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Krewe of Hunters #25
Pale as Death
From the dark depths of Hollywood’s past
The crime scene is horrific: the corpse of a young actress, drained of blood and cut in two. LAPD Detective Sophie Manning’s new case is high-profile and difficult—there’s no evidence to work with. And it’s a disturbing echo of the infamous Black Dahlia killing. Sophie is burning the candle at both ends, desperate to catch the murderer before he strikes again, when she starts to experience inexplicable visits…from ghosts.
Bruce McFadden has a particular talent that can help Sophie—he can speak with the dead. As a consultant for the FBI’s paranormal team, the Krewe of Hunters, he’s been tasked with Sophie’s case and they’re forced to partner up. But Sophie doesn’t want his help, and she doesn’t want to share his peculiar skill. And she certainly isn’t ready for love, despite Bruce’s attentions.
As the killer taunts the police, Sophie and Bruce will discover that the threat is closer to home than they’d ever realized. Working side by side is the only way they’ll stop this deadly sequel.
The crime scene is horrific: the corpse of a young actress, drained of blood and cut in two. LAPD Detective Sophie Manning’s new case is high-profile and difficult—there’s no evidence to work with. And it’s a disturbing echo of the infamous Black Dahlia killing. Sophie is burning the candle at both ends, desperate to catch the murderer before he strikes again, when she starts to experience inexplicable visits…from ghosts.
Bruce McFadden has a particular talent that can help Sophie—he can speak with the dead. As a consultant for the FBI’s paranormal team, the Krewe of Hunters, he’s been tasked with Sophie’s case and they’re forced to partner up. But Sophie doesn’t want his help, and she doesn’t want to share his peculiar skill. And she certainly isn’t ready for love, despite Bruce’s attentions.
As the killer taunts the police, Sophie and Bruce will discover that the threat is closer to home than they’d ever realized. Working side by side is the only way they’ll stop this deadly sequel.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2018
868 people are currently reading
1683 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
583 books6,879 followersAlso published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
March 6, 2022
This is book #25 in this series that I have been reading for years.
This one involves a copy cat Black Dahlia killer. Sophie is the lead on this case. She is seeing people that she shouldn't be seeing. They decide to bring in Bruce who is joing the Krewe of Hunters. The Krewe of Hunters are a special FBI unit that deals with the supernatural. Bruce and Sophie race against time trying to find the killer before he strikes again.
I admire Heather Graham for her ability to create characters that all seem to be a bit guilty. She waits until the very end to shock you with who did it! I am still enjoying this series very much!
This one involves a copy cat Black Dahlia killer. Sophie is the lead on this case. She is seeing people that she shouldn't be seeing. They decide to bring in Bruce who is joing the Krewe of Hunters. The Krewe of Hunters are a special FBI unit that deals with the supernatural. Bruce and Sophie race against time trying to find the killer before he strikes again.
I admire Heather Graham for her ability to create characters that all seem to be a bit guilty. She waits until the very end to shock you with who did it! I am still enjoying this series very much!
August 15, 2025
Pale as Death by Heather Graham
Krewe of Hunters series #25. Paranormal mystery with a smidge of romance. Can be read as a stand-alone although a couple of the original characters make an appearance.
Someone is copying an old murder Hollywood murder case. LAPD Detective Sophie Manning works with FBI consultant Bruce McFadden to investigate. A couple of ghosts help as well.
Another new person seeing ghosts who help work the case. Jackson from much earlier in the series makes an appearance. Grizzly details and quick relationship.
A good mystery.
Krewe of Hunters series #25. Paranormal mystery with a smidge of romance. Can be read as a stand-alone although a couple of the original characters make an appearance.
Someone is copying an old murder Hollywood murder case. LAPD Detective Sophie Manning works with FBI consultant Bruce McFadden to investigate. A couple of ghosts help as well.
Another new person seeing ghosts who help work the case. Jackson from much earlier in the series makes an appearance. Grizzly details and quick relationship.
A good mystery.
March 1, 2020
Loved it, as usual. ❤😊
August 6, 2018
3.5 stars. This book takes a character from the last Krewe story, Detective Sophie Manning, and adds in another McFadden brother to help her. A woman's body is found posed to mimic the Black Dahlia murder from the 1940s. The body is drained of blood and cut in half. The next day a second body is found with the same scenario. The women were wannabe actresses and strikingly resembled the decades old murder victim.
I was intrigued by this story because I remember seeing several documentaries over the years of the unsolved Black Dahlia murder. Author Graham has done her research in re-creating the crime. This book is a typical Krewe story that reads fast and has likeable characters.
I was intrigued by this story because I remember seeing several documentaries over the years of the unsolved Black Dahlia murder. Author Graham has done her research in re-creating the crime. This book is a typical Krewe story that reads fast and has likeable characters.
February 15, 2019
Heather Graham has done it again with this great book using the unsolved Black Dahlia murder as the background for this paranormal thriller. I love these stories that deal with an unsolved crime of long ago. I really like her paranormal book because I do believe in the paranormal. I do hope she continues this series.
