






Genres: Romantic Suspense
Published by Berkley
Released on October 20, 2015
Pages: 288
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
So I read this blurb that just compelled me to read the book. I saw that, whew, this was already far into a series and established in a spin-off series. What was a reader gal to do? Well of course I snatched it and did some finger crossing that I wouldn’t be hopelessly lost. Small town, spooky vanishings, FBI unit of psychically skilled investigators, yep, just hadta…
So, it didn’t burn me that I jumped into the middle of the series because of the way the author set up the story. She started with the new situation and new characters before bringing into play the established ones. I definitely had the vibe that I was reading about people who got their own story earlier when it came to the FBI team, but it was secondary to the engrossing present situation.
The story opens when small mountain town chief of police, Jonah, gets a call from one of his officers. He arrives at the scene to find a recently abandoned vehicle, evidence that two teens were eloping together, no signs of a struggle, and foot prints that just stop and disappear. This is followed by a rash of people vanishing and no clues left behind. Jonah can’t keep his town safe on his own so he calls in the FBI Special Crimes Unit.
Jonah is joined by Luke Jordan whose psychic ability helps him find people and Jordan’s wife, Sam, who is a strong telepath, two junior members of the team, Robbie and Dante. The FBI team aren’t in the area long before they sense the strong residue of evil and a cunning hunter who is strong and getting stronger. They need to stop him soon.
Alright, this was the perfect blend of atmospheric, sinister, and spooky. I enjoyed tracking with the law enforcement team on their case. The story was so strong that it could have easily overpowered the characters, but the author wrote a strong lead in Jonah and surrounded him with a well-drawn team both of local townspeople and the FBI agents. The story was mostly Jonah’s narration, but it did flip between several others including the villain and one of the victims.
I loved that I wasn’t able to solve it and was pointing fingers a few different directions. It is a gritty and darker story, but doesn’t drop into horror.
Even though, Luke and Sam were new to me, I could tell that they are a well-established couple in the series. I enjoy couples who share a detecting partnership because of the dynamics involved and these two were no exception. Sam is the stronger psychic and prone to push past her limits to help people and Luke is her lead on the team and has the job of knowing the difference between a lover’s worry about the danger and a leader’s concern that his subordinate might be pushing too hard. I definitely want to go back and get the start of their story and the start of the Bishops’ story (couple who are the founders of the special psychic unit), too.
Only niggle was the abrupt ending though I will say that it was the type of abrupt that you usually get in a series when storylines will carry forward so maybe I just need to be patient.
All in all, this was a great introduction to a series of psychic thriller suspenses and I want to go back for the backlist and continue forward. I think these would have appeal to a broad range of readers from lovers of straight thrillers to paranormal mystery lovers and through on to blends of paranormal romantic suspense or thrillers. See? Lots of folks should trysy!
My thanks to Penguin Group for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.
Romance Roundabout #346 RS
New to Me #167
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The best mysteries are ones you can’t solve! Gotta keep the reader guessing. This one sounds great.
Stephanie
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
This was a compelling one. I loved the atmospheric feeling.
OH I Love this series and in fact need to catch up a few novels. I also love how these books can be stand a lones but if you liked this I suggest you go back to the beginning because there is some essential history especially about Noah Bishop. Great review and push for me to get back in the Hooper saddle 🙂
Ha! That is great to know. I was really into this one. Glad I got you excited about one of your favorite series again.
I’ve read Kay Hooper before, but not in a long time. I think I’ve read some of these stories with teh Special Crimes Unit. I really liked this.
I’m glad you really enjoyed this. perfect for this time of year.
Definitely, Quinn! It was indeed perfect for a spooky read.
Definitely, Quinn! It was indeed perfect for a spooky read.
*sigh* Small town, spooky vanishings, you just had to didnt you? now i have another on my tbr pile blah and a character with psychic abilities? yes please
Buahaha! Oh, I guess I should apologize, but its fun to know that I’ve added to your TBR pile. You’ve added to mine.
I went ahead and bought it, I hope I can squeeze it in before Halloween
It’s not huge so if you get a few evenings free then you should be alright. Look forward to your thoughts, Lily!
I went ahead and bought it, I hope I can squeeze it in before Halloween
It’s not huge so if you get a few evenings free then you should be alright. Look forward to your thoughts, Lily!
oh I love those psychic thrillers…they can be so fun to read especially when you have well-established characters.
Yes, it has been so long since I’ve read one. This was great and I definitely want more.
Oh yeah, this is quite attractive, i’m in the mood for romantic suspenses these days ! Great review 😉
This sure hit the spot for me when I was in the mood. Thanks, Iza!
This sure hit the spot for me when I was in the mood. Thanks, Iza!
I like these types of thrillers. It’s been a while since I read one.
Yeah, me, too, Mary! And it was pretty good for my first one in a long while.
Yeah, me, too, Mary! And it was pretty good for my first one in a long while.
This looks like a great book. I haven’t read many romantic suspense novels this year. Great review.
I really enjoyed it, Melanie. It has been fun trying new to me rom susp authors and finding ones I like.
I really enjoyed it, Melanie. It has been fun trying new to me rom susp authors and finding ones I like.
First books can be sticky sometimes. Too much “introductions” to do that some parts feel weak… like the ending. It’s cool that it still was a worthy book
I definitely want to go back and get the others. I agree, sometimes first time with a new series can be sticky. This one helped me get into the stride of the series so I was glad for the easy beginning.
Now this sounds good, and I like these type of series where each book is a new case…and the spooky factor is perfect for this time of year…so glad you took a chance!
I’m glad I accepted this one, too. Those gals at Penguin know exactly how to word their emails to entice me in. LOL. It was a great spooky read and I liked how this series connects through the characters, but offers a new case each book.
I’m glad I accepted this one, too. Those gals at Penguin know exactly how to word their emails to entice me in. LOL. It was a great spooky read and I liked how this series connects through the characters, but offers a new case each book.
*sigh* Small town, spooky vanishings, you just had to didnt you? now i have another on my tbr pile blah and a character with psychic abilities? yes please
oh I love those psychic thrillers…they can be so fun to read especially when you have well-established characters.