What do you think?
Rate this book
Krewe of Hunters #22
Dark Rites
The witches, they are real...
A series of bizarre assaults is mystifying Boston police: an unknown attacker is viciously beating random strangers and leaving a note quoting an old warning about witchcraft. History professor Alex Maple was one of the victims, and now he's gone missing. Vickie Preston is certain that someone has taken her friend for malicious purposes. She's having blood-drenched visions that seem to be staining her waking life, and the escalating attacks suggest that a dangerous cult is at work behind the scenes—a cult so powerful that its members would rather die than be apprehended.
Vickie is grateful to have Special Agent Griffin Pryce and the FBI's elite Krewe of Hunters on her side. Vickie and Griffin are finding their way in an increasingly passionate relationship, and he's keeping her safe and sane amid the disturbing investigation. The search for Alex will take them deep into the wilderness of Massachusetts on the trail of a serial killer, where an ancient evil is waking.
A series of bizarre assaults is mystifying Boston police: an unknown attacker is viciously beating random strangers and leaving a note quoting an old warning about witchcraft. History professor Alex Maple was one of the victims, and now he's gone missing. Vickie Preston is certain that someone has taken her friend for malicious purposes. She's having blood-drenched visions that seem to be staining her waking life, and the escalating attacks suggest that a dangerous cult is at work behind the scenes—a cult so powerful that its members would rather die than be apprehended.
Vickie is grateful to have Special Agent Griffin Pryce and the FBI's elite Krewe of Hunters on her side. Vickie and Griffin are finding their way in an increasingly passionate relationship, and he's keeping her safe and sane amid the disturbing investigation. The search for Alex will take them deep into the wilderness of Massachusetts on the trail of a serial killer, where an ancient evil is waking.
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 25, 2017
545 people are currently reading
2233 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
583 books6,908 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
February 19, 2025
Dark Rites by Heather Graham
Krewe of Hunters series #22. Paranormal romantic suspense with ghosts. Can be read as a stand-alone.
There are witches in Massachusetts. Not a surprise for the police but someone is using a specific quote after viciously beating random strangers. FBI Special Agent Griffin Pryce and Vickie Preston are consulting while also searching for the missing history professor who is somehow connected.
Intense and fast moving. The dark evil is spreading.
🎧 Luke Daniels does a wonderful narration. I did speed up the playback to 1.6 to more closely match my reading and conversation speed.
Krewe of Hunters series #22. Paranormal romantic suspense with ghosts. Can be read as a stand-alone.
There are witches in Massachusetts. Not a surprise for the police but someone is using a specific quote after viciously beating random strangers. FBI Special Agent Griffin Pryce and Vickie Preston are consulting while also searching for the missing history professor who is somehow connected.
Intense and fast moving. The dark evil is spreading.
🎧 Luke Daniels does a wonderful narration. I did speed up the playback to 1.6 to more closely match my reading and conversation speed.
June 12, 2018
Vicki Preston and FBI Special Agent Griffin Pryce are called back to Massachusetts to investigate the beating of Boston citizens. A cryptic quote is being left on their bodies warning of Satan's coming. Alex Maple, Vicki's good friend, is missing. He's a brilliant history professor who knows the history of Ezekiel Martin, a leader of a satanic cult in the past. With the help of Devin Lyle and Rocky Rockwell, paranormal elite FBI special agents, who are connected to the Krewe of Hunters, Griffin and Vicki will search the Massachusetts wilderness for the missing and the satanic cult. Unsolved murders and missing people -- are these all connected? Is it a satanic cult or a serial killer?
I was disturbed by the hints of witchcraft and of satanic cult. It made me uncomfortable, but as the story unfolded and the clues came together, I could see the threads of the plot and subplots come in sync. The primary characters have a romantic history and their relationship grows in this novel. The secondary characters add to the suspense. The descriptions and settings place the reader in the story. The pace is consistent. This novel was a good read and I look forward to future books.
I was disturbed by the hints of witchcraft and of satanic cult. It made me uncomfortable, but as the story unfolded and the clues came together, I could see the threads of the plot and subplots come in sync. The primary characters have a romantic history and their relationship grows in this novel. The secondary characters add to the suspense. The descriptions and settings place the reader in the story. The pace is consistent. This novel was a good read and I look forward to future books.
September 26, 2024
This is a very well-done paranormal suspense mystery with a hint of romance and horror. It seems to directly follow another book in the series because the characters already know each and previous events are referenced, but it stands alone well. This one is set in and near Boston, and the setting is not as convincing as Graham's Florida books that I've read but still seems to be well described. There's some historical detail included (they spend time at the Lizzie Borden house, for example) that I found quite interesting. (One thing that was a bit of a jar was a reference to the Boston Patriots... they changed their name to New England fifty-some years back.) The story concerns a team of investigators trying to shut down a Satanic cult and rescue one of their friends before he's added to the sacrifice list. It's got a loose and breezy style and plot pace that's more often found in comedic films on the Hallmark Channel, which I found refreshing and charming against the Satanic mass-murder backdrop. The paranormal aspect is that the agents can communicate with ghosts, but they rarely prove to be a whole lot of help, which is ironic and amusing. It was a quick and entertaining read; I may not remember the characters' names in a couple of months, but I enjoyed it while it lasted.
August 13, 2017
In general, I like this series, but I really struggled with this one. This is not the writer's fault, it's all on me. There's lots of Satanism, robe-wearing cult members, and witchcraft in this book. These are not my favorite subjects so the text couldn't hold my attention. However, I know many readers are interested in this type of book.
August 30, 2017
If I could give a book zero stars, I would do it for Dark Rites. The writing is childish; what is with all the exclamation points?! 😂 I seriously felt like a 10 year old wrote it. And passage describing a brother and sister singing duo, "it is said they are twins. If they are, they are fraternal". No shit, Sherlock. And the story was slow and boring. I can't believe I finished it. Terrible.