July 21, 2018
Another engaging mystery. RTC.
September 21, 2018
“Pale as Death” the twenty-fifth book in the Krewe of Hunters series is dark and horrific when the corpses of two young actresses are found savagely brutalized in murders mimicking the notorious 1940’s cold case of aspiring actress Elizabeth Short, the Black Dahlia. Working with partner and lead investigator Grant Vining, LAPD Detective Sophie Manning is irritated when Bruce McFadden, a licensed private investigator with a special talent for being able to commune with ghosts is brought in as a consultant for the FBI’s paranormal team, the Krewe of Hunters.
After her apartment’s broken into, she experiences the visitation of the ghost of a former reporter, and her partner’s shot, Sophie is forced to swallow her animosity and work with McFadden only to discover an attraction to him as the killer taunts the police with personal items of the victims, and police photographs of the dead sent anonymously to the press.
Set in Los Angeles where the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short remains unsolved, the past collides with the present in an investigation where Sophie begins to suspect that the murderer could be attached to her police department. Theatrical masks and screams in a cemetery near an historical church all add to the creepy atmosphere as the dogged detective and the FBI consultant search for clues to the grizzly murders.
Yet amid the violence as Sophie’s home office is ransacked and she ducks a bullet, the chemistry ignites during the week between her and Bruce McFadden. Although unrealistic in light of her initial resentment with his involvement in the case, the romance does lighten the tension surrounding the investigation. Fast-paced and well-written events flow quickly to a startling ending.
Among a cast of compelling characters are handsome, relaxed and confident Bruce McFadden; empathetic, serious, duty-oriented Sophie Maning whose toughness reduces her insecurity of being short; Grant Vining her astute and protective partner; and Kenneth Trent, the talented and dedicated Director of the Hollywood Hooligans. Yet it’s the deception and ambition of a lying actress, and the cold, calculated killing instinct of the murderer that add a dark, horrifying tingle to the story.
Although I enjoyed “Pale as Death” it wasn’t my favorite of the Krewe of Hunter series. Yet I love the way Heather Graham develops a plot and its characters, so I look forward to reading about the next crime that will involve the sleuthing skills of another McFadden brother.
After her apartment’s broken into, she experiences the visitation of the ghost of a former reporter, and her partner’s shot, Sophie is forced to swallow her animosity and work with McFadden only to discover an attraction to him as the killer taunts the police with personal items of the victims, and police photographs of the dead sent anonymously to the press.
Set in Los Angeles where the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short remains unsolved, the past collides with the present in an investigation where Sophie begins to suspect that the murderer could be attached to her police department. Theatrical masks and screams in a cemetery near an historical church all add to the creepy atmosphere as the dogged detective and the FBI consultant search for clues to the grizzly murders.
Yet amid the violence as Sophie’s home office is ransacked and she ducks a bullet, the chemistry ignites during the week between her and Bruce McFadden. Although unrealistic in light of her initial resentment with his involvement in the case, the romance does lighten the tension surrounding the investigation. Fast-paced and well-written events flow quickly to a startling ending.
Among a cast of compelling characters are handsome, relaxed and confident Bruce McFadden; empathetic, serious, duty-oriented Sophie Maning whose toughness reduces her insecurity of being short; Grant Vining her astute and protective partner; and Kenneth Trent, the talented and dedicated Director of the Hollywood Hooligans. Yet it’s the deception and ambition of a lying actress, and the cold, calculated killing instinct of the murderer that add a dark, horrifying tingle to the story.
Although I enjoyed “Pale as Death” it wasn’t my favorite of the Krewe of Hunter series. Yet I love the way Heather Graham develops a plot and its characters, so I look forward to reading about the next crime that will involve the sleuthing skills of another McFadden brother.
August 2, 2018
I haven't read the rest of the series, I only started reading because the McFadden brothers caught my attention. It all started with Fade to Black.
However, I enjoyed Pale As Death more because the mystery is more engaging and a little bit creepier. Seriously, I was starting to hear noises in my room while reading this book in the middle of the night.
Heather Graham has a penchant for insta-attraction. I didn't really mind because it blended with the story well and of course I already like Sophie from Fade to Black.
I hate "damsel in distress" heroines; well, it probably depends on how it's written or if the heroine will eventually grow some spine. Anyway, I like that both hero & heroine in this book have strong personality but have soft edges too. Sophie is determined and fiercely independent. This is expected because she is working in a male dominated environment. Bruce is an alpha but not overly. He understands Sophie's need to assert herself and does not hound here.
Most of all, I like the distinct lack of unnecessary angst in this book. Sometimes I find the "conflicts" between the couples unnecessary.
Now, I am looking forward to Brodie's book!
However, I enjoyed Pale As Death more because the mystery is more engaging and a little bit creepier. Seriously, I was starting to hear noises in my room while reading this book in the middle of the night.
Heather Graham has a penchant for insta-attraction. I didn't really mind because it blended with the story well and of course I already like Sophie from Fade to Black.
