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Shadows in the Water #4
Carnival
It takes a killer to stop a killer.
Retired DEA agent Robert King has a thriving PI business in New Orleans--and one promise to keep. He must help his niece, Louie, use her supernatural abilities to rid the world of monsters, without becoming a monster herself.
But King plays by the rules of law and order, and Louie does not.
So when Louie discovers a serial killer who is actively hunting a young woman, King knows he has only one chance to keep his promise to his dead wife. He must convince Louie to take the man alive and seek justice for the families he's already destroyed.
Melandra Durand has worked hard for the life she has. As the owner of an occult shop in the French Quarter, her days were filled with palm readings and souvenir sales until an unorthodox PI moved in next door. It doesn't help that King employs a dangerous young woman who attracts dangerous company--jeopardizing both Mel's safety and sanity.
Then Mel's husband is released from prison, and the real nightmare begins.
More than one woman's life is on the line and the clock is ticking...
Praise for the Shadows in the Water series
★★★★★ "An amazing series with a unique premise!"
★★★★★ "Difficult to put down!"
★★★★★ "The main character is a serial killer, but it's cool. She only kills the bad guys."
★★★★★ " An excellent cast of main characters."
★★★★★ "Very unusual and exciting stories! Loved them all!"
★★★★ "Something really different in the supernatural/power type of story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book with plenty of suspense, well-drawn characters, and a really unusual premise."
★★★★★ "Can't get enough of Lou Thorne."
★★★★★ "From the moment Lou disappears in the bath, I was hooked!"
Don't miss any of Kory M. Shrum's gripping Louie Thorne thrillers:
SHADOWS IN THE WATER * UNDER THE BONES * DANSE MACABRE * CARNIVAL
Retired DEA agent Robert King has a thriving PI business in New Orleans--and one promise to keep. He must help his niece, Louie, use her supernatural abilities to rid the world of monsters, without becoming a monster herself.
But King plays by the rules of law and order, and Louie does not.
So when Louie discovers a serial killer who is actively hunting a young woman, King knows he has only one chance to keep his promise to his dead wife. He must convince Louie to take the man alive and seek justice for the families he's already destroyed.
Melandra Durand has worked hard for the life she has. As the owner of an occult shop in the French Quarter, her days were filled with palm readings and souvenir sales until an unorthodox PI moved in next door. It doesn't help that King employs a dangerous young woman who attracts dangerous company--jeopardizing both Mel's safety and sanity.
Then Mel's husband is released from prison, and the real nightmare begins.
More than one woman's life is on the line and the clock is ticking...
Praise for the Shadows in the Water series
★★★★★ "An amazing series with a unique premise!"
★★★★★ "Difficult to put down!"
★★★★★ "The main character is a serial killer, but it's cool. She only kills the bad guys."
★★★★★ " An excellent cast of main characters."
★★★★★ "Very unusual and exciting stories! Loved them all!"
★★★★ "Something really different in the supernatural/power type of story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book with plenty of suspense, well-drawn characters, and a really unusual premise."
★★★★★ "Can't get enough of Lou Thorne."
★★★★★ "From the moment Lou disappears in the bath, I was hooked!"
Don't miss any of Kory M. Shrum's gripping Louie Thorne thrillers:
SHADOWS IN THE WATER * UNDER THE BONES * DANSE MACABRE * CARNIVAL
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2019
61 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Kory M. Shrum
53 books648 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Kory M. Shrum has published more than thirty books, including the bestselling Shadows in the Water series.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 5, 2022
Kory M Schrum delivers another fantastic instalment of the Lou Thorne adventure. A must read.
October 26, 2020
I stayed up all night to finish this book. So good. I can't get enough of Lou and the gang, and I really enjoyed seeing more of Piper and Mel in this one. Such a strong cast! And so much action. I loved every second of it.
October 2, 2019
Wow. What a book. Each book is better than the last if possible. Robert has a PI business and promised to help his niece. Not as easy as he thought. Suspense, all the way to the end. Don’t miss out.
January 25, 2020
Carnival is Captivating
I love the Lou Thorne books. I hope there will be more. There is a definite need for someone of her skills, especially in this age of human trafficking. Please read the other books.
I love the Lou Thorne books. I hope there will be more. There is a definite need for someone of her skills, especially in this age of human trafficking. Please read the other books.
