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Krewe of Hunters #34
The Forbidden
She is someone’s darkest desire
Playing the victim of a vampire king on an island off New Orleans is actress Avalon Morgan’s creepiest role to date. It’s also scary good fun—until the victim of a real killer is discovered on set, laid out for all to see. With production shut down, Avalon can’t stop thinking about the chilling crime scene, or Finley Stirling, the FBI agent working the case.
With a rising body count and zero leads, Fin can’t help but be impressed by Avalon’s amateur sleuthing, which takes her to the darkest corners of the internet, where killers confess their crimes. One such account is a dead ringer for the murders, but when the evidence vanishes, nobody believes Avalon—except for Fin. With no one they can trust, Avalon and Fin are determined to unbury the truth at any cost, but a return to the deadly island could be the last thing they do.
Playing the victim of a vampire king on an island off New Orleans is actress Avalon Morgan’s creepiest role to date. It’s also scary good fun—until the victim of a real killer is discovered on set, laid out for all to see. With production shut down, Avalon can’t stop thinking about the chilling crime scene, or Finley Stirling, the FBI agent working the case.
With a rising body count and zero leads, Fin can’t help but be impressed by Avalon’s amateur sleuthing, which takes her to the darkest corners of the internet, where killers confess their crimes. One such account is a dead ringer for the murders, but when the evidence vanishes, nobody believes Avalon—except for Fin. With no one they can trust, Avalon and Fin are determined to unbury the truth at any cost, but a return to the deadly island could be the last thing they do.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2021
233 people are currently reading
1101 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 148 reviews
January 5, 2022
The Forbidden
(Krewe of Hunters #34)
by Heather Graham
This was enjoyable but not one of her best Krewe novels which I usually love! This book had an FBI looking for a serial killer or killers and it happened to interrupt a movie shoot. One of the actresses also can see ghosts. During the investigation, the ghosts help occasionally.
A mystery, romance with some paranormal aspects.
(Krewe of Hunters #34)
by Heather Graham
This was enjoyable but not one of her best Krewe novels which I usually love! This book had an FBI looking for a serial killer or killers and it happened to interrupt a movie shoot. One of the actresses also can see ghosts. During the investigation, the ghosts help occasionally.
A mystery, romance with some paranormal aspects.
September 7, 2022
"The killer stalks his prey and loves beautiful women. But for him, the sexual gratification doesn't come until his beauty is dead."
"Necrophilia," someone said.
Another officer cleared his throat. "It is legal in Louisiana and a few other states," he said. "Even though I'm not sure how--" (PG. 106)
Of course, I didn't realize this was a series and here I plop in at #34! It was out of my genre zone but it was a fun supernatural read with a hint of romance. The story flowed nicely and I felt it was a great standalone. If I happen to come across the other parts of the series then I'l definitely pick it up but i wouldn't go out of my way. I did like that it was set in New Orleans so it had a creepy superstitious aspect to it.
There were things that would never happen in it also. The main detective on this serial killer case took along a person that might have been seen as a suspect to all his interviews and inquiries and let her know all the details of the case. Even though it is fiction I still like fact based professional investigations.
The murderer(s) was never figured out by me and I like the ghosts helping the investigation along. It made it a bit quirky and fun. I think I needed this right now.
"Necrophilia," someone said.
Another officer cleared his throat. "It is legal in Louisiana and a few other states," he said. "Even though I'm not sure how--" (PG. 106)
Of course, I didn't realize this was a series and here I plop in at #34! It was out of my genre zone but it was a fun supernatural read with a hint of romance. The story flowed nicely and I felt it was a great standalone. If I happen to come across the other parts of the series then I'l definitely pick it up but i wouldn't go out of my way. I did like that it was set in New Orleans so it had a creepy superstitious aspect to it.
There were things that would never happen in it also. The main detective on this serial killer case took along a person that might have been seen as a suspect to all his interviews and inquiries and let her know all the details of the case. Even though it is fiction I still like fact based professional investigations.
The murderer(s) was never figured out by me and I like the ghosts helping the investigation along. It made it a bit quirky and fun. I think I needed this right now.