I hate "damsel in distress" heroines; well, it probably depends on how it's written or if the heroine will eventually grow some spine. Anyway, I like that both hero & heroine in this book have strong personality but have soft edges too. Sophie is determined and fiercely independent. This is expected because she is working in a male dominated environment. Bruce is an alpha but not overly. He understands Sophie's need to assert herself and does not hound here.
Most of all, I like the distinct lack of unnecessary angst in this book. Sometimes I find the "conflicts" between the couples unnecessary.
Now, I am looking forward to Brodie's book!
July 17, 2018
Two dead women, their bodies mutilated, are found in LA. Both were aspiring actresses. The murder scenes are reminiscent of the Black Dahlia Case from the 1940’s. Det Sophie Manning is working the case when she sees a ghost in a zoot suit from the 40’s who speaks to her, he thinks he can help her solve the crime. Krewe Of Hunters consultant Bruce McFadden has volunteered to help on the case. Bruce sees and communicates with ghosts. As their investigation progresses Sophie begins to suspect that the culprit could be a lot closer to the case than anyone realizes.
This book is part of the Krewe Of Hunters series, but this book could be read as a stand alone. There is plenty of gore in this book but it also has mystery, and a romance.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to readers. I didn’t guess who the bad guy was, there were plenty of suspects. I would give this book 4 1/2 stars. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
This book is part of the Krewe Of Hunters series, but this book could be read as a stand alone. There is plenty of gore in this book but it also has mystery, and a romance.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to readers. I didn’t guess who the bad guy was, there were plenty of suspects. I would give this book 4 1/2 stars. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
September 21, 2024
3.5 stars.
This has the second McFadden brother Bruce, helping out Sophie, the tenacious LAPD detective from the previous book Fade to Black. Actresses are found dead in the same gruesome way as The Black Dahlia case from the 1940s, and with no forensic evidence left at the scenes, Sophie suspects the killer might be one of their own.
As usual, the ghosts from previous cases are there to help but really only played a very small part.
This book could do with better proofing, though, as I noticed a number of mistakes in the book, wrong names mentioned in conversations, how long since Sophie's last relationship and abrupt ending of some conversations.
Now on to Brodie's story...
This has the second McFadden brother Bruce, helping out Sophie, the tenacious LAPD detective from the previous book Fade to Black. Actresses are found dead in the same gruesome way as The Black Dahlia case from the 1940s, and with no forensic evidence left at the scenes, Sophie suspects the killer might be one of their own.
As usual, the ghosts from previous cases are there to help but really only played a very small part.
This book could do with better proofing, though, as I noticed a number of mistakes in the book, wrong names mentioned in conversations, how long since Sophie's last relationship and abrupt ending of some conversations.
Now on to Brodie's story...
August 15, 2022
This is the 25th Krewe of Hunters novel I've read and it will be the last one. I can see the formulas before I open the books now. On Page 64, "She was really a bitch." "Yeah, but one who looked good in a towel." The exact same words were written in the first book of this particular trilogy. Is that what Heather Graham is stooping to now? I don't need to finish the book to know what happens or begin the next book to see those words again. Stop the women bashing. Do not call women "bitches."
September 11, 2019
This was a very good book. It took you back to the Black Dalia murder, with a copy cat. Sophie is put in charge of the grisly case, after her partner is shot. The mystery is plenty creepy, but it keeps being told to everyone in the police, and the FBI. I liked that Brodie, Jackson, and Bruce were in to help. It dragged a bit when they had so many suspects, and very few clues. It really got great as it was in the last quarter of the book. I guessed part of it, but not it all. Some murders stay with you and still give you chills. The Black Daliah is on of them. The original murder was treated with the details, and attention it deserved. It even gave the reader the two most probable suspects. It is hard to think people can be that evil. I gave it a 4. The paranormal did not really add, or detract from the story. The man they saw though was part of the original case.
December 17, 2022
Heather Graham, one of my top favorite murder mystery writers never fails to capture me with her creative and varied stories. In Pale as Death, you have a copy cat killer of the Black Dalia murder of a beautiful young woman caught in the web of the old movie actresses. If you aren’t already familiar with the true story of a very gruesome unsolved murder of a beautiful young woman. Who is the copy cat killer? I didn’t figure this one out until the reveal at the end. Excellent murder mystery book involving the Krewe of Hunters. ❤️
December 6, 2018
This paranormal thriller/mystery toes the true crime line as the Krewe finds themselves investigating murders that are nearly identical to the Black Dahlia murder. Didn't want to put this one down! As always, the blend of the mystery along with the interactions of the people working to solve it, bring together a cohesive story and compelling characters.
September 3, 2019
Love Heather Graham. She never disappoints and her Krewe of Hunters keeps growing with dynamic and diverse characters. Her ability to weave one book into the next is seamless and allows the reader to see what’s next. Highly recommend!
August 7, 2018
Looking forward to #3!
September 1, 2018
I do like the McFadden Brothers. Another great Krewe Book.
November 3, 2018
you can never go wrong with a Heather Graham Krewe of Hunters book!!
March 20, 2019
Kept me guessing throughout the whole story! I also loved the romance mixed into the story. I will definitely read more by this author.
February 26, 2019
Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: Yes, pick it up for a mystery involving paranormal elements, historical flair and the romantic side of the plot.
Pale as Death is the twenty fifth book in the longest series, Krewe of Hunters, by Heather Graham and published in July of 2018. The primary plot is centered around Bruce McFadden - the second of the McFadden brothers, an ex-military turned PI - and Sophie Manning - Homicide Detective at LAPD. The plot is set in Los Angeles, CA and is set after the events from the previous book Fade in Black.
This book forms the second book in the next trilogy by Heather Graham, which she has set around the McFadden Brothers, who are ex-military turned private investigators; first book being Fade to Black. 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. Fifth Trilogy was formed of 21st book Dying Breath, 22nd book Dark Rites and 23rd book Wicked Deeds.
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.
We met Detective Sophie Manning in Fade to Black. She is a competent and able homicide detective working along-side Detective Grant Vining at LAPD. Last we know about her was that she had helped Bryan McFadden in capturing the killers who were bent on killing everyone cast in a TV Series that was considered for reprising, including Marnie Davante. We had also met Bruce McFadden, the second of the McFadden brothers and ex-military turned PI, for a little time. We had heard that he had helped out a friend who was with Texas Rangers before he met up with his brothers at the end of that plot. The story begins here after the events in Fade to Black.
Someone is using a past unsolved historic crime to recreate it and killing young stars in Hollywood. Detectives Sophie Manning and her partner Grant Vining are assigned to the case, more because of its bizarre nature and high-profile murders. Bruce McFadden inserts himself into the case, even if he doesn’t understand why he is being pulled towards Sophie. At first Sophie resents Bruce's help, but then she takes him on the case. Together they try to race against time to find the killer and as to why he is recreating old crimes before either one of them becomes the next victim.
In Fade to Black we had seen that Sophie was being a caregiver to one of her childhood friend, Andrew, whom she had loved once. In this book we see that she had lost him now. Points to Heather to even keep that little tidbit continuing in the next plot. Also in that plot, Detective Sophie Manning comments that when she was a child she wanted to marry Hamish McFadden, but Hamish was already married. Looks like she is getting her wish come true in this plot with Hamish's son. :P
Bruce and Sophie get help from the LAPD and the Krewe of Hunters - Detective Grant Vining, Sophie's partner at the force; Jackson Crow, the Krewe field director and Angela Hawkins, Jackson's wife and a Krewe member.
Since the plot follows Fade to Black, we see glimpses of some of the characters from that flow through to this, keeping the continuity. 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. There is subtle presence of humor all through the plot.
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. This time she again take us around Los Angeles, CA with references to some plays, films and literary works including Sleep No More (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_N...), an NYC production of a site-specific work of theater.
Readers are provided with pages 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 fewer grammatical or character or location errors in this book. However, a thorough editing is definitely 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. But 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.
Since Deadly Fate, she has added another element to her plots. Adam Harrison buys an old theater in Alexandria, VA. 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; Alexi Cromwell, whom we met in Haunted Destiny and Jude McCoy's fiancée; Madison Darvil, wife of Sean Cameron, whom we met in The Unholy; and Marnie Davante fiancee to Bryan McFadde is assigned to Children's theater part of this theater, whom we met in Fade to Black..
I believe Heather has finally figured out the actual roles for Adam Harrison and Jackson Crow. Lately she has been keeping them as Assistant Director for Adam Harrison and Field Director for Jackson Crow, at least from past two books consistently.
A very good mingle of murder and mystery; past and present; crimes and recreation ; 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. At the end of the plot, both Bruce McFadden and Sophie Manning decide to join Krewe of Hunters and base in Virginia office. Now we have to wait for the last brother to join as well.
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 plot. And a history into their background paused me to think they might be characters from another of Heather Graham book. I was pretty sure they weren't from Krewe of Hunters or Harrison Investigation series. A little dig on google pointed me to Ghost Shadow, the first book in Bone Island Series by Heather Graham published in 2010. Having not yet read that series, I am curious if Hannah O'Brien or Liam Beckett, David's brother, appear in that book as well.
d. Jane Everett and Sloan Trent were part of Team Two: Texas Krewe. But in the 14ht 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.
h. McFadden Brothers - Bryan, Bruce and Brodie: All three of them had served in a branch of service: Bryan in the navy, Bruce in the marines and Brodie in the army. Per the previous book, Fade to Black, Brodie is in China working as a bodyguard for a chain store CEO. As of this plot, he is joins Bruce mid-way to help him with the investigation, after solving the death of the maintenance man at Adam's theater in Alexandria, VA. They were looking to form an investigation company together, but Bryan takes up becoming a Krewe member at the end of Fade to Black plot, and the brothers seem to be following as of this plot.
i. Parents of McFadden brothers - Hamish and Maeve McFadden - are the resident ghosts of the brothers, who had died together while doing a performance. They are close friends to Adam Harrison.
ii. Bryan's story is told in Fade to Black and is now engaged to be married to Marnie Davante, the lead heroine of that plot.
i. In the 24th book, Fade to Black, we also meet Bridget Davante, Marnie's cousin and a writer for many a hit TV shows, living in one half of the duplex owned by Marnie. Curious if she will have a story of her own.
