjoy the way the dead aid the living in this series. Both Clara and Thor can see the dead and she soon becomes involved in the case.
A romance develops between Clara and Thor. It was sweet, sexy and was served as a side dish to the investigation. I enjoyed the romance and found both characters likeable and the chemistry genuine. Graham weaved in a little humor as one of the ghosts meddles by encouraging Clara to make the first move.
Graham takes us inside the perspective of the killer and while not lengthy it was chilling. The mystery wrapped up quickly but then she delivered a twist. This created a second ending that was suspenseful and well executed. The murders themselves were gruesome with just enough details to awaken the reader's imagination. Key characters like the owner of the island, his odd caretakers and others offered us plenty of suspects and aided in revealing details.
Copy from BEA This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Clara Avery is a character we met aboard the Destiny in Haunted Destiny, Krewe of Hunters #18. Now she is working on the Fate, an Alaskan cruise ship. She was asked to take part in TV show on Bear Island to promote the cruise ship but upon her arrival, she stumbles across a horrific murder scene before crashing into Thor Erickson as she flees.
Graham set the stage for an interesting murder mystery. She weaved in characters we had previously met, reopened a serial case and set everyone on edge as we discovered the gruesome murder scenes. We had several ghost aiding us. I always enjoy the way the dead aid the living in this series. Both Clara and Thor can see the dead and she soon becomes involved in the case.
A romance develops between Clara and Thor. It was sweet, sexy and was served as a side dish to the investigation. I enjoyed the romance and found both characters likeable and the chemistry genuine. Graham weaved in a little humor as one of the ghosts meddles by encouraging Clara to make the first move.
Graham takes us inside the perspective of the killer and while not lengthy it was chilling. The mystery wrapped up quickly but then she delivered a twist. This created a second ending that was suspenseful and well executed. The murders themselves were gruesome with just enough details to awaken the reader's imagination. Key characters like the owner of the island, his odd caretakers and others offered us plenty of suspects and aided in revealing details.
Copy from BEA This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
August 1, 2016
I guess you could say I am a little behind in the Heather Graham Series Krewe Of Hunter since this is the first of the series I have read.
I must say wow! Heather Graham was able to create amazing characters that were 3-D making the reader feel as if they were in the middle of the case of a serial killer. I wondered with it being book 19 if I would be lost but infact I was able to jump right in without getting lost. I was a little shocked to find I enjoyed the ghost aiding in the case because most of the time I strongly dislike the idea but Heather Graham was able to pull it all together in one amazing story.
Romance between Clara and Thor have genuine chemistry and it isn't forced at all making it a believable romance.
There is enough humor to balance out the darkness of the serial murder which I loved!
I am go happy I took a chance on Heather Graham and I can't wait to go back and read her other series.
ARC Netgalley.
I must say wow! Heather Graham was able to create amazing characters that were 3-D making the reader feel as if they were in the middle of the case of a serial killer. I wondered with it being book 19 if I would be lost but infact I was able to jump right in without getting lost. I was a little shocked to find I enjoyed the ghost aiding in the case because most of the time I strongly dislike the idea but Heather Graham was able to pull it all together in one amazing story.
Romance between Clara and Thor have genuine chemistry and it isn't forced at all making it a believable romance.
There is enough humor to balance out the darkness of the serial murder which I loved!
I am go happy I took a chance on Heather Graham and I can't wait to go back and read her other series.
ARC Netgalley.
August 3, 2016
I haven't liked the last 2 books all that much. I'm not sure why, but I had a harder time reading them than I usually do. I hope that the next one grabs my attention more. Heather Graham is one of my favorite authors.
July 1, 2017
This book, "Deadly Fate", by Heather Graham, read more like a romantic suspense rather than a mystery novel. It reminded me of the Harlequin suspense novels. It had a better finish to the story than I anticipated, though I still felt a little disappointed in that I thought it would be more interesting in the storyline.
August 27, 2016
Not real impressed with this series anymore. Formulaic and predictable at this point. I think the author's talents would be better served by giving the Krewe a break and focusing on other projects, at least temporarily.