May 6, 2024
This was a fine whodunnit mystery. It's the 34th (!) book in a series, but I don't think I missed anything by not having read any of the previous volumes. It's about a beautiful young actress who gets involved in a murder investigation while filming a vampire movie on a creepy island near New Orleans. The lead investigator is a handsome young man with whom she also gets heavily involved, in a different sense of the word. And, oh yeah, by a weird coincidence they can both talk to ghosts, though that doesn't get intrusive or figure very much in the story. There are a number of quirky people who are working on the production, and a small group of relatives who own the island. It's an interesting puzzle to figure out who the murderer is before any more victims are claimed, and you hope the best for Fin and Avalon, even though you have to question their professional integrity when they start sleeping together... I mean, she's got to be one of the prime suspects, right? It's all solved rather abruptly but efficiently, and even though I didn't guess the identity of the guilty party correctly I still enjoyed the read. It'd make a good movie on the Hallmark Mystery channel...
July 28, 2021
This is one of the worst books by Heather Graham. From the first page you keep thinking you've already read it. At least 5 scenes in this book are scenes from her other books with the current cast inserted in the scenes.
The lead agent enlists the actress who found the murder victim to help him because she can see and talk to the dead. He includes her in every aspect of his investigation. This is not believable for an agent to let a non officer to see all of the FBI'S evidence and files.
The whole plot centers around the owners of the island where the first murder victim is found and the movie crew and actors who were making a movie there. Fin is sure two of them are the vampire murders. He keeps the movie participants boarded in a rental while he and Avalon (the actress) go off investigating.
Her ghosts in this novel just don't have the appeal of former spirits in her books.
You feel like everything is just a little bit made to fit the sceen as after thoughts.
It's easy reading, you can expect page turning reading, but it just isn't up to Grahams other books.
The lead agent enlists the actress who found the murder victim to help him because she can see and talk to the dead. He includes her in every aspect of his investigation. This is not believable for an agent to let a non officer to see all of the FBI'S evidence and files.
The whole plot centers around the owners of the island where the first murder victim is found and the movie crew and actors who were making a movie there. Fin is sure two of them are the vampire murders. He keeps the movie participants boarded in a rental while he and Avalon (the actress) go off investigating.
Her ghosts in this novel just don't have the appeal of former spirits in her books.
You feel like everything is just a little bit made to fit the sceen as after thoughts.
It's easy reading, you can expect page turning reading, but it just isn't up to Grahams other books.
July 23, 2021
I have read all the Krewe of Hunters books and love slipping away to a location, meeting an agent of the Krewe of Hunters, a special division of the FBI and solving an intriguing case with paranormal help. Along the way we learn tidbits and enjoy a side of romance. The familiarity of a stand-alone mystery in a long-standing series makes these comfort reads.
In The Forbidden, we are on a privately owned island near New Orleans. It’s rumored the pirate Jean Laffite buried his treasure on a nearby island. A group of friends is producing a low-budget vampire film, when one of the production cast is found dead in the islands cemetery. Krewe of Hunter agent, Grayson Avery, is called to head up the investigation. Actress Avalon Morgan catches his eye when he discovers she can see the dead.
The romance was a slow burn with a twist and served on the side. I like this aspect as it allows the case to develop. Through the romance we get to know the detective, area, and backstories of the characters.
From the overgrown mansion to the perspective of the killer, I was quickly pulled in. The group of friends making the movie and the owners of the island, along with a local businesswoman, created suspense, a suspect pool and more. Before the case is solved, there will be several murders and a few red herrings.
As always, I loved the historical tid-bits, from speakeasies to local landmarks. Grayson worked with the local PD on this case, and most of his inte This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
In The Forbidden, we are on a privately owned island near New Orleans. It’s rumored the pirate Jean Laffite buried his treasure on a nearby island. A group of friends is producing a low-budget vampire film, when one of the production cast is found dead in the islands cemetery. Krewe of Hunter agent, Grayson Avery, is called to head up the investigation. Actress Avalon Morgan catches his eye when he discovers she can see the dead.
The romance was a slow burn with a twist and served on the side. I like this aspect as it allows the case to develop. Through the romance we get to know the detective, area, and backstories of the characters.
From the overgrown mansion to the perspective of the killer, I was quickly pulled in. The group of friends making the movie and the owners of the island, along with a local businesswoman, created suspense, a suspect pool and more. Before the case is solved, there will be several murders and a few red herrings.
As always, I loved the historical tid-bits, from speakeasies to local landmarks. Grayson worked with the local PD on this case, and most of his inte This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Read
July 28, 2021The Forbidden was more gripping than
The Unforgiven
, the previous book in this series, but I ended up with mixed feelings about it.
Like The Unforgiven, The Forbidden takes place in New Orleans; the hero, Fin Stirling, was involved in the former case. While the book is just as formulaic (which is admittedly one of the things I like about this series), it has more tension, both in the narrative and between the main characters. I also felt more invested in Avalon and Fin and their relationship than I was in Katie and Daniel, the main characters in The Unforgiven. They are both a little stereotypical for this series, but I found them enjoyable despite the antagonism Avalon feels toward Fin for suspecting her friends and colleagues… which goes on for quite a while, even as they work together to solve the crime.
The mystery kept me guessing almost until the end. There are a number of suspects, and circumstantial evidence could apply to most of them. I wasn’t able to narrow down the field any faster than Fin does, and at least one aspect of the eventual solution came as a surprise, which is always a plus.
Given those qualities, I would have enjoyed The Forbidden as a light summer read (in the sense of easily and quickly devoured.) However, I found one aspect of the serial murders deeply disturbing, enough to creep me out and leave me feeling very uncomfortable. Frankly, I would have avoided reading the book if I had been aware of that aspect of the content. Since I know that comfort levels vary widely when it comes to reading about the darker side of human psychology, I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. On the other hand, if you’re curious, squeamish, or have specific triggers, I think a warning here is appropriate:
Spoiler/CW (click to view):
To be honest, I considered DNF-ing the book several times because of this, but it was an ARC, so I felt sort of obligated… and I did really want to know whodunnit. In the end, though, I kind of wish I hadn’t read it. It took a day and a nice, palate-cleansing romance novel before I could stop thinking about the really creepy bit. I know plenty of other readers will be able to take that in their stride, because it’s fiction. If that’s you, and you enjoy this series overall, go for it—there’s plenty here for series fans to like.
Note: I have chosen not to rate the book. If I hadn't been so uncomfortable with one aspect, I probably would have given it 3.5 or 4 stars, but taking into account my instinctive distaste for that one thing, my personal rating would be lower. I don't want to tarnish the book's overall rating based purely on a personal reaction, so I am leaving this review unrated for now.
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
Like The Unforgiven, The Forbidden takes place in New Orleans; the hero, Fin Stirling, was involved in the former case. While the book is just as formulaic (which is admittedly one of the things I like about this series), it has more tension, both in the narrative and between the main characters. I also felt more invested in Avalon and Fin and their relationship than I was in Katie and Daniel, the main characters in The Unforgiven. They are both a little stereotypical for this series, but I found them enjoyable despite the antagonism Avalon feels toward Fin for suspecting her friends and colleagues… which goes on for quite a while, even as they work together to solve the crime.
The mystery kept me guessing almost until the end. There are a number of suspects, and circumstantial evidence could apply to most of them. I wasn’t able to narrow down the field any faster than Fin does, and at least one aspect of the eventual solution came as a surprise, which is always a plus.
Given those qualities, I would have enjoyed The Forbidden as a light summer read (in the sense of easily and quickly devoured.) However, I found one aspect of the serial murders deeply disturbing, enough to creep me out and leave me feeling very uncomfortable. Frankly, I would have avoided reading the book if I had been aware of that aspect of the content. Since I know that comfort levels vary widely when it comes to reading about the darker side of human psychology, I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. On the other hand, if you’re curious, squeamish, or have specific triggers, I think a warning here is appropriate:
Spoiler/CW (click to view):
To be honest, I considered DNF-ing the book several times because of this, but it was an ARC, so I felt sort of obligated… and I did really want to know whodunnit. In the end, though, I kind of wish I hadn’t read it. It took a day and a nice, palate-cleansing romance novel before I could stop thinking about the really creepy bit. I know plenty of other readers will be able to take that in their stride, because it’s fiction. If that’s you, and you enjoy this series overall, go for it—there’s plenty here for series fans to like.
Note: I have chosen not to rate the book. If I hadn't been so uncomfortable with one aspect, I probably would have given it 3.5 or 4 stars, but taking into account my instinctive distaste for that one thing, my personal rating would be lower. I don't want to tarnish the book's overall rating based purely on a personal reaction, so I am leaving this review unrated for now.
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
July 31, 2021
Not the most exciting book of the Krewe of Hunters series but still a quick decent read.
🔸 4 stars🔸
🔸 4 stars🔸
January 3, 2024
This was a great beach read! The mystery was quite interesting and I loved the New Orleans setting🎭🪦🪄 I knocked a star off since I would have enjoyed a more fleshed out ending. I’m always a fan of knowing the “why”!
August 17, 2021
Her last two books seem different, almost like someone else is writing them. I'm very disappointed. The characters are wooden and there's no chemistry. The ending here was lame and so much is implied.
August 1, 2021
I am a huge fan of this series. Generally speaking, I prefer the ones set in New Orleans because I love the city so much.
In this outing, we see a film crew shooting a low-budget horror movie on one of the barrier islands. Star Avalon Morgan is working with a team she's known since childhood. When the make-up artist is late, they bring in a sub. It's unlike Cindy to be late, and soon they find out why: her body, dressed and made up to look like Avalon's character in the film, is found in the island's cemetery.
Avalon's got another skill besides acting, one that she keeps hidden: her ability to see and talk to the dead. It's a talent she shares with Special Agent Fin Sterling, from the FBI's Krewe of Hunters unit. They take their time letting each other know, both having experienced negative reactions in the past,
In any event, it soon becomes clear that Cindy's murder is part of a serial spree ... and all of her friends and co-workers are suspects. She and Fin rely on the ghosts who talk to them to get new information about the killings. Of course, they're also struggling with their budding attraction -- and the heat and chemistry between them sizzle right off the pages.
I saw part of the "whodunnit" coming for a while, but the rest of it was completely unexpected. Heather Graham is referred to as the Queen of Romantic Suspense with good reason; she knows just how to leave the red herrings and misdirect the readers s that they get that surprise at the end.
Highly recommended.
In this outing, we see a film crew shooting a low-budget horror movie on one of the barrier islands. Star Avalon Morgan is working with a team she's known since childhood. When the make-up artist is late, they bring in a sub. It's unlike Cindy to be late, and soon they find out why: her body, dressed and made up to look like Avalon's character in the film, is found in the island's cemetery.
Avalon's got another skill besides acting, one that she keeps hidden: her ability to see and talk to the dead. It's a talent she shares with Special Agent Fin Sterling, from the FBI's Krewe of Hunters unit. They take their time letting each other know, both having experienced negative reactions in the past,
In any event, it soon becomes clear that Cindy's murder is part of a serial spree ... and all of her friends and co-workers are suspects. She and Fin rely on the ghosts who talk to them to get new information about the killings. Of course, they're also struggling with their budding attraction -- and the heat and chemistry between them sizzle right off the pages.
I saw part of the "whodunnit" coming for a while, but the rest of it was completely unexpected. Heather Graham is referred to as the Queen of Romantic Suspense with good reason; she knows just how to leave the red herrings and misdirect the readers s that they get that surprise at the end.
Highly recommended.
November 14, 2021
3.5 stars.
This was a much better book than the previous The Unforgiven. At least, I believe in the growing attraction between the H/h. And the story was a bit more "reasonable" insofar as any paranormal romantic suspense can be. I do have a big issue with both books though. It would seem the CSI teams are really bad since they missed some HUGE clues and it took the H/h(s) to uncover them so much later! Really?
I have to admit I fixated on a different suspect so was surprised by the final reveal. Anyhow, this was a solid instalment to the series.
This was a much better book than the previous The Unforgiven. At least, I believe in the growing attraction between the H/h. And the story was a bit more "reasonable" insofar as any paranormal romantic suspense can be. I do have a big issue with both books though. It would seem the CSI teams are really bad since they missed some HUGE clues and it took the H/h(s) to uncover them so much later! Really?
I have to admit I fixated on a different suspect so was surprised by the final reveal. Anyhow, this was a solid instalment to the series.
July 29, 2021
Talking to ghosts can make you look crazy. Phones help make you look a bit saner. Murder on the set. Eerie.. And just how long had these murderers been operating? Is it the cast? the property owners? An outsider?
August 26, 2021
This gave me major adult Scooby-Doo mystery vibes! I enjoyed the setting, the characters and the story itself. It was thrilling, enticing and easy enough to read. I’d love to read more from this author!
November 16, 2021
I love all of her books, she did not disappointed me in this book neither.
December 31, 2021
I was a little skeptical when I started this book since this is a little more fiction than I usually prefer however I was pleasantly surprised. It did come with a twist that I didn’t exactly see coming but I also wasn’t too surprised by either. All in all it was a good read & I would recommend it.
October 9, 2023
The Krewe of Hunters series never gets boring! The story and characters are as well developed and intriguing in the 34th book as in the first.
August 8, 2021
I don’t know if it’s me or the book, but it took a long time for me to get through this book. Maybe 34 is too many in this series? They’re getting predictable. Not a bad book, just a lot like the earlier ones. Plus necrophilia…yuck.
July 29, 2021
The Forbidden by Heather Graham is the 34th book in her Krewe of Hunters series. I have only read a few books from this series, but they do read very well as a standalone; I plan on reading more; as I enjoy Graham’s other books/series.
Avalon Morgan, our heroine, is an actress and is part of a group of actors working on a film, with most of them being friends, and working with the director for other films. Avalon has just completed a scene with her made to look beautiful lying on a tomb, as it is a scary vampire movie. When they break for the day, Avalon takes a walk around the island with her fellow actor friend, and they discover the body of their makeup artist friend, who was laid out exactly like the scene Avalon had just done.
The group of friends gathered together, upset about the muder, as the police questioned everyone, and shutting down production until the killer can be found.
Gray Avery, our hero, is the lead investigator, who is part of the Krewe of Hunters team that works on supernatural investigations. Gray immediately recognizes that Avalon has unique abilities to see the dead, which he can too. At first, she refuses to talk about it, but in time she begins to trust Gray and together they work on trying to find clues; especially with Avalon insisting none of her friends committed the murder.
Gray has his team checking out possible similar murders, and Avalon, being very good doing research on the internet, discovers the dark web, with people describing their fantasy murder; which is too close to the real thing. Gray also becomes worried that the killer or killers are focusing on Avalon, as she fits the description of previous murders. He makes sure that Avalon comes with him at various locations, since she knows how to talk to ghosts, and he keeps an eye on her. During this period, both Avalon and Gray find their attraction to each other becoming serious, and their chemistry was sizzling.
What follows is a tense thriller that will have them not only looking at the film crew, but also the owners of the island, who also hang around the area. Gray suspects that there is more than one killer, who are very dangerous and evil. To say too much more would be spoilers, and you need to read this from start to finish, as there are some twists and surprises. The wild tense ending as we raced to the climax, had me holding my breath to see who will survive.
The Forbidden is an exciting, intense, suspenseful, dark story of murder, with a nice romance, and lots of police procedurals. Once again, Heather Graham gives us a wild, mindboggling thriller, that kept our attention from start to finish. I did like that both Gray and Avalon, as they made a great couple. If you like intense supernatural thrillers, which is written so very well by Graham, then I suggest you read The Forbidden.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Avalon Morgan, our heroine, is an actress and is part of a group of actors working on a film, with most of them being friends, and working with the director for other films. Avalon has just completed a scene with her made to look beautiful lying on a tomb, as it is a scary vampire movie. When they break for the day, Avalon takes a walk around the island with her fellow actor friend, and they discover the body of their makeup artist friend, who was laid out exactly like the scene Avalon had just done.
The group of friends gathered together, upset about the muder, as the police questioned everyone, and shutting down production until the killer can be found.
Gray Avery, our hero, is the lead investigator, who is part of the Krewe of Hunters team that works on supernatural investigations. Gray immediately recognizes that Avalon has unique abilities to see the dead, which he can too. At first, she refuses to talk about it, but in time she begins to trust Gray and together they work on trying to find clues; especially with Avalon insisting none of her friends committed the murder.
Gray has his team checking out possible similar murders, and Avalon, being very good doing research on the internet, discovers the dark web, with people describing their fantasy murder; which is too close to the real thing. Gray also becomes worried that the killer or killers are focusing on Avalon, as she fits the description of previous murders. He makes sure that Avalon comes with him at various locations, since she knows how to talk to ghosts, and he keeps an eye on her. During this period, both Avalon and Gray find their attraction to each other becoming serious, and their chemistry was sizzling.
What follows is a tense thriller that will have them not only looking at the film crew, but also the owners of the island, who also hang around the area. Gray suspects that there is more than one killer, who are very dangerous and evil. To say too much more would be spoilers, and you need to read this from start to finish, as there are some twists and surprises. The wild tense ending as we raced to the climax, had me holding my breath to see who will survive.
The Forbidden is an exciting, intense, suspenseful, dark story of murder, with a nice romance, and lots of police procedurals. Once again, Heather Graham gives us a wild, mindboggling thriller, that kept our attention from start to finish. I did like that both Gray and Avalon, as they made a great couple. If you like intense supernatural thrillers, which is written so very well by Graham, then I suggest you read The Forbidden.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
July 29, 2021
On a private island off the coast of Louisiana, actress Avalon Morgan is playing the role of a vampire victim in a friend's movie. It's her creepiest role ever and she doesn't believe she's seen worse until she discovers the body of a friend who was murdered and splayed out in the same manner as her movie character. FBI and Krewe of Hunters agent, Finley (Fin) Stirling, is from the area and happens to be there so he's helping the local police with the case. He's immediately drawn to Avalon and is sure she sees ghosts like he does. As Fin and Avalon work together to find the killers, a romance builds between them.
I've enjoyed the entire Krewe series and this book is no exception. There were a few errors but not enough to really detract from this otherwise well-written book. The characters were well-rounded, you'll like some of them and others you won't. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and kept hooked, not wanting to put the book down. The romance is sweet and slow-burning. You'll be kept on your toes and guessing throughout the book. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series. I do recommend reading the series in order, but if you're new to it then read each trilogy or quartet that the series is divided into. This trilogy starts with The Unforgiven.
I've enjoyed the entire Krewe series and this book is no exception. There were a few errors but not enough to really detract from this otherwise well-written book. The characters were well-rounded, you'll like some of them and others you won't. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and kept hooked, not wanting to put the book down. The romance is sweet and slow-burning. You'll be kept on your toes and guessing throughout the book. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series. I do recommend reading the series in order, but if you're new to it then read each trilogy or quartet that the series is divided into. This trilogy starts with The Unforgiven.
September 16, 2021
This book is 34th in a series. I have only read one other one so the concept is probably fresher than for some. The Krewe of Hunters group solves crimes (murders) but they have skills - for example some can see and talk to dead people. A new character, Avalon, was introduced to interact with Fin - an existing Krewe of Hunters member.
The book was a quick read and it really kept me guessing. The dead did not really help too much with this one and the main story was the relationship between Fin and Avalon and figuring out who the murders were.
The story held my interest and thus could have been a 4
However, I think it fell apart in the end. The entire premise that the murderer(s) was/were really precise and intelligent. They left no clues as they murdered several women and left them posed with no blood.
The part that I did not like was that at the end, the killers were like buffoons. (There was more than one). They knocked out the two policeman and two other people that were protecting the women they wanted to kill next. They locked the other two people in a room. I think the author did not want all the people in the story to die in a blood bath but the murderers left so many witnesses while apprehending Avalon and her friend. This was totally contrary to the careful planning they had done for 3 years.
The book was a quick read and it really kept me guessing. The dead did not really help too much with this one and the main story was the relationship between Fin and Avalon and figuring out who the murders were.
The story held my interest and thus could have been a 4
However, I think it fell apart in the end. The entire premise that the murderer(s) was/were really precise and intelligent. They left no clues as they murdered several women and left them posed with no blood.
The part that I did not like was that at the end, the killers were like buffoons. (There was more than one). They knocked out the two policeman and two other people that were protecting the women they wanted to kill next. They locked the other two people in a room. I think the author did not want all the people in the story to die in a blood bath but the murderers left so many witnesses while apprehending Avalon and her friend. This was totally contrary to the careful planning they had done for 3 years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2021
Avalon Morgan is starring in a movie being filmed on Christy Island, off the coast of Louisiana. Everything stops when the body of a makeup artist is found atop one of the crypts. Agent Finley Stirling with the FBI arrives and works with Detective Ryder Stapleton of the New Orleans Police Department. They get on each other’s nerves when they first meet. Fin is suspicious of everyone on the crew but these are her friends and she will vouch for every one of them. Fin learns of other murders similar to the one on the island. Bodies are drained of blood and the killer has sex with the victim after she is dead. Work has gotten out in New Orleans and people are afraid there might be a serial killer. Fin and Ryder have to work fast to find the killer before he strikes again.
Besides the film crew, there are four heirs to Christy Island. Although they indicate they do not know each other, Fin learns this is not the case. Two of the cousins have been seen at the bar close to where an unidentified woman's body was found. In searching the room belonging to the elderly man who lived and died on the island, Fin finds an album of abusive photographs. One shows old Nolan Christy holding a baseball bat over a woman who was bound and gagged. Since two of the murders occurred when he was still alive, could he have been the killer?
Besides the film crew, there are four heirs to Christy Island. Although they indicate they do not know each other, Fin learns this is not the case. Two of the cousins have been seen at the bar close to where an unidentified woman's body was found. In searching the room belonging to the elderly man who lived and died on the island, Fin finds an album of abusive photographs. One shows old Nolan Christy holding a baseball bat over a woman who was bound and gagged. Since two of the murders occurred when he was still alive, could he have been the killer?
September 12, 2021
This is the slimmest book that I have ever read from Heather Graham. Nevertheless, it has all the historical background and present day ambiance, well developed characters (including the ghosts) and a fast pace hunt to find a serial killer, before he strikes again and a unexpected twist which is characteristic of this series. I have not read all the books in the series. I am not sure why my public library is very inconsistent about buying all the books in a series, but if you had at least read the first book, Phantom Evil, it is easy to keep up.
Finley Stirling is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters and he has seen ghosts since he was a young boy, but is still a skeptic and keeps everything close to his figurative vest. Since he is already in New Orleans, he is assigned to the murder of a makeup artist left on display at the creepy island location where a B Vampire movie is being filmed. The crew on the film is small and have been friends for a long time. The main actress, Avalon Moran, has a secret- she also can see and speak to ghosts. It soon becomes clear that this is a serial killer and Fin fears that Avalon, is going to be the next victim. He needs to keep her safe and close, while he investigates and finds the real killer.
Finley Stirling is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters and he has seen ghosts since he was a young boy, but is still a skeptic and keeps everything close to his figurative vest. Since he is already in New Orleans, he is assigned to the murder of a makeup artist left on display at the creepy island location where a B Vampire movie is being filmed. The crew on the film is small and have been friends for a long time. The main actress, Avalon Moran, has a secret- she also can see and speak to ghosts. It soon becomes clear that this is a serial killer and Fin fears that Avalon, is going to be the next victim. He needs to keep her safe and close, while he investigates and finds the real killer.
September 26, 2021
Always love Krewe of Hunter books!
This one was kinda different and I really liked it! Actually I loved!
While it didn't move as fast as many of the Krewe series, the story was definitely more "think" this time!
All make you "think", however this one made me work for it.
I certainly did NOT expect the ending, Super Kudos.
I loved Avalon, shy and somewhat introverted, and never has discussed her "talent" with anyone, yet a very likable character. At first you think she just a ..., but we see depths in her and intuitiveness that was particularly interesting.
Finn, yeah his then for a story, new to the Krewe, but the perfect person to bring Avalon out of her shell, and make her realize her "talent" is just that, or if you wish a gift.
Together they work a very dark serial killer case, and while all serial killers are dark, this was unique.
Anymore, and dang, I will have given away a great read!
As usual, Ms. Graham, stellar! Loved it!
Two more days...
Sooooooooo ...
NEXT ... !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen
This one was kinda different and I really liked it! Actually I loved!
While it didn't move as fast as many of the Krewe series, the story was definitely more "think" this time!
All make you "think", however this one made me work for it.
I certainly did NOT expect the ending, Super Kudos.
I loved Avalon, shy and somewhat introverted, and never has discussed her "talent" with anyone, yet a very likable character. At first you think she just a ..., but we see depths in her and intuitiveness that was particularly interesting.
Finn, yeah his then for a story, new to the Krewe, but the perfect person to bring Avalon out of her shell, and make her realize her "talent" is just that, or if you wish a gift.
Together they work a very dark serial killer case, and while all serial killers are dark, this was unique.
Anymore, and dang, I will have given away a great read!
As usual, Ms. Graham, stellar! Loved it!
Two more days...
Sooooooooo ...
NEXT ... !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen
March 17, 2022
Avalon Morgan is playing the part of the victim of a vampire king on an island off the coast of south Louisiana, near Near Orleans. The crew and cast seem like one big happy family, but suddenly things go dark when one of their numbers is found dead. Not only is she dead but she is specially posed on a gravesite in the island cemetery.
The NOPD and the FBI get involved, and there is found to be a dark web site where somebody is posting a tribute to the idea of killing women and p0sting them "in beauty forever". As time goes on they found a total of 3 cases have happened in the last few years.
Nobody is clear of suspicion and it appears that the killer or killers might just be too clever for all involved, until the very end. The reader, nor the characters most involved suspect who is really behind it till the last 50 pages, and even then it is a case of "it could go either way.
Quite a shocker, helped along by the fact that some of the sources of help might be supernatiural.
The NOPD and the FBI get involved, and there is found to be a dark web site where somebody is posting a tribute to the idea of killing women and p0sting them "in beauty forever". As time goes on they found a total of 3 cases have happened in the last few years.
Nobody is clear of suspicion and it appears that the killer or killers might just be too clever for all involved, until the very end. The reader, nor the characters most involved suspect who is really behind it till the last 50 pages, and even then it is a case of "it could go either way.
Quite a shocker, helped along by the fact that some of the sources of help might be supernatiural.
April 17, 2024
To begin, there were too many people introduced. It was a bit overwhelming that I had to pause before diving into it more. There are so many characters it becomes hard to remember who’s who.
I was a bit unsettled with Avalon joining Fin on the investigation as she’s a civilian, an actress. I felt as though more details of an active investigation were shared openly when that’s usually not the case.
Towards the end as we're reaching the "whodunit conclusion," a ghost by the name of Kathryn Anne McNeil helps Fin out to track down Avalon and Lauren… However I don’t remember this ghost being mentioned in this novel, maybe in a previous one?
This was not my favorite in the novel series. It’s possible these novels have lost their luster and intrigue to me. I’m more interested in figuring out “who did it” within these novels. For this one, I was quite bored reading to the end trying to piece things together (I failed in the figuring it out part)
1 out of 5 stars
I was a bit unsettled with Avalon joining Fin on the investigation as she’s a civilian, an actress. I felt as though more details of an active investigation were shared openly when that’s usually not the case.
Towards the end as we're reaching the "whodunit conclusion," a ghost by the name of Kathryn Anne McNeil helps Fin out to track down Avalon and Lauren… However I don’t remember this ghost being mentioned in this novel, maybe in a previous one?
This was not my favorite in the novel series. It’s possible these novels have lost their luster and intrigue to me. I’m more interested in figuring out “who did it” within these novels. For this one, I was quite bored reading to the end trying to piece things together (I failed in the figuring it out part)
1 out of 5 stars
October 9, 2022
Complex and scary.
I love Heather Graham 's work but this book was a bit different. A film crew is finishing up a movie on an island complete with a haunted house. During a break in the shooting, one of them discovers their makeup woman murdered and posed on an old tomb. The police and the FBI are called in, and they find that the murder was just one of a series. With each of the crew suspected in turn, and the owners of the island maybe concerned in the murders, everyone is on edge and not sure whom they can trust. It is chilling to read the killer's mind as he plans his next kill. Good book. Don't start it until you can finish it!
n's work, but this story was a bit different. A film crew are finishing up a picture on an island complete with a haunted house.
S
I love Heather Graham 's work but this book was a bit different. A film crew is finishing up a movie on an island complete with a haunted house. During a break in the shooting, one of them discovers their makeup woman murdered and posed on an old tomb. The police and the FBI are called in, and they find that the murder was just one of a series. With each of the crew suspected in turn, and the owners of the island maybe concerned in the murders, everyone is on edge and not sure whom they can trust. It is chilling to read the killer's mind as he plans his next kill. Good book. Don't start it until you can finish it!
n's work, but this story was a bit different. A film crew are finishing up a picture on an island complete with a haunted house.
S
July 31, 2021
Not my favorite, not enough Krewe perhaps?
I have enjoyed every single Krewe of Hunters book. And have never felt this way about any of them. There was just something different about this one. I liked the characters, I liked the theme, it was just different. The story was interesting and the bad guys were creepy. The ghosts were cool but didn't play a very big role in the story. The local NOLA PD lead was off, I usually love the great supporting characters but he was kind of a jerk at times. See I just can't put my finger on why, it really is so unexpected. I'm still giving it a solid four stars because I like the author so much and everyone can have an off day, year. I truly enjoy her writing. I will continue to purchase them.
I have enjoyed every single Krewe of Hunters book. And have never felt this way about any of them. There was just something different about this one. I liked the characters, I liked the theme, it was just different. The story was interesting and the bad guys were creepy. The ghosts were cool but didn't play a very big role in the story. The local NOLA PD lead was off, I usually love the great supporting characters but he was kind of a jerk at times. See I just can't put my finger on why, it really is so unexpected. I'm still giving it a solid four stars because I like the author so much and everyone can have an off day, year. I truly enjoy her writing. I will continue to purchase them.
February 27, 2025
Avalon is horrified to discover a friend dead on the movies set of a film she’s starring in. The FBI & local police come in & Agent Fin is investigating a series of killings that he suspects goes back years. Someone has a murder fantasy & they’re acting it out in real life. Avalon is being played with when she discovers a website on the dark web that describes a gruesome crime. Fin keeps a close eye on the movie group much to Avalons annoyance. They realize that there must be more than one killer working & it all leads back to the “haunted” island where the movie is being filmed. Fin is correct when he suspects that Avalon is a target & she’s nearly killed in a sick fantasy when Fin comes to the rescue thanks to some help from a few ghost. I’m glad that Avalon had time to look beyond her annoyance of Fin to see more inside him including their shared ability to see the dead. She’ll go where he goes and I’m thinking she’ll get a great job at Adam’s theater in DC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2021
Avalon Morgan is in a horror movie playing the victim of a vampire. One of the crew is found dead in a manner that recreates Avalon's scene. Finley Stirling is from the Krewe of Hunters. He's in New Orleans and catches the case. He realizes early on that Avalon can also see the dead. The two work together to find the killer who has killed before. Avalon and Finley have an attraction that they can't resist. He desperately wants to keep her safe because he believes she is the next victim. This is an interesting mystery and it has an unusual component that I found intriguing. This was another good entry in this long running series.
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