July 31, 2017
While this is a paranormal romance, we already have an established relationship, and Graham used that to lighten the darker tones of DARK RITES. We did get some hilarious moments between Griffin and Vickie which I thoroughly enjoyed. On a side note we do see other romances develop mostly off page, but again these lightened the tone.
Griffin and Vickie were supposed to be heading to Virginia, but a series of murders with notes have Griffin sticking around. The notes reference a Puritan man, who left and formed his own congregation. Some believe he worshiped Satan. When Griffin almost captures a killer, and then, history professor Alex Maple goes missing, Griffin begins to think they may have a dangerous cult in their midst.
Vickie concerned for her friend begins having visions in the form of nightmares. She thinks she hears Alex calling her and sees a young woman deep in the woods. All of this has the Krewe traveling into rural communities around the city. We even get to spend the night at Liz Borden's house!
Graham always delights me when she weaves in historical tidbits from the past into her tales. This time we have the Puritans, Satan worshippers, unsolved murders, Lizzy Bordon and more. I loved seeing Vickie come into her own and watching them piece together clues from the past to help those in the present. A ghostly couple and a silent, spectral figure assist them, but it is Vickie who emerges as the hero in this story. The story built slowly, and as the pieces clicked into place, we moved into a suspenseful, nail-biting conclusion that freaked Griffin out as much as it did me.
The cryptic quote that seemed to foretell of an evil coming was quite smart and I was delighted by the way it all came together. For me, DYING BREATH and DARK RITES have been excellent stories in the Krewe of Hunter series. I am eager to get my hands on WICKED DEEDS which includes Edgar Allen Poe!
Copy provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Griffin and Vickie were supposed to be heading to Virginia, but a series of murders with notes have Griffin sticking around. The notes reference a Puritan man, who left and formed his own congregation. Some believe he worshiped Satan. When Griffin almost captures a killer, and then, history professor Alex Maple goes missing, Griffin begins to think they may have a dangerous cult in their midst.
Vickie concerned for her friend begins having visions in the form of nightmares. She thinks she hears Alex calling her and sees a young woman deep in the woods. All of this has the Krewe traveling into rural communities around the city. We even get to spend the night at Liz Borden's house!
Graham always delights me when she weaves in historical tidbits from the past into her tales. This time we have the Puritans, Satan worshippers, unsolved murders, Lizzy Bordon and more. I loved seeing Vickie come into her own and watching them piece together clues from the past to help those in the present. A ghostly couple and a silent, spectral figure assist them, but it is Vickie who emerges as the hero in this story. The story built slowly, and as the pieces clicked into place, we moved into a suspenseful, nail-biting conclusion that freaked Griffin out as much as it did me.
The cryptic quote that seemed to foretell of an evil coming was quite smart and I was delighted by the way it all came together. For me, DYING BREATH and DARK RITES have been excellent stories in the Krewe of Hunter series. I am eager to get my hands on WICKED DEEDS which includes Edgar Allen Poe!
Copy provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
July 11, 2018
Dark Rites by Heather Graham
Krewe of Hunters series Book #22
4 ★
The witches, they are real....A series of bizarre assaults is mystifying Boston police: an unknown attacker is viciously beating random strangers and leaving a note quoting an old warning about witchcraft. History professor Alex Maple was one of the victims, and now he's gone missing. Vickie Preston is certain that someone has taken her friend for malicious purposes. She's having blood-drenched visions that seem to be staining her waking life, and the escalating attacks suggest that a dangerous cult is at work behind the scenes - a cult so powerful that its members would rather die than be apprehended.
This has always been one of my favorite series. It has had ghosts, goblins, witches, vampires, werewolves, and many other things that remain nameless but were much better off dead. In other words, some of my favorite characters:) If you are a romantic there's even a little of that. I always like her books more when she combines tidbits of history with the story line which she very successfully has done with this one. We have Satan worshipers and Lizzie Bordon joining in the mayhem this time.... with a ghostly couple and a silent, spectral figure assisting the Hunters. Can't wait to get the next one. I understand that Edgar Allen Poe is going to be making an appearance.
Krewe of Hunters series Book #22
4 ★
The witches, they are real....A series of bizarre assaults is mystifying Boston police: an unknown attacker is viciously beating random strangers and leaving a note quoting an old warning about witchcraft. History professor Alex Maple was one of the victims, and now he's gone missing. Vickie Preston is certain that someone has taken her friend for malicious purposes. She's having blood-drenched visions that seem to be staining her waking life, and the escalating attacks suggest that a dangerous cult is at work behind the scenes - a cult so powerful that its members would rather die than be apprehended.
This has always been one of my favorite series. It has had ghosts, goblins, witches, vampires, werewolves, and many other things that remain nameless but were much better off dead. In other words, some of my favorite characters:) If you are a romantic there's even a little of that. I always like her books more when she combines tidbits of history with the story line which she very successfully has done with this one. We have Satan worshipers and Lizzie Bordon joining in the mayhem this time.... with a ghostly couple and a silent, spectral figure assisting the Hunters. Can't wait to get the next one. I understand that Edgar Allen Poe is going to be making an appearance.
June 29, 2021
This wasn't my favorite but I still enjoyed it! I really liked Vickie's character.
August 22, 2017
Probably the only thing I liked about the book was the history behind the Quabbin Reservoir. The characters were all stiff and one dimensional, the dialogue was often cheesy, and there was so much historical information recited by one of the characters nearly every time she opened her mouth I wanted to smack her.