August 17, 2024
This is part of a long-running supernatural romance/suspense thriller/mystery series. A beautiful young actress named Clara from New Orleans has had a hard time with encounters with serial killers on a boat, so she books a gig on a boat in Alaska where she has a hard time with serial killers. She falls under the protection of a hunky agent (named Thor!) who's had a hard time with serial killers, and they determine that they can both communicate with the dead victims of serial killers, so they hook up. Serial killers for everyone, that's our motto... no serial is safe. Actually, it's a pretty engaging story, with some quirky interesting characters, and a very nice twist to the mystery in the end. It's a fast and fluffy fun read.
May 24, 2025
A good installment but not my favorite of the series. I enjoy getting to see Jackson and Angela again, I liked the Alaska setting, and the notorious crime scene staging. Overall it didn’t have the same emotion that some of her books have which is why it felt a little flat to me.
October 11, 2023
Lots of suspense right up to the end
June 16, 2017
Boring. It started out really strong but I actually think the romance took away from the story. It felt randomally thrown in and awkward. I think this would have been a lot better without that.
I do like who they made the villain though. I saw the twist coming but was still glad it happened because it was the best idea. So the last like 5% was well done but it was a lot of boring in between. Will not be reading any more from this author.
I do like who they made the villain though. I saw the twist coming but was still glad it happened because it was the best idea. So the last like 5% was well done but it was a lot of boring in between. Will not be reading any more from this author.
July 27, 2016
4 STARS
Deadly Fate is the 19th Krewe of Hunters. Heather Graham is still keeping the stories fresh.
This is full of gore, some of it is fake but some is real. A reality show is set up on Bear Island with a fake bloody scene to play a prank on some actors. But a real killer adds his own kill to it. The descriptions are hard to read and imagine.
There are some twists that you might not expect and some that you might guess.
There are some love scenes but if you want are easy to skim over.
Clara Avery is a actress with some othAer actors that first appeared in Haunted Destiny. Finds a deadly mess. She is on a private island in Alaska. She is glad when she sees FBI Agent Jackson Crow. Clara finds it hard to accept that now she can see a ghost. I would freak out too. if a ghost popped up in my room.
Thor Erikson is a FBI Agent from Alaska. He has a dream about a old case he worked years ago with Jackson Crow his old partner. So when he gets a weird murder and finds that Jackson Crow is coming to work a case with him he is not surprised.
I like Heather Graham writing. The touch of ghosts are a fun part of the story.
The setting for this book is Alaska in summer.
I was given this ebook to read for free from Net
Deadly Fate is the 19th Krewe of Hunters. Heather Graham is still keeping the stories fresh.
This is full of gore, some of it is fake but some is real. A reality show is set up on Bear Island with a fake bloody scene to play a prank on some actors. But a real killer adds his own kill to it. The descriptions are hard to read and imagine.
There are some twists that you might not expect and some that you might guess.
There are some love scenes but if you want are easy to skim over.
Clara Avery is a actress with some othAer actors that first appeared in Haunted Destiny. Finds a deadly mess. She is on a private island in Alaska. She is glad when she sees FBI Agent Jackson Crow. Clara finds it hard to accept that now she can see a ghost. I would freak out too. if a ghost popped up in my room.
Thor Erikson is a FBI Agent from Alaska. He has a dream about a old case he worked years ago with Jackson Crow his old partner. So when he gets a weird murder and finds that Jackson Crow is coming to work a case with him he is not surprised.
I like Heather Graham writing. The touch of ghosts are a fun part of the story.
The setting for this book is Alaska in summer.
I was given this ebook to read for free from Net
July 26, 2016
Ghosts on Black Bear Island
DEADLY FATE is #19 in author Heather Graham's Krewe of Hunters series and I think she needs a break.
I have read other books in this series and liked them a lot and I was especially looking forward to this one because I love Alaska.
But I can hardly find anything good to say about this story. The dialogue was stilted, the characters wooden, the romance and sex scenes were boring. I never did feel a connection between the H/h.
I did like most of the passages about Black Bear Island and Alaska - they had some redeeming qualities so the story wasn't a total loss.
I feel bad because I think this really could have been a good story. I don't know whether the author was having an off time while she was writing it or what but I was serious when I wrote that maybe she needs a break from this series.
I received this book from MIRA Books through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.
DEADLY FATE is #19 in author Heather Graham's Krewe of Hunters series and I think she needs a break.
I have read other books in this series and liked them a lot and I was especially looking forward to this one because I love Alaska.
But I can hardly find anything good to say about this story. The dialogue was stilted, the characters wooden, the romance and sex scenes were boring. I never did feel a connection between the H/h.
I did like most of the passages about Black Bear Island and Alaska - they had some redeeming qualities so the story wasn't a total loss.
I feel bad because I think this really could have been a good story. I don't know whether the author was having an off time while she was writing it or what but I was serious when I wrote that maybe she needs a break from this series.
I received this book from MIRA Books through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.
August 16, 2016
Deadly Fate is the 19th of the Krewe series and the second of the "trilogy". I liked this one slightly more than Haunted Destiny. The mystery was more exciting and kept me guessing. But, again, the romance was forced and really rushed. I'm almost wishing that there would be either more romance or none at all. It's seems that in these latest Krewe books, the romance has become an afterthought and just slipped into the story because it needs to be there. I'm not feeling the connection with the love interests even though I'm told I'm supposed to. Maybe it's time for a break from the Krewe. I'd love to see some stories with some of the old gang and their love interests. It might bring back some spice to the series.
September 17, 2019
Cora and Thor are great together and apart. Their humor and views of people, events, history and nature had me chuckling and enjoying this story. It was great to see more of Jackson and see a view of before the Krewe. The story was predictable at times, but well developed and enjoyable to follow along with our characters. It was great visiting a new state and having the ghosts and history be from another era and aspect. Can be enjoyed as a stand alone, but to really sense all the aspects of Krewe and Jackson I would recommend reading them in order.
February 19, 2020
I always enjoy the Krewe of Hunters books and this was no exception. Set in Alaska, the Krewe are hunting an escaped serial killer. Clara, who was on the same ship as the events in the prior book that dealt with the Archangel, is in Alaska, for a show filming with other crew members of the acting crew. However, somebody turned a reality tv show into a horror show. Great action and pacing, and enough twists to keep you guessing. Solid thriller that I didn't want to put down.
January 24, 2021
This one was so good as always by the time the bok was finished you will feel you know the characters as well as you know your friends. Clara was awesome in this and agent Erickson like all of the agents in this series go way out of their way to protect everyone and yes the crime gets solved.
May 14, 2024
This was an okay book 3.5⭐️🤘
February 5, 2019
Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: Yes, pick up the series for a mystery involving paranormal elements, historical flair and the romantic side of the plot, sometimes giving shivers and sometimes just thrills.
Deadly Fate is the nineteenth book in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham and published in July of 2016. The plot centers around Thor Erikson - soon to be new member of FBI's elite crew, Krewe of Hunters - and Clara Avery - an entertainer aboard Fate, an Alaskan Cruise Ship. The plot is set in Seward, Alaska to begin with and occurs a few months after the events of the previous book Haunted Destiny.
This book forms the second book in the fourth trilogy within the series - first book being the previous one, Haunted Destiny; with each book in the trilogy set on a cruise ship belonging to Celtic American Cruise-Line company. This one is set on the cruise ship called, Fate. 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. Third Trilogy consisted of the 15th book The Silenced, 16th book The Forgotten and the 17th book The Hidden.
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 and paranormal mystery involving legendary crimes 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 Clara Avery in the previous book, Haunted Destiny, when she worked as a soprano in the ship, Destiny's, presentation of Les Miserables. Heather Graham had shown the readers that Clara could also see and talk to ghosts while working with Alexi Cromwell, another entertainer on Destiny. I had a feeling that Heather would have a story of her own for Clara. And here we are, the very next book centering around Clara, continuing from Haunted Destiny.
A decade ago, Thor Erikson, worked along-side Jackson Crow to bring-down a serial killer who called himself, "The Fairy Tale Killer". Now Thor worked with his current partner Mike Aklaq at FBI's Alaskan field office in Anchorage, Alaska when Jackson Crow arrives with the news of that serial killer escaping from his prison as well as a new murder that emulates something from the past.
Clara Avery along with her co-stars from the Celtic American Cruise-Line's Saturday night performance on Fate, the Alaskan Cruise Ship of the Cruise-Line goes to Bear Island for filming only to come across a gruesome blood bath. Before she could filter out what is reality and what is fiction, Thor Erikson reaches her. All the clues for Thor lead to the escaped Fairy Tale Killer and that Clara would be the next victim. He takes it upon himself to get this serial killer apprehended as well as keep Clara safe.
This being a sequel to Haunted Destiny, one would expect characters to follow too. And so we see here. The cast and crew of Les Miserables show on the Destiny Cruise ship - Ralph Martini, Simon Green and Larry Hepburn.
As always the Krewe of Hunters who aid in this case are Jackson Crow and Angela Hawkins. We see Adam Harrison towards the end of the plot. But Heather Graham again has the list of all her characters in the beginning of the book just like the previous one giving the reader a view into who they will encounter along the way.
Despite the brutality of the crime and the grim reality that Heather Graham puts in front of the reader, she does add a subtle humor element to the plot. With the feisty temper of Clara, her abrupt outbursts about the shows that she watches like Friends, Big Bang Theory; and her inward thoughts that FBI Agent Thor would be a good cast for The 13th Warrior and give Chris Hemsworth a run for his money for the role of Thor; quoting from The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde; bring out a chortle from the reader.
On that note, she also has quotes with romantic and sexual innuendos from the 1944 American thriller romance film To Have and Have Not; the 1950 American family drama film All About Eve and the 1951 American drama film A Streetcar Named Desire.
Again I could guess on who one of the killer was, but Heather made it a bit complicated for the reader to zero-in on until she wanted the killer to be revealed. Although the plot has paranormal factor, the historical part tied to the murderer's fantasy is less.
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 around Alaska specifically to Seward, Anchorage and the very fictional Black Bear Island along with history of the Celtic American Cruise-Line Fate.
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. Again there are quite few grammatical or character or location errors in this book, making me wonder who actually edited her books.
A very good mingle of murder and mystery; past and present; fantasy and reality; 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. Mike Aklaq is Thor's partner. I am guessing we might see him again.
b. Thor and Mike's director at Alaskan base is Special Director Reginald Enfield.
c. Thor's parents are Heidi and Olaf Erikson. He has a sister named Astrid who is married to Colin. Astrid and Colin run the family business of horses and huskies.
d. Heather describes about the movie The 13th Warrior, which I havent watched. But something that I probably will be doing soon because of this book. :P
e. Thor joins the original Krewe team based in Virginia and Clara gets to be artistic director of Adam Harrison's new acquisition - a historical theater in Alexandria, VA; towards the end of the plot.
2. Sub Plots:
a. In Haunted Destiny, Heather Graham introduces us to the large family of Alexi Cromwell, albeit only as a conversation - her parents, a brother who is an artist, a sister Sienna who is a doctor. Curiously enough only Sienna's name is mentioned in the plot and none of the other family members. May be we will see Sienna again, hence her mentioned explicitly.
b. In the 16th book The Forgotten, Dr. Phil Kinny seemed have paranormal abilities. Will he be a main character in another book?
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. 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.
f. 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. 207, Line 19, I am confused at what Heather wants to tell here. Should it be "…the production manager or production assistant who…" or should it be simply "…the production assistant who…"
b. On Pg. 219, Line 9 from bottom, it should be "..He had been…"
c. On Pg. 219, Line 2 from bottom, it should be "…was there something…."
d. On Pg. 289, Line 11 from bottom, it should be "…want you to know that…"
Recommendation: Yes, pick up the series for a mystery involving paranormal elements, historical flair and the romantic side of the plot, sometimes giving shivers and sometimes just thrills.
Deadly Fate is the nineteenth book in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham and published in July of 2016. The plot centers around Thor Erikson - soon to be new member of FBI's elite crew, Krewe of Hunters - and Clara Avery - an entertainer aboard Fate, an Alaskan Cruise Ship. The plot is set in Seward, Alaska to begin with and occurs a few months after the events of the previous book Haunted Destiny.
This book forms the second book in the fourth trilogy within the series - first book being the previous one, Haunted Destiny; with each book in the trilogy set on a cruise ship belonging to Celtic American Cruise-Line company. This one is set on the cruise ship called, Fate. 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. Third Trilogy consisted of the 15th book The Silenced, 16th book The Forgotten and the 17th book The Hidden.