September 12, 2024
5 Stars
Carnival is the fourth book in the Shadows in the Water series by my new favourite author, Kory M. Shrum. I have come to the conclusion that Bookbub has a lot to answer for, on one hand it is a fantastic way to ‘find’ new books/authors to read- but on the other hand I end up spending my entire yearly book budget in a matter of a few months lol. But if it weren’t for Bookbub, I would never have found Ms. Shrum’s books, which would have been a real tragedy, because she really knows how to weave a riveting tale.
This is an awesome urban fantasy with so much going on- in a fantastic way. With plenty of action, adventure, mystery, danger, a different realm aspect, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, the mafia, serial killers, agendas, ‘hunting’, team work, friendship, family, investigation, time factors, gripping scenes, intense developments, twists, romance, and so, so, so much more- you really need to read it to fully appreciate this gem of a series as I doubt my words can really do this series the justice that it deserves.
Louie Thorne is the daughter of assassinated DEA agent, Jack Thorne. He, along with her mother, were murdered by a drug cartel when she was just a young child- his death scarred her, in more ways than one. She has bided her time honing her skills, becoming a force to be reckoned with- one so powerful that the ‘bad guys’ will never see her coming. In the process of wreaking revenge, she builds a terrifying reputation that will strike fear into the hearts of her enemies- and it’s her secret ‘ability’ that gives her the upper hand- and gives this whole series a completely unique and addictive quality. So much action. With a lot of violence. And a huge helping of adventure. Resulting in a serious book addiction- while also set this book/series apart from others, and this is a book ‘high’ that will be hard to beat.
I developed this addiction to Ms. Shrum’s stories when I stumbled on the Shadows in the Water series -> picking up one book, which then led to two, which then had me devouring the whole series, back-to-back (11 books) in a matter of days. Now I am on tenterhooks, excitedly anticipating the release of Book #12, which can’t come quickly enough for my liking lol.
Each book in this series follows on from the previous one – with each instalment having its own ‘story’, but also adding to what has come before, thereby building a much bigger picture along the way- so the series really needs to be read in the correct sequence, to fully appreciate it- and prevent any kind of confusion. The books are available individually if you wish, as well as in Boxed Sets- which, again, is really great value for money.
The Series consists of:
-Shadows in the Water (Book #1)
-Under the Bones (Book #2)
-Danse Macabre (Book #3)
-Carnival (Book #4)
-Devil’s Luck (Book #5)
-What Comes Around (Book #6)
-Overkill (Book #7)
-Silver Bullet (Book #8)
-Hell House (Book #9)
-One Foot in the Grave (Book #10)
-Blood Rain (Book #11)
-First Light (Book #12 -> coming soon)
If you love highly original urban fantasies with plenty of action and adventure- then this is definitely a series you will want to sink your teeth into- but be prepared to develop a (Kory M.) Shrum addiction!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Kory M. Shrum!
Carnival is the fourth book in the Shadows in the Water series by my new favourite author, Kory M. Shrum. I have come to the conclusion that Bookbub has a lot to answer for, on one hand it is a fantastic way to ‘find’ new books/authors to read- but on the other hand I end up spending my entire yearly book budget in a matter of a few months lol. But if it weren’t for Bookbub, I would never have found Ms. Shrum’s books, which would have been a real tragedy, because she really knows how to weave a riveting tale.
This is an awesome urban fantasy with so much going on- in a fantastic way. With plenty of action, adventure, mystery, danger, a different realm aspect, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, the mafia, serial killers, agendas, ‘hunting’, team work, friendship, family, investigation, time factors, gripping scenes, intense developments, twists, romance, and so, so, so much more- you really need to read it to fully appreciate this gem of a series as I doubt my words can really do this series the justice that it deserves.
Louie Thorne is the daughter of assassinated DEA agent, Jack Thorne. He, along with her mother, were murdered by a drug cartel when she was just a young child- his death scarred her, in more ways than one. She has bided her time honing her skills, becoming a force to be reckoned with- one so powerful that the ‘bad guys’ will never see her coming. In the process of wreaking revenge, she builds a terrifying reputation that will strike fear into the hearts of her enemies- and it’s her secret ‘ability’ that gives her the upper hand- and gives this whole series a completely unique and addictive quality. So much action. With a lot of violence. And a huge helping of adventure. Resulting in a serious book addiction- while also set this book/series apart from others, and this is a book ‘high’ that will be hard to beat.