October 13, 2017
I enjoy the paranormal hints to these mysteries. This one is about Griffin, and Vickie, and the elite Krewe Hunters. Vickie has just recovered from her dealing with a serial killer, she is a civilian, who speaks with ghosts, and Griffin was her bodyguard FBI boyfriend. He and the other FBI agents, are having their last meeting, when reports of random, and brutal attacks begin happening all over the city Each person is left with an old saying about witch craft and the devil on them When Griffin catches one of the teens beating, and leaving the note, he gives Chasease The boy takes cyanide, and dies with Griffin trying to save him. Next a brilliant young historian, who was also beaten, disappears, and the gifted team goes on the hunt. Vickie is having waking dreams ,with blonde girls being killed, and sacrificed. This book kept,my interest because it is hard for me to believe, anyone would just pick Satan. I wanted to see who, and what the leader was after. Is this a cult, or a satanic group.? Do these young people who seem so brainwashed even know what they are doing.? What about all those missing teens, and young blondes, and what blonde ghost is reaching out to Vickie? Is she a victim of the present, or the Victorian Times, or farther back in time? What message is Vickie not sharing, and just how much danger is she really in ? Is there a single. leader, or multiple in charge? How many more will die? It was a great puzzle, and I could not figure out the high priest. Lots of potential candidates, but some were to obvious. The ending was very good.
September 20, 2024
3 stars.
It was a good read with lots of red herrings, just like in the book. What I found confusing was all the different cops as secondary characters, it was hard to keep track of who's who. Maybe if there were a few less characters, I'd have enjoy it more because in the end, anyone could have been the Big Bad.
It was a good read with lots of red herrings, just like in the book. What I found confusing was all the different cops as secondary characters, it was hard to keep track of who's who. Maybe if there were a few less characters, I'd have enjoy it more because in the end, anyone could have been the Big Bad.
October 2, 2019
Dark Rites is the 22nd book in the Krewe of Hunters series and the second to feature Vicki and Griffin. This one picks up right after the events of Dying Breath. Vicki's friend Alex has disappeared. Someone is attacking and kidnapping women on the street and it may be related to Alex's disappearance. I really enjoyed this one as much as the first book with this couple.
The mystery was pretty good. This time around, there seems to be a satanic cult involved. That story line was a nice change from the usual serial killer. I didn't call the ending at all. I had my suspicions, but my thought process was going in a completely different direction. I also loved spending time with this couple again. Their relationship was a bit fast in the first book, so it was nice to see them develop as a couple a bit more. Their story arc ends in the next book, Wicked Deeds. I have it ready to go, so stay tuned.
The mystery was pretty good. This time around, there seems to be a satanic cult involved. That story line was a nice change from the usual serial killer. I didn't call the ending at all. I had my suspicions, but my thought process was going in a completely different direction. I also loved spending time with this couple again. Their relationship was a bit fast in the first book, so it was nice to see them develop as a couple a bit more. Their story arc ends in the next book, Wicked Deeds. I have it ready to go, so stay tuned.
December 3, 2017
This one was disappointing! I've enjoyed supernatural tales written by Heather Graham in the past, but this one was confusing and boring, with constant references to an earlier book, and quick bios of characters who are barely in this story, although apparently they were featured in one of the earlier, out of 22, novels in this series. The plot was barely alive. The main character had the same dream about 100 times. There was a lot of talking but very little doing; I felt the whole thing could have been done and over in perhaps 80 pages. If you're just trying a Heather Graham novel, look for ones that were written maybe 5 years ago. Like many popular authors, the author appears as tired as this plot.
Read
August 24, 2017I love it when an author mixes different romance sub-genres in a story, and Heather Graham masterfully blends elements of suspense and paranormal romance in her latest book, Dark Rites. Special Agent Griffin Pryce must face an ancient evil in the pages of this book, and I love the idea of incorporating FBI hunting techniques in a paranormal crime. If you’re looking for something a bit different, this FBI hero is for you! —Cynthia Eden (https://www.bookish.com/articles/fbi-...)
Read
November 29, 2022Nice twist at the end
August 12, 2023
The Krewe of Hunters is just the best series there is. I love the stories In Massachusetts and New Orleans the best.
February 17, 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.
Dark Rites is the twenty second book in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham and published in July of 2017. The plot again centers around Victoria "Vicki" Preston - working with a private charity called Grown Ups helping kids in foster care system - and Griffin Pryce - FBI Special Agent from The Krewe of Hunters, but with a new case again set in Boston, MA.
This book forms the second book in the fifth trilogy within the series, the first being the previous book Dying Breath. In the beginning Heather had plots for each of the Krewe of Hunters as team members were introduced. But from the 9th book onwards, she has made those plots into trilogies within the series, that either revolve around the same set of characters or characters flowing from one book to next in the trilogy with new lead characters added.
Her First trilogy is made of the ninth book The Night is Watching; the tenth book The Night is Alive; the 11th book The Night is Forever. Second trilogy is made of the 12th book The Cursed, 13th book the Hexed and 14th book The Betrayed. Third Trilogy has the 15th book The Silenced, 16th book The Forgotten and the 17th book The Hidden. Fourth Trilogy has three books set on Celtic American Cruise-Line ships - 18th book Haunted Destiny on Destiny, 19th book Deadly Fate on Fate and 20th book Darkest Journey on Journey.
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 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.
At the end of the previous book, Dying Breath, we had seen that FBI Special Agent Griffin Pryce and Victoria "Vicki" Preston, a social worker, had decided to move to Virginia where the Krewe of Hunters base was, the team that Griffin worked with. However, right before they move, Vicki's friend, Alex Maple, youngest history professor at Harvard, is beaten and left to dead with a note quoting an old warning on him. The plot begins three weeks after the incident.
Three weeks after the incident, and after being discharged from the hospital, Alex Maple suddenly disappears. While Vicki and Griffin try to piece together information to find Alex, a plethora of random attacks everywhere around Boston occur, where the attacker leaves a quote from an old warning about witchcraft.