3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 62, Line 17, it should be "…Gwen revealed that…"
b. On Pg. 185, Jace Brown, boyfriend of one of the victims, promises to send all the pictures he has taken of his girlfriend during her performances to Detective Manning and PI McFadden. On Pg. 220, again Heather clears it that Jace Brown had sent the pictures. But on Pg. 223, Heather mis-quotes Ian Sanders in place of Jace.
c. On Pg. 373, Line 5, Couldn’t follow what the "L thing" meant here. Did Heather mean "LA thing"?
Recommendation: Yes, pick it up for a mystery involving paranormal elements, historical flair and the romantic side of the plot.
Pale as Death is the twenty fifth book in the longest series, Krewe of Hunters, by Heather Graham and published in July of 2018. The primary plot is centered around Bruce McFadden - the second of the McFadden brothers, an ex-military turned PI - and Sophie Manning - Homicide Detective at LAPD. The plot is set in Los Angeles, CA and is set after the events from the previous book Fade in Black.
This book forms the second book in the next trilogy by Heather Graham, which she has set around the McFadden Brothers, who are ex-military turned private investigators; first book being Fade to Black. 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. Fifth Trilogy was formed of 21st book Dying Breath, 22nd book Dark Rites and 23rd book Wicked Deeds.
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.
We met Detective Sophie Manning in Fade to Black. She is a competent and able homicide detective working along-side Detective Grant Vining at LAPD. Last we know about her was that she had helped Bryan McFadden in capturing the killers who were bent on killing everyone cast in a TV Series that was considered for reprising, including Marnie Davante. We had also met Bruce McFadden, the second of the McFadden brothers and ex-military turned PI, for a little time. We had heard that he had helped out a friend who was with Texas Rangers before he met up with his brothers at the end of that plot. The story begins here after the events in Fade to Black.
Someone is using a past unsolved historic crime to recreate it and killing young stars in Hollywood. Detectives Sophie Manning and her partner Grant Vining are assigned to the case, more because of its bizarre nature and high-profile murders. Bruce McFadden inserts himself into the case, even if he doesn’t understand why he is being pulled towards Sophie. At first Sophie resents Bruce's help, but then she takes him on the case. Together they try to race against time to find the killer and as to why he is recreating old crimes before either one of them becomes the next victim.
In Fade to Black we had seen that Sophie was being a caregiver to one of her childhood friend, Andrew, whom she had loved once. In this book we see that she had lost him now. Points to Heather to even keep that little tidbit continuing in the next plot. Also in that plot, Detective Sophie Manning comments that when she was a child she wanted to marry Hamish McFadden, but Hamish was already married. Looks like she is getting her wish come true in this plot with Hamish's son. :P
Bruce and Sophie get help from the LAPD and the Krewe of Hunters - Detective Grant Vining, Sophie's partner at the force; Jackson Crow, the Krewe field director and Angela Hawkins, Jackson's wife and a Krewe member.
Since the plot follows Fade to Black, we see glimpses of some of the characters from that flow through to this, keeping the continuity. 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. There is subtle presence of humor all through the plot.
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. This time she again take us around Los Angeles, CA with references to some plays, films and literary works including Sleep No More (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_N...), an NYC production of a site-specific work of theater.
Readers are provided with pages 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 fewer grammatical or character or location errors in this book. However, a thorough editing is definitely 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. But 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.
Since Deadly Fate, she has added another element to her plots. Adam Harrison buys an old theater in Alexandria, VA. 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; Alexi Cromwell, whom we met in Haunted Destiny and Jude McCoy's fiancée; Madison Darvil, wife of Sean Cameron, whom we met in The Unholy; and Marnie Davante fiancee to Bryan McFadde is assigned to Children's theater part of this theater, whom we met in Fade to Black..
I believe Heather has finally figured out the actual roles for Adam Harrison and Jackson Crow. Lately she has been keeping them as Assistant Director for Adam Harrison and Field Director for Jackson Crow, at least from past two books consistently.
A very good mingle of murder and mystery; past and present; crimes and recreation ; 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. At the end of the plot, both Bruce McFadden and Sophie Manning decide to join Krewe of Hunters and base in Virginia office. Now we have to wait for the last brother to join as well.
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 plot. And a history into their background paused me to think they might be characters from another of Heather Graham book. I was pretty sure they weren't from Krewe of Hunters or Harrison Investigation series. A little dig on google pointed me to Ghost Shadow, the first book in Bone Island Series by Heather Graham published in 2010. Having not yet read that series, I am curious if Hannah O'Brien or Liam Beckett, David's brother, appear in that book as well.
d. Jane Everett and Sloan Trent were part of Team Two: Texas Krewe. But in the 14ht 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.
h. McFadden Brothers - Bryan, Bruce and Brodie: All three of them had served in a branch of service: Bryan in the navy, Bruce in the marines and Brodie in the army. Per the previous book, Fade to Black, Brodie is in China working as a bodyguard for a chain store CEO. As of this plot, he is joins Bruce mid-way to help him with the investigation, after solving the death of the maintenance man at Adam's theater in Alexandria, VA. They were looking to form an investigation company together, but Bryan takes up becoming a Krewe member at the end of Fade to Black plot, and the brothers seem to be following as of this plot.
i. Parents of McFadden brothers - Hamish and Maeve McFadden - are the resident ghosts of the brothers, who had died together while doing a performance. They are close friends to Adam Harrison.
ii. Bryan's story is told in Fade to Black and is now engaged to be married to Marnie Davante, the lead heroine of that plot.
i. In the 24th book, Fade to Black, we also meet Bridget Davante, Marnie's cousin and a writer for many a hit TV shows, living in one half of the duplex owned by Marnie. Curious if she will have a story of her own.
3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 62, Line 17, it should be "…Gwen revealed that…"
b. On Pg. 185, Jace Brown, boyfriend of one of the victims, promises to send all the pictures he has taken of his girlfriend during her performances to Detective Manning and PI McFadden. On Pg. 220, again Heather clears it that Jace Brown had sent the pictures. But on Pg. 223, Heather mis-quotes Ian Sanders in place of Jace.
c. On Pg. 373, Line 5, Couldn’t follow what the "L thing" meant here. Did Heather mean "LA thing"?
August 5, 2021
Another fun, spooky read from Heather Graham and the Krewe of Hunters. All of her books that I’ve read include really interesting true historical facts and this one did as well. A killer is copying the true unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, known to the world as the Black Dahlia. Of course there is romance and a ghost or two along with the suspense. All around a quick, interesting paranormal read.
October 30, 2021
I listened to the audio version and I just loved how the narrator voiced the ghost Michael's voice. It added some great humor.
Read
December 14, 2022Good ending.
September 13, 2018
Heavily Paranormal Murder Mystery
If you’re not a fan of paranormal stories, this is not the police procedural for you. All major elements of fiction have some paranormal attached. I enjoy mysteries with paranormal elements, so I wanted to love this book.
“Pale as Death” features gore, graveyards and ghosts, and the Black Dahlia storyline is intricately plotted and cunningly populated with red herrings. Happily, the author evades de rigueur insta-love, instead substituting sexual attraction, a fast romance and sex scenes.
I like to empathize with strong, intelligent heroines, but I was ambivalent about Detective Sophie Manning because she is illogically stubborn. Example: returning home after a break-in—before safety measures are put in place. She is obsessed with the case, and goes rogue to enter a private cemetery. Later, she must be talked out of another break-in by her PI boyfriend. He also talks her out of at least two illogical and mindless TSTL moments.
There’s infobesity about LA historical sites, plus the added bonus of a play set in Tudor England, which loosed gobs of historical information. I enjoy history and culture, but less is more in police procedurals. For example, information about LA graveyards and earthquakes are relevant, but not so the info about Lady Jane and Bloody Mary.
3.5 stars
To the otherwise wonderful editors: At the 97% mark, there’s a Grace-Sophie mixup. “Best we can put it together, Sophie met Thompson when her mother was at the morgue.” Grace’s mother was in the morgue.
If you’re not a fan of paranormal stories, this is not the police procedural for you. All major elements of fiction have some paranormal attached. I enjoy mysteries with paranormal elements, so I wanted to love this book.
“Pale as Death” features gore, graveyards and ghosts, and the Black Dahlia storyline is intricately plotted and cunningly populated with red herrings. Happily, the author evades de rigueur insta-love, instead substituting sexual attraction, a fast romance and sex scenes.
I like to empathize with strong, intelligent heroines, but I was ambivalent about Detective Sophie Manning because she is illogically stubborn. Example: returning home after a break-in—before safety measures are put in place. She is obsessed with the case, and goes rogue to enter a private cemetery. Later, she must be talked out of another break-in by her PI boyfriend. He also talks her out of at least two illogical and mindless TSTL moments.
There’s infobesity about LA historical sites, plus the added bonus of a play set in Tudor England, which loosed gobs of historical information. I enjoy history and culture, but less is more in police procedurals. For example, information about LA graveyards and earthquakes are relevant, but not so the info about Lady Jane and Bloody Mary.
3.5 stars
To the otherwise wonderful editors: At the 97% mark, there’s a Grace-Sophie mixup. “Best we can put it together, Sophie met Thompson when her mother was at the morgue.” Grace’s mother was in the morgue.
September 15, 2019
I've read these books backward, starting with Brodie and Echos of Evil, and now Bruce, I did enjoy this book a lot! I'm such a fan of true crime books and other murder mysteries (probably why I decided to pursue a degree in criminal justice) Bruce is probably my favorite so far (out of all the Krewe men I've read so far), though I am excited to eventually read fade to black.
November 1, 2018
This is 2.5 stars rounded up. The book had an intriguing premise. It began with a gruesome crime and we were introduced to a group of law enforcement officers who could see ghosts and benefit from their help.
Unfortunately in many ways 'Pale as Death' did not live up to its potential. It felt like the book moved quite slowly and for a while it seemed to stall / go around in circles. The romance side line was nice enough but there was not enough there to truly satisfy.
Likewise, there were not enough clues for the reader to figure out who the villain was and when the villain was finally revealed, their motives were neither revealed nor explored. In addition, the central characters did not grow or develop due to their experiences and they felt rather one dimensional.
'Pale as Death' was readable but when I got to the end I could not help but feel that my time could have been better spent.
Unfortunately in many ways 'Pale as Death' did not live up to its potential. It felt like the book moved quite slowly and for a while it seemed to stall / go around in circles. The romance side line was nice enough but there was not enough there to truly satisfy.
Likewise, there were not enough clues for the reader to figure out who the villain was and when the villain was finally revealed, their motives were neither revealed nor explored. In addition, the central characters did not grow or develop due to their experiences and they felt rather one dimensional.
'Pale as Death' was readable but when I got to the end I could not help but feel that my time could have been better spent.
September 2, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
PALE AS DEATH starts off with an intensity that never lets up until the final page. We met Sophie in FADE TO BLACK, and while she was a strong secondary character there she certainly comes into her own in this one – and we had no real clue then that she could also speak to the dead, even if she didn’t want to believe that fact.
As with any of the Krewe of Hunters stories, I always enjoy when we get to visit and catch up with old book friends from previous stories and running into Jackson Crew again was perfect. That is one aspect of Heather Graham’s ongoing series, I never know who I’ll run into again and that adds continuity to the series that I enjoy.
Anytime there is a mystery to be solved I’m very careful about what I say in a review for I feel that should be discovered by each reader firsthand. So what I am comfortable saying is PALE AS DEATH had me guessing from start to finish. Oh, I had my suspicions but, as always, there are red herrings tossed about, so many possible villains but I was kept guessing right until the end. And… I was wrong. Actually, I love when that happens for it’s a sign of a really good storyteller, in my opinion.
Sophie and Bruce make a unique couple. Stubborn, prickly at times, Sophie doesn’t want to see ghosts but she reluctantly begins to accept her unusual talent. Bruce is rock steady as an investigator, he’s well accustomed to ghosts helping along the way of a murder mystery. They might have started out battling each other in some ways, but the attraction, that sizzle was there between them from the start. We get a romance beginning as they search for the killer, one that grows deeper over the course of the investigation. I never get a sense of insta-anything with Ms. Graham’s couples, more a quick realization in the midst of danger that this is the one person who gets them, who they are comfortable with no matter the situation. I liked both Sophie and Bruce together as well as individually.
PALE AS DEATH is a solid paranormal mystery that is intense, frightening in many ways because there is always the sense that yes, there are these types of crazy, evil people outside of books as well. The action is fast-paced, the mystery not really easy to solve, and the characters are all realistic and believable. I had a blast and would not hesitate to recommend this story or any of the Krewe of Hunters stories to any reader who loves a mystery with a touch of paranormal along with a good romance.
I own a Kindle edition of Pale as Death.
PALE AS DEATH starts off with an intensity that never lets up until the final page. We met Sophie in FADE TO BLACK, and while she was a strong secondary character there she certainly comes into her own in this one – and we had no real clue then that she could also speak to the dead, even if she didn’t want to believe that fact.
As with any of the Krewe of Hunters stories, I always enjoy when we get to visit and catch up with old book friends from previous stories and running into Jackson Crew again was perfect. That is one aspect of Heather Graham’s ongoing series, I never know who I’ll run into again and that adds continuity to the series that I enjoy.
Anytime there is a mystery to be solved I’m very careful about what I say in a review for I feel that should be discovered by each reader firsthand. So what I am comfortable saying is PALE AS DEATH had me guessing from start to finish. Oh, I had my suspicions but, as always, there are red herrings tossed about, so many possible villains but I was kept guessing right until the end. And… I was wrong. Actually, I love when that happens for it’s a sign of a really good storyteller, in my opinion.
Sophie and Bruce make a unique couple. Stubborn, prickly at times, Sophie doesn’t want to see ghosts but she reluctantly begins to accept her unusual talent. Bruce is rock steady as an investigator, he’s well accustomed to ghosts helping along the way of a murder mystery. They might have started out battling each other in some ways, but the attraction, that sizzle was there between them from the start. We get a romance beginning as they search for the killer, one that grows deeper over the course of the investigation. I never get a sense of insta-anything with Ms. Graham’s couples, more a quick realization in the midst of danger that this is the one person who gets them, who they are comfortable with no matter the situation. I liked both Sophie and Bruce together as well as individually.
PALE AS DEATH is a solid paranormal mystery that is intense, frightening in many ways because there is always the sense that yes, there are these types of crazy, evil people outside of books as well. The action is fast-paced, the mystery not really easy to solve, and the characters are all realistic and believable. I had a blast and would not hesitate to recommend this story or any of the Krewe of Hunters stories to any reader who loves a mystery with a touch of paranormal along with a good romance.
I own a Kindle edition of Pale as Death.
February 26, 2019
Detective Sophie Manning is holding a press briefing at the site of a brutal body dump when she is challenged by a reporter twinning this murder with that of the 1940’s Black Dahlia crime scene – a murder that was never solved. She is thrown off, but carries on.
Members of the Krewe of Hunters who see her press conference on the news (Marnie worked with Sophie in an earlier case), realize that she may be reacting to a ghost and send one of their own to help. Sophie has a lot of trouble adjusting to being able to communicate with the dead, but Bruce McFadden sees Michael as well. Michael was an investigative reporter who was killed during the Black Dahlia case.
The mystery resolves satisfactorily with lots of suspense and a couple of red herrings. If you are willing to go along with the ghosts (they are likeable and entertaining), you should enjoy it.
Readalikes:
Cherry Adair’s Men of T-FLAC, Edge trilogy; Lucy Banks’ Dr Ribero's Agency of the Supernatural novels; Shiloh Walker’s FBI psychics series; Trish McCallan – Forged in Smoke; Karen Rose – Death is not Enough; Linda Howard – Blood Born; Rebecca York – Private Affair; Sherrilyn Kenyon – Dead After Dark; Karen White – The House on Tradd Street.
Pace: Fast
Characters: Likeable; strong woman
Story: Plot-driven
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Steamy, suspenseful
Frame: LA; contemporary
Members of the Krewe of Hunters who see her press conference on the news (Marnie worked with Sophie in an earlier case), realize that she may be reacting to a ghost and send one of their own to help. Sophie has a lot of trouble adjusting to being able to communicate with the dead, but Bruce McFadden sees Michael as well. Michael was an investigative reporter who was killed during the Black Dahlia case.
The mystery resolves satisfactorily with lots of suspense and a couple of red herrings. If you are willing to go along with the ghosts (they are likeable and entertaining), you should enjoy it.
Readalikes:
Cherry Adair’s Men of T-FLAC, Edge trilogy; Lucy Banks’ Dr Ribero's Agency of the Supernatural novels; Shiloh Walker’s FBI psychics series; Trish McCallan – Forged in Smoke; Karen Rose – Death is not Enough; Linda Howard – Blood Born; Rebecca York – Private Affair; Sherrilyn Kenyon – Dead After Dark; Karen White – The House on Tradd Street.
Pace: Fast
Characters: Likeable; strong woman
Story: Plot-driven
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Steamy, suspenseful
Frame: LA; contemporary
August 10, 2021
*** NO SPOILERS ***
This was my first read of a "Krewe of Hunters" series book - for that matter, the first of anything by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was aware of The Black Dahlia case and some of the details so I was armed with some background for the story. Not essential but I thought it was helpful. Ms. Graham provides great detail as well as atmosphere with her descriptions of the settings and the people who may be considered living in the "bright lights, big city" of LA and Hollywood. Like most big cities, there are older sections, darker sections where the lights don't shine quite as brightly. This setting was almost like a separate character and was well handled. There were interesting characters, plot twists, and resolutions which added to the quality of the story. There was one part which felt "telegraphed" to me but aside from that I was trying to solve it along with the lead characters.
I'm someone who tries very hard to read series in order. My mistake to not notice this was number twenty five. That means (1) I now need to start the series with number one and (2) I liked the book enough that I look forward to so doing.
I think mystery / paranormal readers would enjoy it, and I recommend it. Though I suspect my fellow mystery fans probably already deduced that from my statement in the section above.
*** NO SPOILERS ***
This was my first read of a "Krewe of Hunters" series book - for that matter, the first of anything by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was aware of The Black Dahlia case and some of the details so I was armed with some background for the story. Not essential but I thought it was helpful. Ms. Graham provides great detail as well as atmosphere with her descriptions of the settings and the people who may be considered living in the "bright lights, big city" of LA and Hollywood. Like most big cities, there are older sections, darker sections where the lights don't shine quite as brightly. This setting was almost like a separate character and was well handled. There were interesting characters, plot twists, and resolutions which added to the quality of the story. There was one part which felt "telegraphed" to me but aside from that I was trying to solve it along with the lead characters.
I'm someone who tries very hard to read series in order. My mistake to not notice this was number twenty five. That means (1) I now need to start the series with number one and (2) I liked the book enough that I look forward to so doing.
I think mystery / paranormal readers would enjoy it, and I recommend it. Though I suspect my fellow mystery fans probably already deduced that from my statement in the section above.
*** NO SPOILERS ***
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