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 and paranormal mystery involving legendary crimes 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 Clara Avery in the previous book, Haunted Destiny, when she worked as a soprano in the ship, Destiny's, presentation of Les Miserables. Heather Graham had shown the readers that Clara could also see and talk to ghosts while working with Alexi Cromwell, another entertainer on Destiny. I had a feeling that Heather would have a story of her own for Clara. And here we are, the very next book centering around Clara, continuing from Haunted Destiny.
A decade ago, Thor Erikson, worked along-side Jackson Crow to bring-down a serial killer who called himself, "The Fairy Tale Killer". Now Thor worked with his current partner Mike Aklaq at FBI's Alaskan field office in Anchorage, Alaska when Jackson Crow arrives with the news of that serial killer escaping from his prison as well as a new murder that emulates something from the past.
Clara Avery along with her co-stars from the Celtic American Cruise-Line's Saturday night performance on Fate, the Alaskan Cruise Ship of the Cruise-Line goes to Bear Island for filming only to come across a gruesome blood bath. Before she could filter out what is reality and what is fiction, Thor Erikson reaches her. All the clues for Thor lead to the escaped Fairy Tale Killer and that Clara would be the next victim. He takes it upon himself to get this serial killer apprehended as well as keep Clara safe.
This being a sequel to Haunted Destiny, one would expect characters to follow too. And so we see here. The cast and crew of Les Miserables show on the Destiny Cruise ship - Ralph Martini, Simon Green and Larry Hepburn.
As always the Krewe of Hunters who aid in this case are Jackson Crow and Angela Hawkins. We see Adam Harrison towards the end of the plot. But Heather Graham again has the list of all her characters in the beginning of the book just like the previous one giving the reader a view into who they will encounter along the way.
Despite the brutality of the crime and the grim reality that Heather Graham puts in front of the reader, she does add a subtle humor element to the plot. With the feisty temper of Clara, her abrupt outbursts about the shows that she watches like Friends, Big Bang Theory; and her inward thoughts that FBI Agent Thor would be a good cast for The 13th Warrior and give Chris Hemsworth a run for his money for the role of Thor; quoting from The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde; bring out a chortle from the reader.
On that note, she also has quotes with romantic and sexual innuendos from the 1944 American thriller romance film To Have and Have Not; the 1950 American family drama film All About Eve and the 1951 American drama film A Streetcar Named Desire.
Again I could guess on who one of the killer was, but Heather made it a bit complicated for the reader to zero-in on until she wanted the killer to be revealed. Although the plot has paranormal factor, the historical part tied to the murderer's fantasy is less.
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 around Alaska specifically to Seward, Anchorage and the very fictional Black Bear Island along with history of the Celtic American Cruise-Line Fate.
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. Again there are quite few grammatical or character or location errors in this book, making me wonder who actually edited her books.
A very good mingle of murder and mystery; past and present; fantasy and reality; 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. Mike Aklaq is Thor's partner. I am guessing we might see him again.
b. Thor and Mike's director at Alaskan base is Special Director Reginald Enfield.
c. Thor's parents are Heidi and Olaf Erikson. He has a sister named Astrid who is married to Colin. Astrid and Colin run the family business of horses and huskies.
d. Heather describes about the movie The 13th Warrior, which I havent watched. But something that I probably will be doing soon because of this book. :P
e. Thor joins the original Krewe team based in Virginia and Clara gets to be artistic director of Adam Harrison's new acquisition - a historical theater in Alexandria, VA; towards the end of the plot.
2. Sub Plots:
a. In Haunted Destiny, Heather Graham introduces us to the large family of Alexi Cromwell, albeit only as a conversation - her parents, a brother who is an artist, a sister Sienna who is a doctor. Curiously enough only Sienna's name is mentioned in the plot and none of the other family members. May be we will see Sienna again, hence her mentioned explicitly.
b. In the 16th book The Forgotten, Dr. Phil Kinny seemed have paranormal abilities. Will he be a main character in another book?
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. 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.
f. 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. 207, Line 19, I am confused at what Heather wants to tell here. Should it be "…the production manager or production assistant who…" or should it be simply "…the production assistant who…"
b. On Pg. 219, Line 9 from bottom, it should be "..He had been…"
c. On Pg. 219, Line 2 from bottom, it should be "…was there something…."
d. On Pg. 289, Line 11 from bottom, it should be "…want you to know that…"
September 24, 2016
Deadly Fate, the newest Krewe of Hunters novel, hooked me early and never let up. From the opening scene of (fictional) carnage to the denouement, the book kept me guessing and eagerly turning the pages to see if my guesses were right.
Graham is really good at evoking an atmosphere, making a setting appealing and then progressively ratcheting up the tension so the setting itself begins to feel menacing. In this case, though, while Alaska itself is certainly appealing enough, the fictional Black Bear Island is a scene of death and destruction almost from the start, and it remains an ominous if beautiful setting for much of the book.
I was delighted to see Clara Avery get a leading role in Deadly Fate. I liked her in Haunted Destiny, and suspected we might see her again when it became clear she could see ghosts. Several other members of the Destiny’s entertainment contingent also appear; it was nice to see them again and it also offered at least a few trustworthy people for Clara to lean on. Thor is new to the series (to the best of my knowledge; I haven’t read them all), but he and Clara make a good pairing. I was less taken with some of the other characters, particularly Marc Kimball, the rather slimy billionaire who owns Black Bear Island, and some of the TV crew…but then, some of them aren’t intended to be sympathetic.
The book has something of a “locked room mystery” feel to it, because although people do come and go from the island, the initial deaths must have been caused by someone on the island, probably by someone we’ve been introduced to. One of my few quibbles about Heather Graham’s books is that they often make logical leaps or contain plot holes, but Deadly Fate has fewer of these than most of the other Graham books I’ve read. There were one or two plot twists and explanations that felt a bit forced, but they were reasonably logical.
I’ve talked before about my difficulty with reading about serial killers, but Deadly Fate steered clear of the things that seem to trigger my discomfort the most—I didn’t have to spend a lot of time in the killer’s head or analyzing his/her twisted psychology, and it wasn’t a situation where a close family member turns out to be a killer. (Incidentally, I have no idea why either of those things should trigger such anxiety and revulsion for me when I read about them; there’s nothing in my personal past that would account for it. It’s baffling.) Deadly Fate, despite the undeniable suspense and the rather gruesome deaths, kept things at enough of a distance that I could approach the mystery as a puzzle rather than be sucked into the terror of it all—which is how I prefer it, frankly.
All in all, I think Deadly Fate is one of the better-constructed Krewe of Hunters books, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m already excited for Darkest Journey, the next book in the series.
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
Graham is really good at evoking an atmosphere, making a setting appealing and then progressively ratcheting up the tension so the setting itself begins to feel menacing. In this case, though, while Alaska itself is certainly appealing enough, the fictional Black Bear Island is a scene of death and destruction almost from the start, and it remains an ominous if beautiful setting for much of the book.
I was delighted to see Clara Avery get a leading role in Deadly Fate. I liked her in Haunted Destiny, and suspected we might see her again when it became clear she could see ghosts. Several other members of the Destiny’s entertainment contingent also appear; it was nice to see them again and it also offered at least a few trustworthy people for Clara to lean on. Thor is new to the series (to the best of my knowledge; I haven’t read them all), but he and Clara make a good pairing. I was less taken with some of the other characters, particularly Marc Kimball, the rather slimy billionaire who owns Black Bear Island, and some of the TV crew…but then, some of them aren’t intended to be sympathetic.
The book has something of a “locked room mystery” feel to it, because although people do come and go from the island, the initial deaths must have been caused by someone on the island, probably by someone we’ve been introduced to. One of my few quibbles about Heather Graham’s books is that they often make logical leaps or contain plot holes, but Deadly Fate has fewer of these than most of the other Graham books I’ve read. There were one or two plot twists and explanations that felt a bit forced, but they were reasonably logical.
I’ve talked before about my difficulty with reading about serial killers, but Deadly Fate steered clear of the things that seem to trigger my discomfort the most—I didn’t have to spend a lot of time in the killer’s head or analyzing his/her twisted psychology, and it wasn’t a situation where a close family member turns out to be a killer. (Incidentally, I have no idea why either of those things should trigger such anxiety and revulsion for me when I read about them; there’s nothing in my personal past that would account for it. It’s baffling.) Deadly Fate, despite the undeniable suspense and the rather gruesome deaths, kept things at enough of a distance that I could approach the mystery as a puzzle rather than be sucked into the terror of it all—which is how I prefer it, frankly.
All in all, I think Deadly Fate is one of the better-constructed Krewe of Hunters books, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m already excited for Darkest Journey, the next book in the series.
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
August 14, 2016
I generally enjoy the Krewe of Hunters series by this author, but this one, not so much. The main female character in this book was a supporting character in the last book in this series and I never considered that she could be a main character in her own right. In the beginning of this book, she was whiny and clingy and not the strong female character this author usually writes in this series. She later became stronger but by then I had already developed a dislike for her. Also, she and the main male lead just didn't seem to have the chemistry that is usually there between the leads in this series, it was like it just popped up all of a sudden. Unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me! Maybe its time to retire this series.
October 15, 2016
I started this series in the middle, but at least I read this one after the previous, which it is a continuation of. I like the series, and I enjoyed this installment. The story moved along nicely, and although I had the twist figured out fairly early, I still had to get to the climax just to find the resolution. Clara Avery is not my favorite main character of the installments I've read (she's a little weak for my tastes in the beginning), but she does improve. And I found the romance to be contrived, but I don't read these books for the love story. I do love the chorus of male performers, and again, the ghosts make the story for me. I'll continue in the series, both the books prior to and after this one.
November 9, 2016
I cannot explain exactly why this book was so easy to put down. Clara, and Thor were just not that engaging I guess. We met her in the last book, and she just never seemed to catch my interest. The mystery was good, but not that hard to figure out. It was good, but not one of her best . The set up for the mystery was well done, but some spark for me was lacking. It is just my opinion, and others may love it. I am surprised I didn't honestly. Her books are usually very entertaining. Please try it for yourself, in all honesty the last few days of the election was going on at the same time. My mind was a bit distracted, to be honest.
October 19, 2018
Great Krewe of Hunters story! This one takes place in Alaska. A serial killer has escaped and law enforcement think that he is killing again. For Thor this is very personal, for he is the one who caught the serial killer. And now murder's are beginning to show up in his home state of Alaska. This time the killer may have an accomplice. Clara Avery is an entertainer that is due to work on the Fate. But first she is meeting with a reality TV show known for their unusual reality. Clara stumbles upon a dead woman and now she feels she may be next. Her and Thor team up to try to catch the killer. This was an edge of your seat read!
August 24, 2018
This one just didn't hold my attention. It is OK but I wouldn't recommend it at all. Update: I didn't realize I already read this almost 2 years ago. This time I started the audio book. The man that reads this will put you to sleep! I got through one chapter and decided I would have to read a book rather than listen to him. :(
January 25, 2018
Painful. I haven't read the rest of the series, but the premise sounded interesting.
The writing is labored and the plot staggers, even during action scenes. Dialogue is stilted, and there's too much internal monologue, often at the wrong moments. It reads like it missed a few rounds of edits. Three chapters in, I'd had it.
I won't try any of the others.
The writing is labored and the plot staggers, even during action scenes. Dialogue is stilted, and there's too much internal monologue, often at the wrong moments. It reads like it missed a few rounds of edits. Three chapters in, I'd had it.
I won't try any of the others.
November 2, 2025
3.5 stars
Clara was pretty annoying for the first 50% of the book. Thankfully, the other characters made up for it and Clara does get better.
Unfortunately, I anticipated the twist, but I won't say more for those that read, so I don't spoil anything.
Reread in 2025: I forgot that I read this book and Clara was just as annoying on the reread.
Clara was pretty annoying for the first 50% of the book. Thankfully, the other characters made up for it and Clara does get better.
Unfortunately, I anticipated the twist, but I won't say more for those that read, so I don't spoil anything.
Reread in 2025: I forgot that I read this book and Clara was just as annoying on the reread.
May 9, 2016
More like 2.5 stars, the whole story was just "meh".
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