Vicki is again pulled into the investigation of these attacks. And Griffin is determined to keep her alive, while search for Alex as well as the attacker who was terrorizing Boston is being done in parallel. But will they be able to capture the killer this time or be close to their last rites instead?
Being the second book in the trilogy, naturally you expect some of the characters to flow through - Roxanne Greeley, Vicki's long-time best friend; Dylan Ballantine and Darlene Dutton, Vicki's resident ghosts; Alex Maple, Vicki's history professor.
The Krewe of Hunters and Boston PD who work with Griffin in this case are - Detective David Barnes from Boston PD; Craig "Rocky" Rockwell, FBI Special Agent from The first Krewe team based in Virginia and his wife Devin Lyle, a children's book author and a Krewe agent; Jackson Crow, Assistant Director of Krewe and his wife Angela Hawkins, a Krewe agent as well. Although, Heather Graham again has the list of cast and characters of her plot in the beginning of the book, which has been doing from past few books.
The characters are as usual fun and loving even though there is terror on every corner of the page. Although I felt that Vicki Preston sounded a bit whinier in this plot compared to the previous book.
I marvel at how Heather brings the history and paranormal elements together with a seamless string that makes it a phenomenal plot. She gives the readers a view into the past through artifacts, tours, researches and just plain history. In this plot, they revolve around Satan and Satanic Cults; giving a chill up the reader's back.
You will find again are pages at the end of the book 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 a few grammatical or character or location errors in this book. Definitely a strong editing needed.
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. And could she please have her heroines be more smarter than just running to the bad guys alone, when she has so much of help around from FBI and her friends.
However since Deadly Fate, she has added another element to her plots. Adam Harrison buys an old theater in Alexandria, VA. And slowly he has been adding talented partners of his Krewe of Hunters into that theater work. So far Clara Avery, whom we met in Deadly Fate and fiancée to Thor Erikson, is assigned as the artistic director of that theater. And joining her are Charlene "Charlie" Moreau fiancée to Ethan Delaney, whom we met in Darkest Journey; and Alexi Cromwell, whom we met in Haunted Destiny and Jude McCoy's fiancée.
A very good mingle of murder and mystery; past and present; Satan, Cults and Rituals; and above all romance and love. Although for most part a successful thriller in the series of books under Krewe of Hunters by Heather Graham that is an easy ready and still enjoyable.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. Apparently Roxanne Greeley, Vicki's friend, can draw excellently from memory or someone's description. Barnes suggests that she could work for BPD.
2. Sub Plots:
a. 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.
b. Dustin Blake has a sister Rayna Blake who is a Nashville sensation - a country music singer. I wonder if Heather Graham will use her as a lead character in a future book.
c. Katie O'Hara and David Beckett are two characters in the 12th book The Cursed. And a history into their background paused me to think they might be characters from another of Heather Graham book. I was pretty sure they weren't from Krewe of Hunters or Harrison Investigation series. A little dig on google pointed me to Ghost Shadow, the first book in Bone Island Series by Heather Graham published in 2010. Having not yet read that series, I am curious if Hannah O'Brien or Liam Beckett, David's brother, appear in that book as well.
d. Jane Everett and Sloan Trent were part of Team Two: Texas Krewe. But in the 14th book 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.
e. In the 16th book The Forgotten, Dr. Phil Kinny seemed have paranormal abilities. Will he be a main character in another book?
f. In the 18th book, 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.
g. In the 20th book, Darkest Journey, Heather introduced a photographer, Chance Morgan, who could see ghosts as well. A future plot perhaps.
3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 88, Line 5 from bottom, it should be "…friend of mine dropped…"
b. On Pg. 141, Heather mentions that the FBI agents and Vicki were going to meet with one of the detectives who had worked one of the victim's case in Fall River. But on Pg. 142, she as them meet with both the detectives on the case.
c. On Pg. 141, Heather gives no mention of the FBI agents and Vicki meeting with another retired detective while at Fall River. But then suddenly he pops up in their conversations when they are deciding who heads where on Pg. 147.
d. Beginning of Chapter 12, Heather has a conversation between FBI Special Agent Griffin Pryce and Boston PD Detective David Barnes, where Barnes tells Griffin that Vicki's friend Roxanne was heading out along with Officer Tracy to Fall River to sketch a suspect. However On Pg. 284, Griffin appears surprised when Barnes relates that both Roxanne and Officer Tracy had together handed in over a sketch, he was surprised that Roxanne went with Tracy. Am I the only one seeing the disconnect?
Recommendation: Yes, pick it up for a mystery involving paranormal elements, historical flair and the romantic side of the plot.
Dark Rites is the twenty second book in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham and published in July of 2017. The plot again centers around Victoria "Vicki" Preston - working with a private charity called Grown Ups helping kids in foster care system - and Griffin Pryce - FBI Special Agent from The Krewe of Hunters, but with a new case again set in Boston, MA.
This book forms the second book in the fifth trilogy within the series, the first being the previous book Dying Breath. In the beginning Heather had plots for each of the Krewe of Hunters as team members were introduced. But from the 9th book onwards, she has made those plots into trilogies within the series, that either revolve around the same set of characters or characters flowing from one book to next in the trilogy with new lead characters added.
Her First trilogy is made of the ninth book The Night is Watching; the tenth book The Night is Alive; the 11th book The Night is Forever. Second trilogy is made of the 12th book The Cursed, 13th book the Hexed and 14th book The Betrayed. Third Trilogy has the 15th book The Silenced, 16th book The Forgotten and the 17th book The Hidden. Fourth Trilogy has three books set on Celtic American Cruise-Line ships - 18th book Haunted Destiny on Destiny, 19th book Deadly Fate on Fate and 20th book Darkest Journey on Journey.
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 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.