I developed this addiction to Ms. Shrum’s stories when I stumbled on the Shadows in the Water series -> picking up one book, which then led to two, which then had me devouring the whole series, back-to-back (11 books) in a matter of days. Now I am on tenterhooks, excitedly anticipating the release of Book #12, which can’t come quickly enough for my liking lol.
Each book in this series follows on from the previous one – with each instalment having its own ‘story’, but also adding to what has come before, thereby building a much bigger picture along the way- so the series really needs to be read in the correct sequence, to fully appreciate it- and prevent any kind of confusion. The books are available individually if you wish, as well as in Boxed Sets- which, again, is really great value for money.
The Series consists of:
-Shadows in the Water (Book #1)
-Under the Bones (Book #2)
-Danse Macabre (Book #3)
-Carnival (Book #4)
-Devil’s Luck (Book #5)
-What Comes Around (Book #6)
-Overkill (Book #7)
-Silver Bullet (Book #8)
-Hell House (Book #9)
-One Foot in the Grave (Book #10)
-Blood Rain (Book #11)
-First Light (Book #12 -> coming soon)
If you love highly original urban fantasies with plenty of action and adventure- then this is definitely a series you will want to sink your teeth into- but be prepared to develop a (Kory M.) Shrum addiction!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Kory M. Shrum!
February 27, 2026
Carnival by Kory M. Shrum is a masterful continuation of the Shadows in the Water series, delivering suspense, tension, and intricate plotting that keeps readers fully engaged. Shrum expertly combines psychological thriller elements with high stakes scenarios, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
The story’s layered narrative, unexpected twists, and richly developed characters maintain a sense of urgency and intrigue throughout. Carnival deepens the ongoing series arc while introducing new challenges and dangers that test the characters’ resilience and resourcefulness. Shrum’s ability to balance action, suspense, and emotional depth ensures that both long time fans and new readers are captivated.
Overall, Carnival is a thrilling addition to the series, appealing to fans of psychological suspense, complex character dynamics, and edge-of your seat tension. Shrum demonstrates his skill in delivering a story that is both emotionally resonant and pulse-pounding.
The story’s layered narrative, unexpected twists, and richly developed characters maintain a sense of urgency and intrigue throughout. Carnival deepens the ongoing series arc while introducing new challenges and dangers that test the characters’ resilience and resourcefulness. Shrum’s ability to balance action, suspense, and emotional depth ensures that both long time fans and new readers are captivated.
Overall, Carnival is a thrilling addition to the series, appealing to fans of psychological suspense, complex character dynamics, and edge-of your seat tension. Shrum demonstrates his skill in delivering a story that is both emotionally resonant and pulse-pounding.
May 3, 2024
I was recently introduced to this author and her first three books in the “Shadows in the Water” series from my Snag Dragons book club. I read all three within a few weeks and just finished the fourth in the series. I am happy to say, I have found a new author to love!
Her writing is razor sharp and moves along at the perfect pace. The premise is well planned and mapped out convincingly, while the dialogue is believable and aids in moving the character development along in a detailed and compelling way. Everything seems just right in her writing, which I rarely find, kudos to Kory M. Shrum!
Her writing is razor sharp and moves along at the perfect pace. The premise is well planned and mapped out convincingly, while the dialogue is believable and aids in moving the character development along in a detailed and compelling way. Everything seems just right in her writing, which I rarely find, kudos to Kory M. Shrum!
December 21, 2024
Another cracking book.
Things are ticking along nicely for Lou and the gang, till there not in a BIG way!
Mel gets a phone call, one she'd been waiting for and dreading.
Her ex husband is out of jail and he's heading straight for her.
She keeps it to herself, being married and that she has killed someone. Her husband Terry was there when it happened, and as long as she paid him, her kept quite.
But Mel had stopped sending money and he wants what he thinks she owes him.
But first the scum is having 'fun' intimidating her.
Brill book, fantastic characters.
Things are ticking along nicely for Lou and the gang, till there not in a BIG way!
Mel gets a phone call, one she'd been waiting for and dreading.
Her ex husband is out of jail and he's heading straight for her.
She keeps it to herself, being married and that she has killed someone. Her husband Terry was there when it happened, and as long as she paid him, her kept quite.
But Mel had stopped sending money and he wants what he thinks she owes him.
But first the scum is having 'fun' intimidating her.
Brill book, fantastic characters.
January 28, 2020
Another amazing Lou Thorne adventure
You can't get any better than a serial killer killing serial killers. And she does it with so much style. Kory dove deep to get into the frightening mind of the depraved killer that Lou hunts. It was also amazing to see Lou grow. Mel's backstory is one we have waited patiently for. It was worth the wait. The characters keep getting so well rounded. I loved every word of this book!
You can't get any better than a serial killer killing serial killers. And she does it with so much style. Kory dove deep to get into the frightening mind of the depraved killer that Lou hunts. It was also amazing to see Lou grow. Mel's backstory is one we have waited patiently for. It was worth the wait. The characters keep getting so well rounded. I loved every word of this book!
February 15, 2022
Do you like to read books where the characters keep evolving? Where the action never stops? Where the serial-killer is actually the good guy? Where the storyline is solid, albeit relaxed one moment, and in the next your heart is in your mouth? If you answered yes to any of these questions, grab a book, any book (but especially this series), from Kory M Shrum and let the adventure begin. You will not be sorry.
September 28, 2020
Great series.
I got the first book free and by the time I finished it, I was hooked. I quickly bought the rest of the series. I had trouble getting my work done because I just wanted to read these. I wish there were more in the series. I love Lou and the rest of the characters. I will have to try her other series.
I got the first book free and by the time I finished it, I was hooked. I quickly bought the rest of the series. I had trouble getting my work done because I just wanted to read these. I wish there were more in the series. I love Lou and the rest of the characters. I will have to try her other series.
May 23, 2021
Kory has a way with her writing style that just pulls you in to whatever book of hers you happen to be reading and Carnival is no exception. This is marvelous story telling with characters that just get richer with every book in the series. Don't miss out ... these are absolutely highly recommended!
July 24, 2021
Loved this book
I must have a little Lou in me too, I sincerely loved this book. There is such satisfaction in knowing there is a scale in the world. When our justice system has let us down so badly it's great to have such an awesome anti hero. Thank you Kory for lifting my reading experience to a whole new level. Please keep writing your extraordinary in your field.
I must have a little Lou in me too, I sincerely loved this book. There is such satisfaction in knowing there is a scale in the world. When our justice system has let us down so badly it's great to have such an awesome anti hero. Thank you Kory for lifting my reading experience to a whole new level. Please keep writing your extraordinary in your field.
February 4, 2020
Another great read and wonderful thriller for anyone who likes this type of book. I really did not see the ending coming the way it did - I thought for sure Mel was going to get killed somehow - but, that is the spin a great writer can instill into a story.
February 28, 2020
Shrum doesn't disappoint. I enjoyed seeing the progression of Lou in this book as far as her relationship, if that's what you'd call it, with Konstantine as well as seeing more of her human side, if you will. I can't wait to read #5.
April 18, 2020
Brilliant
I love these books, Lou Thorne has a special gift. She uses it to find monsters. She has help from friends. There is plenty of action in these books , I couldn't put any of them down until I'd finished reading them. They are well worthy of five stars.
I love these books, Lou Thorne has a special gift. She uses it to find monsters. She has help from friends. There is plenty of action in these books , I couldn't put any of them down until I'd finished reading them. They are well worthy of five stars.
December 28, 2022
Very good series, totally different then the normal books I read. First time reading this Authors work. I like the main plots and the people with their different stories. Will continue reading to finish this series.
December 28, 2019
An intriguing installment to the Louie Thorne books!!
February 4, 2020
Awesome read!!!! Lou recovered and the books go on....love her energy. Great plot...lots of twists and turns.
May 4, 2020
Carnival
This book transported Lou to another level and I was so thrilled to go along for the ride. I want more please!
This book transported Lou to another level and I was so thrilled to go along for the ride. I want more please!
October 4, 2020
4.5 stars
February 28, 2021
Can't get enough of this series!
May 16, 2021
Such talent!!!
Too tired from non stop reading w h enough I should have been sleeping. That should say enough on it's own. I freaking Love this series.
