I struggled a bit with “”Lost Souls – No Secret is Safe,” book one in the “Redstone Chronicles” by J.T. Bishop. But then, I also struggled with book one of “The Family or Foe Saga with Detectives Daniels and Remalla.” In that, the dialogue between the main characters, the banter, seemed over-the-top; the cop talk hit me as cliché. But by the second book it felt more natural. In Redstone, two characters from Texas talk like over-the-top caricatures of how people see Texans – complete with boots, cowboy hats, and “Hi, there, little lady” posturing and strutting. I trust that will calm down a bit in book two.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about what I like about “Lost Souls.” Everything else!! I am as hooked in this new series as in the previous ones. Former Texas Ranger turned private investigator/medium, Mason Redstone, his sister Mikey, and his former partner Trick Monroe battle bad guys and bad spirits. In a life-or-death investigation, one filled with lies, secrets and betrayals, can they discover the murderer in time? Second half of the book is quite clever, filled with twists and thrills, and expertly written. I especially like the crossover effect with characters from both series showing up in supporting roles. Friends and family play a significant role in each of these series, and I’m excited to see what’s ahead in the “Redstone Chronicles.”