At the end of the previous book, Dying Breath, we had seen that FBI Special Agent Griffin Pryce and Victoria "Vicki" Preston, a social worker, had decided to move to Virginia where the Krewe of Hunters base was, the team that Griffin worked with. However, right before they move, Vicki's friend, Alex Maple, youngest history professor at Harvard, is beaten and left to dead with a note quoting an old warning on him. The plot begins three weeks after the incident.
Three weeks after the incident, and after being discharged from the hospital, Alex Maple suddenly disappears. While Vicki and Griffin try to piece together information to find Alex, a plethora of random attacks everywhere around Boston occur, where the attacker leaves a quote from an old warning about witchcraft.
Vicki is again pulled into the investigation of these attacks. And Griffin is determined to keep her alive, while search for Alex as well as the attacker who was terrorizing Boston is being done in parallel. But will they be able to capture the killer this time or be close to their last rites instead?
Being the second book in the trilogy, naturally you expect some of the characters to flow through - Roxanne Greeley, Vicki's long-time best friend; Dylan Ballantine and Darlene Dutton, Vicki's resident ghosts; Alex Maple, Vicki's history professor.
The Krewe of Hunters and Boston PD who work with Griffin in this case are - Detective David Barnes from Boston PD; Craig "Rocky" Rockwell, FBI Special Agent from The first Krewe team based in Virginia and his wife Devin Lyle, a children's book author and a Krewe agent; Jackson Crow, Assistant Director of Krewe and his wife Angela Hawkins, a Krewe agent as well. Although, Heather Graham again has the list of cast and characters of her plot in the beginning of the book, which has been doing from past few books.
The characters are as usual fun and loving even though there is terror on every corner of the page. Although I felt that Vicki Preston sounded a bit whinier in this plot compared to the previous book.
I marvel at how Heather brings the history and paranormal elements together with a seamless string that makes it a phenomenal plot. She gives the readers a view into the past through artifacts, tours, researches and just plain history. In this plot, they revolve around Satan and Satanic Cults; giving a chill up the reader's back.
You will find again are pages at the end of the book 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 a few grammatical or character or location errors in this book. Definitely a strong editing needed.
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. And could she please have her heroines be more smarter than just running to the bad guys alone, when she has so much of help around from FBI and her friends.
However since Deadly Fate, she has added another element to her plots. Adam Harrison buys an old theater in Alexandria, VA. And slowly he has been adding talented partners of his Krewe of Hunters into that theater work. So far Clara Avery, whom we met in Deadly Fate and fiancée to Thor Erikson, is assigned as the artistic director of that theater. And joining her are Charlene "Charlie" Moreau fiancée to Ethan Delaney, whom we met in Darkest Journey; and Alexi Cromwell, whom we met in Haunted Destiny and Jude McCoy's fiancée.
A very good mingle of murder and mystery; past and present; Satan, Cults and Rituals; and above all romance and love. Although for most part a successful thriller in the series of books under Krewe of Hunters by Heather Graham that is an easy ready and still enjoyable.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. Apparently Roxanne Greeley, Vicki's friend, can draw excellently from memory or someone's description. Barnes suggests that she could work for BPD.
2. Sub Plots:
a. 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.
b. Dustin Blake has a sister Rayna Blake who is a Nashville sensation - a country music singer. I wonder if Heather Graham will use her as a lead character in a future book.
c. Katie O'Hara and David Beckett are two characters in the 12th book The Cursed. And a history into their background paused me to think they might be characters from another of Heather Graham book. I was pretty sure they weren't from Krewe of Hunters or Harrison Investigation series. A little dig on google pointed me to Ghost Shadow, the first book in Bone Island Series by Heather Graham published in 2010. Having not yet read that series, I am curious if Hannah O'Brien or Liam Beckett, David's brother, appear in that book as well.
d. Jane Everett and Sloan Trent were part of Team Two: Texas Krewe. But in the 14th book 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.
e. In the 16th book The Forgotten, Dr. Phil Kinny seemed have paranormal abilities. Will he be a main character in another book?
f. In the 18th book, 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.
g. In the 20th book, Darkest Journey, Heather introduced a photographer, Chance Morgan, who could see ghosts as well. A future plot perhaps.
3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 88, Line 5 from bottom, it should be "…friend of mine dropped…"
b. On Pg. 141, Heather mentions that the FBI agents and Vicki were going to meet with one of the detectives who had worked one of the victim's case in Fall River. But on Pg. 142, she as them meet with both the detectives on the case.
c. On Pg. 141, Heather gives no mention of the FBI agents and Vicki meeting with another retired detective while at Fall River. But then suddenly he pops up in their conversations when they are deciding who heads where on Pg. 147.
d. Beginning of Chapter 12, Heather has a conversation between FBI Special Agent Griffin Pryce and Boston PD Detective David Barnes, where Barnes tells Griffin that Vicki's friend Roxanne was heading out along with Officer Tracy to Fall River to sketch a suspect. However On Pg. 284, Griffin appears surprised when Barnes relates that both Roxanne and Officer Tracy had together handed in over a sketch, he was surprised that Roxanne went with Tracy. Am I the only one seeing the disconnect?
April 3, 2023
This has been my least favorite book in the series.
January 7, 2018
Excellent book!!
Wow! Great storyline!This book had mystery, history, romance, and got better with every chapter. I couldn’t wait to read the next chapter! Recommend!!!
Wow! Great storyline!This book had mystery, history, romance, and got better with every chapter. I couldn’t wait to read the next chapter! Recommend!!!
July 23, 2017
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Heather Graham once again does a wonderful job blending fact and fiction as they search for Alex and the killers. The characters are well drawn and sympathetic. The plot moves along at a good pace. And the mystery kept me guessing. I thought the leader was one character when he really turned out to be another. The main characters are the same as they were in Book #21 in the Krewe of Hunters series. You could read this as a standalone, but it would be better to at least read the book before it to get a better understanding of the characters and to see the beginning of the relationship between Agent Pryce and Vickie. I would recommend this book and the series to readers who enjoy romantic suspense with a paranormal bent.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given.