Too tired from non stop reading w h enough I should have been sleeping. That should say enough on it's own. I freaking Love this series.
May 14, 2022
This book was extremely interesting!!
Read
April 7, 2023New to series. Can't get enough of it.
January 5, 2024
Although this didn't have as much action as the previous books, it was still a good story. Lou is going through some stuff, and I'm enjoying seeing her grow as a person.
December 20, 2019
Great read
I found this series and have been unable to put it down. Just when you think.it can't get better, it does. I am waiting and hoping for the next book to come.
I found this series and have been unable to put it down. Just when you think.it can't get better, it does. I am waiting and hoping for the next book to come.
October 3, 2019
This is book four in the Shadows in the Water series and is a Lou Thorne thriller. I have only read one of the previous books, but the main characters came flooding back to me as I read this one. I have now gone and bought the boxed set of books 1-3 in the series to ensure I catch up on them. The two main characters are retired DEA agent Robert King and his niece Lou Thorne (Louie). Lou has supernatural powers which allow her to move rapidly from shadows in one location to another and she is also a killer, trying to rid the world of those she considers monsters.
Since the death of his wife, the main balancing influence on Lou’s actions, King is trying to keep a promise he made his wife and has taken it upon himself to try and get her to play more by his rules and stop her from descending into a monster herself. Lou discovers a young woman is in danger, a man is stalking her and he has killed before. King tries to get her to solve the case by his rules and get the suspect arrested rather than removing him and killing him as Lou would normally do. He says that this will give all his victims justice and may uncover where he has buried previous victims, so the families can gain a bit of peace at the discovery.
There is another plot weaved into the storyline. That of a woman called Mel Durand, the owner of a small occult shop in the French Quarter, right next door to where King has set up as a Private Investigator. She does palm readings and serving tourists, but also does tarot cards readings mainly for her regulars, with a tarot pack that has been passed down her family for generations. She is single, but has hidden from everyone who now knows her, that she was married and her husband went away for some twenty five years for a horrific crime. She never divorced him, he has a hold over her and there are secrets in their past that she hoped to have evaded.
When he is suddenly released on parole from prison, he is hell-bent on finding her and wants a cut of her shop, since she stopped visiting him and then also stopped making any payments into his prison account years ago. He wants her and what he believes is due to him! Nothing will stop this nasty piece of work and he will do whatever is needed to get what he wants. Mel doesn’t mention any of this to King or Lou, not even to her assistant who noticed her reaction to the stranger that had walked into the shop. She has decided to deal with him in her own manner, no matter the consequences.
So Lou now has two women in danger and although she knows of the danger to one, she only finds out about the other when she feels they are in grave danger. There is also a bit of romance with Lou and her Italian friend, but she hasn’t let him get too close, just finds herself awaking in his bed – sort of sleep-slipping her way into it, unaware of what she is doing. There is another love interest for Lou, but you need to read the book, before I give away too much.
This was a great read and reminded me of why I had gone and bought the three previous books once the book set came out. I hadn’t had a chance to read them all, but this has reminded me to do so as soon as possible. Highly recommend this book and the previous ones in this series to others. They are really well written and draw you straight into the drama of the characters’ lives. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Since the death of his wife, the main balancing influence on Lou’s actions, King is trying to keep a promise he made his wife and has taken it upon himself to try and get her to play more by his rules and stop her from descending into a monster herself. Lou discovers a young woman is in danger, a man is stalking her and he has killed before. King tries to get her to solve the case by his rules and get the suspect arrested rather than removing him and killing him as Lou would normally do. He says that this will give all his victims justice and may uncover where he has buried previous victims, so the families can gain a bit of peace at the discovery.
There is another plot weaved into the storyline. That of a woman called Mel Durand, the owner of a small occult shop in the French Quarter, right next door to where King has set up as a Private Investigator. She does palm readings and serving tourists, but also does tarot cards readings mainly for her regulars, with a tarot pack that has been passed down her family for generations. She is single, but has hidden from everyone who now knows her, that she was married and her husband went away for some twenty five years for a horrific crime. She never divorced him, he has a hold over her and there are secrets in their past that she hoped to have evaded.
When he is suddenly released on parole from prison, he is hell-bent on finding her and wants a cut of her shop, since she stopped visiting him and then also stopped making any payments into his prison account years ago. He wants her and what he believes is due to him! Nothing will stop this nasty piece of work and he will do whatever is needed to get what he wants. Mel doesn’t mention any of this to King or Lou, not even to her assistant who noticed her reaction to the stranger that had walked into the shop. She has decided to deal with him in her own manner, no matter the consequences.
So Lou now has two women in danger and although she knows of the danger to one, she only finds out about the other when she feels they are in grave danger. There is also a bit of romance with Lou and her Italian friend, but she hasn’t let him get too close, just finds herself awaking in his bed – sort of sleep-slipping her way into it, unaware of what she is doing. There is another love interest for Lou, but you need to read the book, before I give away too much.
This was a great read and reminded me of why I had gone and bought the three previous books once the book set came out. I hadn’t had a chance to read them all, but this has reminded me to do so as soon as possible. Highly recommend this book and the previous ones in this series to others. They are really well written and draw you straight into the drama of the characters’ lives. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
December 2, 2019
I love Kory Shrum books! They are well written so that you are along on the journey of the books. I buy all her books on day 1 then read when I have an uninterrupted weekend because I know my weakness is not being able to stop reading until I’m done. And now that I’m done I mist wait months to read more😢
Start with the 1st book in this series. Then read her Dying for a Living series as well. They are really, really good books.
Start with the 1st book in this series. Then read her Dying for a Living series as well. They are really, really good books.
October 6, 2019
This fourth entry in the Shadows in the Water series ranks among the best. That's saying a lot because I rated the first two at five stars - the same rating I gave Carnival. Author Kory Shrum keeps getting better; her principal characters and their interactions are brim full of life and interest.
Among these she singles Mel and her Tarot out for her special attention. One night in the middle of New Orleans' Carnival, Mel runs into a man who could have been The Devil himself, a key major arcana card. What's more, this man brings back an old, old secret into Mel's life that's likely to destroy her and the people she loves. Especially Lou.
Poor Lou Thorne is HUNGRY. She slips through the dark. Often the dark slips through her. She knows what she is: a stalker and killer. A caged stalker, though, restrained by both her dead aunt and the man known as King. That beignet-crusted ex-cop (for a brief time, her uncle) has laid rules to her killing. Her hunting must lead to capture of those who harm the innocent in a way that brings closure to victim's families. Only when authority fails will she freely intervene in her particularly lethal manner, to Jabber's everlasting joy. Yeah, he's the Jabberwocky at the lake who she feeds with her "catch".
While the man-death stalks Mel, the true Death - Lou - stalks a killer who preys on single women. The itch to kill him out of hand presses her always. While studying him Lou senses the same unresolved bloody craving in her victim that she herself fights. And she knows he will ultimately yield to it.
She will stay her hunger while she can. If she can provide closure. And if Mel can provide closure to that dark heart of her own life. And if they can all survive that closure ...
Enjoy this fine book. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy for review, but opted, too, to purchase the finished title for my reread.
Among these she singles Mel and her Tarot out for her special attention. One night in the middle of New Orleans' Carnival, Mel runs into a man who could have been The Devil himself, a key major arcana card. What's more, this man brings back an old, old secret into Mel's life that's likely to destroy her and the people she loves. Especially Lou.
Poor Lou Thorne is HUNGRY. She slips through the dark. Often the dark slips through her. She knows what she is: a stalker and killer. A caged stalker, though, restrained by both her dead aunt and the man known as King. That beignet-crusted ex-cop (for a brief time, her uncle) has laid rules to her killing. Her hunting must lead to capture of those who harm the innocent in a way that brings closure to victim's families. Only when authority fails will she freely intervene in her particularly lethal manner, to Jabber's everlasting joy. Yeah, he's the Jabberwocky at the lake who she feeds with her "catch".
While the man-death stalks Mel, the true Death - Lou - stalks a killer who preys on single women. The itch to kill him out of hand presses her always. While studying him Lou senses the same unresolved bloody craving in her victim that she herself fights. And she knows he will ultimately yield to it.
She will stay her hunger while she can. If she can provide closure. And if Mel can provide closure to that dark heart of her own life. And if they can all survive that closure ...
Enjoy this fine book. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy for review, but opted, too, to purchase the finished title for my reread.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews