I received this book for free from the TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Series: Krewe of Hunters #13
Published by Harlequin, MIRA on August 1, 2014
Genres: Adult, Crime, Mystery, Mystery & Detective, Paranormal Romantic Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Thriller
Pages: 400
Format: eBook
Source: TLC Book Tours
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A place of history, secrets and witchcraft.
Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn't be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina: her "crazy" great-aunt, who spoke to the dead - a woman was murdered nearby.
Craig Rockwell - known as Rocky - is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI's team of paranormal investigators. He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods. Now another body's been found in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle. And Devin's been led to a third body - by a ghost?
Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem's rich and disturbing history. Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other, something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of. But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth - or Devin's might be the next body in the woods .
I just love when I can start a book in the middle of a series and not be lost. The Hexed is definitely a standalone novel, and I enjoyed it so much that I want to go back and read the twelve previous novels.
Craig “Rocky” Rockwell discovered the body of his friend Melissa who’d been murdered when they were teenagers in Peabody, Massachusetts. Her disembodied voice led him to her body, even though she was already dead. Thirteen years later, Rocky is an FBI agent and he’s requested a transfer into the Krewe of Hunters, a special team of paranormal investigators that can actually see ghosts. His first assignment brings him back to his roots and Salem, where eerily similar murders have started back up, with the victims posed just like Melissa’s body was so many years ago.
Devin Lyle moved back to Salem after her Great-Aunt Mina passed away, and now Devin lives in her aunt’s little cottage in the woods and writes her children’s books. She suddenly hears a woman calling for help one day, and she follows that voice into the forest only to discover a murdered woman. When she runs for help, she quite literally runs into the street and flags down Rocky, and their partnership/friendship begins right then.
I really loved the progression of the investigation and Rocky and Devin’s relationship. Rocky’s old circle of friends and Devin’s quirky gang of acquaintances are suspects, and they float in and out of suspicion as the evidence comes into play. The history of Salem and the Witch Trials is explored throughout the book, and it was really nice how the author incorporated this into the narrative without it being clunky or intrusive.
Devin is a smart, headstrong woman who is very sympathetic and protective towards Wiccans since her Great-Aunt Mina was one. She’s quite surprised when she discovers that she can see ghosts, but Rocky and her great-aunt are there to help her understand this gift. Rocky is a focused and driven FBI agent, always wanting to come out on top, but he hasn’t been back to Massachusetts in a very long time. He’s been haunted by Melissa’s death since high school, and he sees the new murders as the chance to finally get some closure for Melissa, their friends, and himself.
I give The Hexed a five out of five. With a suspenseful, unpredictable, and tight story line that kept me turning the pages until the end, I thoroughly enjoyed the chase to find the killer that leaves hardly any clues. Devin and Rocky make a great pair, both romantically and as they work together, but the slow burn relationship definitely payed off in the end. I highly recommend this book to people who love both paranormal romance and suspense.
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Yay. So glad you enjoyed this Heather. I am a huge Graham fan and agree alk of her books work as standalone in this series.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted..Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
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Glad to here that all of the books are standalone so I don’t really have to read them in order. I enjoyed her writing style, so I’ll definitely be reading more Heather Graham books!
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You are so much braver than me to start a series out of order! Glad you enjoyed it.
Megan recently posted..Review: Sister’s Fate
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LOL, Megan. I’m no stranger to just jumping right into the middle of a series, but I’m usually a little bit lost. It depends on how good the author is. But I really lucked out with this series since they are all written as stand alones! Score!
Heather recently posted..The Hexed by Heather Graham – Blog Tour Giveaway and Review
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I just got this one on my Kindle and can’t wait to read it!! Yeah, I haven’t read all the ones before but I’m trusting you that I can read it and not be baffled. *eyes you*
Mary @ BookSwarm recently posted..Top Off Tuesday: The Arrow by Monica McCarty
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Don’t look at me like that, Mary! LOL! You’re going to love it and you won’t be lost at all. I promise!
Heather recently posted..The Hexed by Heather Graham – Blog Tour Giveaway and Review
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Wow 5 out of 5 is an amazing rating! I’m glad you loved this book!
Thanks for being on the tour. I’m featuring your review on TLC”s Facebook page today.
Heather J @ TLC Book Tours recently posted..Madhulika Sikka, author of A Breast Cancer Alphabet, on tour October 2014
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Thanks, Heather! I really loved this book and now I’m a fan of the series!
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