August 6, 2017
I love Kreweseries,but this one didn't grab me and I was having a hard time getting into it.Trying to find friend who went missing leads Vickie Preston and Agent Griffin Prices to the wilderness of the Massachusetts, where they come face to face with an ancient evil and a serial killer.Will they survive?I love the paranormal concept,witches ghosts,cult,Satan serial killer. 3 1/2 stars
May 16, 2018
Another great book by Heather Graham, set mostly in N. E. Boston and the area around the Quabbin Reservoir, Fall River and the Lizzy Borden House.
This story is about a mad man forming a cult to bring Satan to power, his followers are willing to commit suicide rather then be taken alive by police. It has it's ghost and the paranormal unit from the FBI involved in solving the murders, kidnapping and try to capture the ringleader and figuring out just what the cult leader is after.
Love her books and her characters and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
This story is about a mad man forming a cult to bring Satan to power, his followers are willing to commit suicide rather then be taken alive by police. It has it's ghost and the paranormal unit from the FBI involved in solving the murders, kidnapping and try to capture the ringleader and figuring out just what the cult leader is after.
Love her books and her characters and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 10, 2019
How people gave this book more than a one star review is beyond me. I’ve read some terrible books this year, but this one was near impossible to finish. The over use of exclamation points, the amount of short, concise sentences with lack of any real imagery and not to mention the horrible plot are just some of the reasons why this book was so difficult to read. Never again will I buy a book just based on the summary in the back cover.
May 14, 2024
I'm genuinely trying to figure out who her audience is
December 27, 2017
Reviewed at Haunted Bookshelf
Dark Rites follows directly on the heels of Dying Breath with most of the same main characters plus some new villains and secondary characters. I will usually recommend following a series from the beginning, but when a series is now in the twenty-something numbers, well, it’s not always possible. What I have always enjoyed about Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series is that often she will set three stories, much like a trilogy, within the same general storyline… and this set follows that same pattern with Wicked Deeds to follow this story. This is a much easier way for readers to get caught up when you can place three stories within a set, then move forward or backward for more at your leisure.
While Vickie and Griffin are continuing their wrapping up of the latest case, and failing deeper in love along the way, another danger is lurking within the city of Boston. A young History professor, and a man who helped Vickie and Griffin on the Undertakers case is about to find himself far too deeply involved in a madman’s plans for Alex has been kidnapped and is being held in a remote, almost hauntingly eerie location. Alex can keep himself alive with his knowledge that is needed… but he can stall for only so long. He’s desperately sending out mind messages to Vickie hoping that somehow she can sense he’s in danger, but he knows far too well that the odds are not in his favor this time.
Vickie’s certain that Alex is in trouble. Nothing more than a feeling backed up by his not showing for a planned outing they’d had. Alex is not one to be so rude as to not at least send a message, and he hasn’t been seen anywhere by anyone who knows him. She’ll convince Griffin and two of his Krewe of Hunters friends that they need to push to find Alex – and some attacks and odd occurrences in the city of Boston only seems to reinforce her worry.
Dark Rites is an intense dive into the world of cults and Satanism fueled by history and greed. People are disappearing, bodies are being discovered and the race to find Alex and stop a crazed murderer is fully engaged.
Again, the history of the location adds to the story as we get a background on the people and places in history that have brought this madman’s actions about. I enjoyed much of the history, in particular the Lizzy Borden house converted into a bed and breakfast… which actually does exist.
There are several suspects, people who act the wrong way, people who have reasons to be seen as suspects. We’ll run into some known ghostly helpers, and meet more along the way.
I enjoyed Dark Rites. The story was intense and the characters brought it to life quite easily. I had my suspicions along the way, changed them and rearranged them several times… did I figure it out before the ending – partially but not completely. I don’t have to have solved anything to enjoy the story, and this one was full of people acting oddly. If you enjoy Heather Grahams’ Krewe of Hunters series, then you’ll want to pick up this next installment and continue Vickie and Griffin’s adventure in mystery and in love.
I own a Kindle edition of this book.
Dark Rites follows directly on the heels of Dying Breath with most of the same main characters plus some new villains and secondary characters. I will usually recommend following a series from the beginning, but when a series is now in the twenty-something numbers, well, it’s not always possible. What I have always enjoyed about Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series is that often she will set three stories, much like a trilogy, within the same general storyline… and this set follows that same pattern with Wicked Deeds to follow this story. This is a much easier way for readers to get caught up when you can place three stories within a set, then move forward or backward for more at your leisure.
While Vickie and Griffin are continuing their wrapping up of the latest case, and failing deeper in love along the way, another danger is lurking within the city of Boston. A young History professor, and a man who helped Vickie and Griffin on the Undertakers case is about to find himself far too deeply involved in a madman’s plans for Alex has been kidnapped and is being held in a remote, almost hauntingly eerie location. Alex can keep himself alive with his knowledge that is needed… but he can stall for only so long. He’s desperately sending out mind messages to Vickie hoping that somehow she can sense he’s in danger, but he knows far too well that the odds are not in his favor this time.
Vickie’s certain that Alex is in trouble. Nothing more than a feeling backed up by his not showing for a planned outing they’d had. Alex is not one to be so rude as to not at least send a message, and he hasn’t been seen anywhere by anyone who knows him. She’ll convince Griffin and two of his Krewe of Hunters friends that they need to push to find Alex – and some attacks and odd occurrences in the city of Boston only seems to reinforce her worry.
Dark Rites is an intense dive into the world of cults and Satanism fueled by history and greed. People are disappearing, bodies are being discovered and the race to find Alex and stop a crazed murderer is fully engaged.
Again, the history of the location adds to the story as we get a background on the people and places in history that have brought this madman’s actions about. I enjoyed much of the history, in particular the Lizzy Borden house converted into a bed and breakfast… which actually does exist.
There are several suspects, people who act the wrong way, people who have reasons to be seen as suspects. We’ll run into some known ghostly helpers, and meet more along the way.
I enjoyed Dark Rites. The story was intense and the characters brought it to life quite easily. I had my suspicions along the way, changed them and rearranged them several times… did I figure it out before the ending – partially but not completely. I don’t have to have solved anything to enjoy the story, and this one was full of people acting oddly. If you enjoy Heather Grahams’ Krewe of Hunters series, then you’ll want to pick up this next installment and continue Vickie and Griffin’s adventure in mystery and in love.
I own a Kindle edition of this book.
August 21, 2017
Dark Rites is a paranormal suspense novel by Heather Graham and part of the Krewe Hunter series for Harlequin'. This book is follows the case of a rash attacks in the city of Boston. People are randomly being attacked and then left with a note telling others that Satan is coming. When Griffin catches an attacker, the police believes that is the end of the case. But when a friend of his fiancee, Vickie, goes missing, could it be a sign that there is more to these attacks than meets the eye? Follow Griffin, Vickie and the rest of the Krewe Hunters as they look to solve this new mystery.
I read this book after reading the upcoming booking Wicked Deeds by Heather Graham. So I ended up reading them in the wrong order, however I don't think that diminished the quality of the book. Each book can be read as a stand-alone book, however, the author does constantly reference previous books throughout the novel, so don't be surprised if you haven't read the other books, because there will be reminders throughout the book.
For those hardcore mystery lovers, this book is not for you. This book does cover the mystery and suspense part decently but nothing too dramatic that would keep you up at night or give you that bone-chilling feeling. The characters come across as a friendly people. The dialogue is simple and easy so that it feels more like a conversation with friends and not police officers trying to hunt down a killer. There is hardly any police jargon except for the very common words such as warrant and APB making this book a quick read. I would give this book to a friend who wants to try out mystery novels but doesn't know where to start. This book would serve as a beginner's book into suspense.
A point you should know is that Heather Graham weaves an interesting tale blending historical fact with fiction. There are a plethora of moments in which she uses history to help tell the story and blends it so well with the plot. I kind of wished that in the beginning she would start the story of with the story of a historical fact and then bring it to today's modern period to be solved because some descendant is keeping it alive or something.
I give this a 3.5 because to me it wasn't as easy a novel to get into. The writing seemed to simple and the dialogue came across as too friendly. Hardly any nail-biting scene and the ones that were there, finished all too quickly.
*I received and ARC from NetGalley and voluntarily wrote this review*
I read this book after reading the upcoming booking Wicked Deeds by Heather Graham. So I ended up reading them in the wrong order, however I don't think that diminished the quality of the book. Each book can be read as a stand-alone book, however, the author does constantly reference previous books throughout the novel, so don't be surprised if you haven't read the other books, because there will be reminders throughout the book.
For those hardcore mystery lovers, this book is not for you. This book does cover the mystery and suspense part decently but nothing too dramatic that would keep you up at night or give you that bone-chilling feeling. The characters come across as a friendly people. The dialogue is simple and easy so that it feels more like a conversation with friends and not police officers trying to hunt down a killer. There is hardly any police jargon except for the very common words such as warrant and APB making this book a quick read. I would give this book to a friend who wants to try out mystery novels but doesn't know where to start. This book would serve as a beginner's book into suspense.
A point you should know is that Heather Graham weaves an interesting tale blending historical fact with fiction. There are a plethora of moments in which she uses history to help tell the story and blends it so well with the plot. I kind of wished that in the beginning she would start the story of with the story of a historical fact and then bring it to today's modern period to be solved because some descendant is keeping it alive or something.
I give this a 3.5 because to me it wasn't as easy a novel to get into. The writing seemed to simple and the dialogue came across as too friendly. Hardly any nail-biting scene and the ones that were there, finished all too quickly.
*I received and ARC from NetGalley and voluntarily wrote this review*
September 8, 2017
“Dark Rites” opens with vicious attacks on random Bostonians by a mysterious assailant; cryptic notes warning about witchcraft; a suicide; and missing people including historian Alex Maple, Vickie Preston’s friend. With no police leads and fearing a Satanic cult has kidnapped Alex after hearing his voice in the nightmarish blood-soaked dream she keeps having, Vickie with FBI Special Agent Griffin Pryce and Krewe of Hunters Special Agents Devin Lyle and Craig (Rocky) Rockwell begin investigating hoping they can find him before he’s killed.
Fast-paced and action-packed the plot heats up with a lead that takes Vickie, Griffin and the crew to Massachusetts to the Quabbin Reservoir where they not only find another body in the lake, but a lead takes them deep into the heart of the forest surrounding it. Dark and chilling Heather Graham continually builds the intensity and suspense with a failed suicide, the victim remembering only what she’s been programmed to recall; blood sacrifices; a headless body; and the intent of a satanic priest to raise an ancient evil. Skilfully the author intertwines the history of Puritan Ezekiel Martin and his cult into a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat with twists and turns that culminate in a terrifying and surprising climax.
Yet defusing all the madness and bloodshed is Vickie and Griffin’s escalating passion as they try to keep their sanity and he struggles to protect his independent girlfriend. In the same plot, the author briefly brings back Vickie’s friend Roxanne Greeley who’s involved with the police artist from “Dying Breath” which I found more distracting than essential to this story although I did enjoy the deepening ghostly relationship between Dylan and Darlene with its spark of humor.
Yet like all the Krewe of Hunters novels, the main characters are compelling like Vickie Preston who’s impulsive, determined but has brilliant recall especially with historical information. FBI Special Agent Griffin Pryce her lover continues to be overly protective but a skilled and dogged investigator. Boyish, nerdy but charming Alex Maple is smart, brave and resourceful as he searches for a way to survive the ordeal.
Although well-written and intriguing “Dark Rites” was not one of my favorite Krewe of Hunters novels. I would rate it 3.8 if the scale allowed so have given it a 4.0.
Fast-paced and action-packed the plot heats up with a lead that takes Vickie, Griffin and the crew to Massachusetts to the Quabbin Reservoir where they not only find another body in the lake, but a lead takes them deep into the heart of the forest surrounding it. Dark and chilling Heather Graham continually builds the intensity and suspense with a failed suicide, the victim remembering only what she’s been programmed to recall; blood sacrifices; a headless body; and the intent of a satanic priest to raise an ancient evil. Skilfully the author intertwines the history of Puritan Ezekiel Martin and his cult into a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat with twists and turns that culminate in a terrifying and surprising climax.
Yet defusing all the madness and bloodshed is Vickie and Griffin’s escalating passion as they try to keep their sanity and he struggles to protect his independent girlfriend. In the same plot, the author briefly brings back Vickie’s friend Roxanne Greeley who’s involved with the police artist from “Dying Breath” which I found more distracting than essential to this story although I did enjoy the deepening ghostly relationship between Dylan and Darlene with its spark of humor.
Yet like all the Krewe of Hunters novels, the main characters are compelling like Vickie Preston who’s impulsive, determined but has brilliant recall especially with historical information. FBI Special Agent Griffin Pryce her lover continues to be overly protective but a skilled and dogged investigator. Boyish, nerdy but charming Alex Maple is smart, brave and resourceful as he searches for a way to survive the ordeal.
Although well-written and intriguing “Dark Rites” was not one of my favorite Krewe of Hunters novels. I would rate it 3.8 if the scale allowed so have given it a 4.0.
February 28, 2018
I very much enjoyed getting to see more of Alex in this book (who was introduced in the previous book, Dying Breath). While he was heavily featured as the catalyst for much of the story, he was not the main protagonist. That honor once again went to Vickie and Griffin. Honestly, I was surprised to see Heather Graham feature them again. While the appearance and help of couples and characters from previous books is rather commonplace in this series (for example, this book featured Devin and Rocky from The Hexed), this is the first time there have been multiple books with the same couple as the protagonists. Regardless, it was still a great story. It was engaging and well written. I have absolutely loved the Krewe of Hunters series and plan to keep reading it so long as Graham keeps writing new books.
As always, Luke Daniels did a fantastic job in his narration. Any book he narrates is better simply for him being the narrator. He is one of my favorite narrators. I love that he has narrated the entirety of the Krewe of Hunters series (with the exception of The Silenced, The Forgotten, and The Hidden [books 15, 16 and 17, respectively], which were narrated by Phil Gigante [also an excellent narrator]).
As always, Luke Daniels did a fantastic job in his narration. Any book he narrates is better simply for him being the narrator. He is one of my favorite narrators. I love that he has narrated the entirety of the Krewe of Hunters series (with the exception of The Silenced, The Forgotten, and The Hidden [books 15, 16 and 17, respectively], which were narrated by Phil Gigante [also an excellent narrator]).
December 29, 2025
4 Stars
‘Adam Harrison put together a group of people with special skills … These are their stories.’
Dark Rites is Book #22 in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham...
Okay, so if you’re into crime-solving with a supernatural twist, then Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series is like comfort food for your spooky-loving soul. Imagine a team of FBI agents who can see and communicate with ghosts - but instead of it being all doom and gloom, it’s got this cozy, slightly romantic vibe mixed in with the mystery.
Each book focuses on a different agent, so you get fresh characters and settings every time, but there’s still that familiar “Krewe family” feel. The cases range from creepy old mansions to haunted battlefields, and Ms. Graham is really good at weaving in bits of history without making it feel too ‘heavy’.
Are the plots sometimes a little predictable? Sure. But honestly, that’s part of the charm - you’re there for the atmosphere, the ghostly encounters, and the slow-burn romances as much as the whodunit. It’s the kind of series you can dip in and out of without feeling lost, although saying that, reading the books in consecutive order gives you a bigger picture as well as providing a nice sense of connection between the characters.
If you like your mysteries with a dash of paranormal, a sprinkle of romance, and a cast of likable, slightly quirky investigators - then the Krewe of Hunters is a fun, binge-worthy ride. Perfect for late-night reading with a cup of tea.
Happy Reading… 👻
‘Adam Harrison put together a group of people with special skills … These are their stories.’
Dark Rites is Book #22 in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham...
Okay, so if you’re into crime-solving with a supernatural twist, then Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series is like comfort food for your spooky-loving soul. Imagine a team of FBI agents who can see and communicate with ghosts - but instead of it being all doom and gloom, it’s got this cozy, slightly romantic vibe mixed in with the mystery.
Each book focuses on a different agent, so you get fresh characters and settings every time, but there’s still that familiar “Krewe family” feel. The cases range from creepy old mansions to haunted battlefields, and Ms. Graham is really good at weaving in bits of history without making it feel too ‘heavy’.
Are the plots sometimes a little predictable? Sure. But honestly, that’s part of the charm - you’re there for the atmosphere, the ghostly encounters, and the slow-burn romances as much as the whodunit. It’s the kind of series you can dip in and out of without feeling lost, although saying that, reading the books in consecutive order gives you a bigger picture as well as providing a nice sense of connection between the characters.
If you like your mysteries with a dash of paranormal, a sprinkle of romance, and a cast of likable, slightly quirky investigators - then the Krewe of Hunters is a fun, binge-worthy ride. Perfect for late-night reading with a cup of tea.
Happy Reading… 👻
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews