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hsegdash's review against another edition
4.0
Great connections to Salen Witch trials. Fun use of ghosts.
cmorris109's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rowdyroo762's review against another edition
5.0
Another great book in the series. Reading these books during the Covid 19 crises in CA, so I was able to read this book in one day. I love Heather Graham's writing style. The great descriptions of scenes and areas make you feel like you are there. Excellent mystery.
jazzrizz's review against another edition
4.0
This one was a bit predictable. I figured out who did it extremely early in the book. Sam and Jenna were just an ok couple for me.
I enjoyed it though, and I'm looking forward to reading/listening to the next Krewe book.
I enjoyed it though, and I'm looking forward to reading/listening to the next Krewe book.
tiredcat's review against another edition
4.0
This book is Heather Graham at her finest. I hope there will be more books from the Krewe of Hunters.
jscarpa14's review against another edition
4.0
RECEIVED FROM: Net Galley for Review
***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***
When a Salem psychologist’s young patient is accused of slaughtering his entire family, with the whole town certain of his guilt even though the psychologist believes the boy is innocent, Jamie O’Neil calls in help. First he enlists the aid of his niece Jenna Duffy, a special division FBI agent in the Krewe of Hunters, and then he enlists Salem born high powered attorney Samuel Anthony Hall to defend the boy pro bono. Sam doesn’t know what he’s gotten himself into, all the evidence points to Malachai and he certainly doesn’t expect any help from Jenna with her ghost mumbo jumbo – FBI or not. Jenna knows Sam doesn’t believe her or even respect her. She’s used to that sort of reception no matter how many times she and the Krewe have proven their gifts instrumental in solving dangerous cases. In Jenna’s eyes the stuffy attorney is just looking for more press and doesn’t care who’s really guilty, but her Uncle Jamie asked for her help and after meeting Malachai she knows he’s innocent. Multiple people have been slaughtered by a brutal killer and despite popular opinion the wrong person is behind bars. But can Jenna and Sam get past their differences and work as a team? Regardless Salem’s residents don’t like their snooping and with a killer still at large will they be the next target?
Once again Heather Graham shows why she remains on the Best Sellers list with this fast paced paranormal romance mystery. (Yeah I’m not completely sure that’s a genre but it’s a good description.) The plot was extremely detailed, intricate and I’m sure for most readers surprising until the very end. About the only thing you know for certain, since this is a romance, is that at some point Jenna and Sam will hook up. Of course you know that with any romance you open. I did guess some of who did it within a few chapters, but I will say the full answered surprised me. It makes sense when they explain it and you can look back and see the minor bits of foreshadowing here and there, but it wasn’t one of those mysteries that isn’t a mystery in any way, you really were on the edge of your seat awaiting what really happened. One of the things I really loved about this plot is the way it’s basically a modern day version of a Salem Witch trial, everyone is sure Malachai did it because he’s different and his family was different. I probably wouldn’t have seen this comparison on my own to be honest, but the writer brings this to light many times in the book and the characters also make the comparison. While you get the enjoyment of a wonderful mystery the book is also filled with interesting facts about the historical Salem witch trials which I really enjoyed. About the only thing I didn’t like was the initial hook up between the characters. While I knew they would end up together in the long run, I didn’t see their first overnight visit together coming. The scenes before that one were missing those sparky moments where they notice and deny their attraction, while the characters apparently saw it I didn’t feel it was appropriately displayed to the reader.
The book is a well written third person with a fast pace that makes it difficult to put down. The details in this novel were excellent, clearly creating the scene without being excessive in her descriptions. While the book is in my opinion first and foremost a murder mystery, I loved how Graham brought in ghosts through dreams and cryptic encounters. While I wouldn’t call them full blown characters as most were just cameo appearances, it was neat how she brought across the idea that some ghosts from the past stay to prevent history from repeating itself. Jenna’s ability to see scenes from the past also contributed some extremely interesting scenes. While the romance was there and it would be safely shelved with romance due to many people’s strange aversion to the genre, I felt it was a secondary plot line rather than the primary one. And I like how she managed to write a romance without making it the focus of her work.
Though this book is part of a series it works fine as a standalone novel. It’s actually my first Krewe series novel but I didn’t face any confusion due to missing back story while reading this novel. I’m sure the series fits together nicely if read in order, however you can easily pick up this book without having read the series and know what’s going on.
Jenna and Sam were truly likeable and memorable characters, especially Jenna. I really enjoyed their story and loved how Graham still managed to flesh out the secondary characters as well. I could picture pretty much every character clearly in my mind as if they were someone I could easily run into on a random street.
Overall I really enjoyed this novel from beginning to end. I think it will appeal to readers who enjoy suspense mysteries, paranormal and romance novels. I know this is one of my shorter reviews, however I feel the rating and details I’ve given are enough to speak for themselves about how great the book was.
***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***
When a Salem psychologist’s young patient is accused of slaughtering his entire family, with the whole town certain of his guilt even though the psychologist believes the boy is innocent, Jamie O’Neil calls in help. First he enlists the aid of his niece Jenna Duffy, a special division FBI agent in the Krewe of Hunters, and then he enlists Salem born high powered attorney Samuel Anthony Hall to defend the boy pro bono. Sam doesn’t know what he’s gotten himself into, all the evidence points to Malachai and he certainly doesn’t expect any help from Jenna with her ghost mumbo jumbo – FBI or not. Jenna knows Sam doesn’t believe her or even respect her. She’s used to that sort of reception no matter how many times she and the Krewe have proven their gifts instrumental in solving dangerous cases. In Jenna’s eyes the stuffy attorney is just looking for more press and doesn’t care who’s really guilty, but her Uncle Jamie asked for her help and after meeting Malachai she knows he’s innocent. Multiple people have been slaughtered by a brutal killer and despite popular opinion the wrong person is behind bars. But can Jenna and Sam get past their differences and work as a team? Regardless Salem’s residents don’t like their snooping and with a killer still at large will they be the next target?
Once again Heather Graham shows why she remains on the Best Sellers list with this fast paced paranormal romance mystery. (Yeah I’m not completely sure that’s a genre but it’s a good description.) The plot was extremely detailed, intricate and I’m sure for most readers surprising until the very end. About the only thing you know for certain, since this is a romance, is that at some point Jenna and Sam will hook up. Of course you know that with any romance you open. I did guess some of who did it within a few chapters, but I will say the full answered surprised me. It makes sense when they explain it and you can look back and see the minor bits of foreshadowing here and there, but it wasn’t one of those mysteries that isn’t a mystery in any way, you really were on the edge of your seat awaiting what really happened. One of the things I really loved about this plot is the way it’s basically a modern day version of a Salem Witch trial, everyone is sure Malachai did it because he’s different and his family was different. I probably wouldn’t have seen this comparison on my own to be honest, but the writer brings this to light many times in the book and the characters also make the comparison. While you get the enjoyment of a wonderful mystery the book is also filled with interesting facts about the historical Salem witch trials which I really enjoyed. About the only thing I didn’t like was the initial hook up between the characters. While I knew they would end up together in the long run, I didn’t see their first overnight visit together coming. The scenes before that one were missing those sparky moments where they notice and deny their attraction, while the characters apparently saw it I didn’t feel it was appropriately displayed to the reader.
The book is a well written third person with a fast pace that makes it difficult to put down. The details in this novel were excellent, clearly creating the scene without being excessive in her descriptions. While the book is in my opinion first and foremost a murder mystery, I loved how Graham brought in ghosts through dreams and cryptic encounters. While I wouldn’t call them full blown characters as most were just cameo appearances, it was neat how she brought across the idea that some ghosts from the past stay to prevent history from repeating itself. Jenna’s ability to see scenes from the past also contributed some extremely interesting scenes. While the romance was there and it would be safely shelved with romance due to many people’s strange aversion to the genre, I felt it was a secondary plot line rather than the primary one. And I like how she managed to write a romance without making it the focus of her work.
Though this book is part of a series it works fine as a standalone novel. It’s actually my first Krewe series novel but I didn’t face any confusion due to missing back story while reading this novel. I’m sure the series fits together nicely if read in order, however you can easily pick up this book without having read the series and know what’s going on.
Jenna and Sam were truly likeable and memorable characters, especially Jenna. I really enjoyed their story and loved how Graham still managed to flesh out the secondary characters as well. I could picture pretty much every character clearly in my mind as if they were someone I could easily run into on a random street.
Overall I really enjoyed this novel from beginning to end. I think it will appeal to readers who enjoy suspense mysteries, paranormal and romance novels. I know this is one of my shorter reviews, however I feel the rating and details I’ve given are enough to speak for themselves about how great the book was.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
The Evil Inside
3 Stars
After enjoying the previous book, Sacred Evil, I had hopes for the series but unfortunately Graham has regressed and The Evil Inside continues in the same mediocre vein as the first two installments.
The book is in serious need of editing as the numerous grammatical and spelling errors, and repeated sentence structures detract from the overall reading experience.
The historical background on Salem and the Witch Trials is fascinating but too much emphasis is placed on political correctness and warnings against prejudice. The murder plot is one of the more absorbing and exciting in the series but it is easy to guess the culprit as the mystery unfolds and more characters are introduced. The paranormal elements are not effectively merged into the suspense story, which may have been even more compelling without them.
The romance is almost an afterthought - Sam and Jenna have virtually no chemistry and the obstacle to their relationship (i.e. Sam's difficulty accepting Jenna's gift) is quickly glossed over.
It seems that the next book has a completely different set of characters so I'm willing to give it a try even though Heather Graham is a very hit/miss author for me.
3 Stars
After enjoying the previous book, Sacred Evil, I had hopes for the series but unfortunately Graham has regressed and The Evil Inside continues in the same mediocre vein as the first two installments.
The book is in serious need of editing as the numerous grammatical and spelling errors, and repeated sentence structures detract from the overall reading experience.
The historical background on Salem and the Witch Trials is fascinating but too much emphasis is placed on political correctness and warnings against prejudice. The murder plot is one of the more absorbing and exciting in the series but it is easy to guess the culprit as the mystery unfolds and more characters are introduced. The paranormal elements are not effectively merged into the suspense story, which may have been even more compelling without them.
The romance is almost an afterthought - Sam and Jenna have virtually no chemistry and the obstacle to their relationship (i.e. Sam's difficulty accepting Jenna's gift) is quickly glossed over.
It seems that the next book has a completely different set of characters so I'm willing to give it a try even though Heather Graham is a very hit/miss author for me.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
3.0
Read for Fun/Summer Series Read
Overall Rating: 3.50
Story Rating: 3.25
Character Rating: 3.75
Audio Rating (not part of the overall review): 3.50
First thought when finished: Not as good as the others but still entertaining!
What I Loved: The Team once again brought their A Game! By now they are as much family as friends. They truly treat each other with respect and will go out of their way to help each other. I love that with the exception of one couple that the romances have been outside the team. It has really made it possible for the friendships to shine through.
What I liked: Jenna has always been one of my favorite members of the Krewe so it was nice to spend more time with her. Her character has always been the most helpful so it was nice to see her take center stage.
What made me go huh?: It took a long time for me to warm up to Sam though part of that had to do with the narration.
Audio Review: Usually I am a fan of Luke Daniels but he wasn't great in this book. It might have been because I listened to the Iron Druid series first but Sam sort of sounded like Oberon. That isn't great when one is a dog and the other is a love interest. So I would say read this one, I ended up doing just that about half way through.
Final Thought: This was probably the weakest of the 4 books but I still enjoyed it!
Overall Rating: 3.50
Story Rating: 3.25
Character Rating: 3.75
Audio Rating (not part of the overall review): 3.50
First thought when finished: Not as good as the others but still entertaining!
What I Loved: The Team once again brought their A Game! By now they are as much family as friends. They truly treat each other with respect and will go out of their way to help each other. I love that with the exception of one couple that the romances have been outside the team. It has really made it possible for the friendships to shine through.
What I liked: Jenna has always been one of my favorite members of the Krewe so it was nice to spend more time with her. Her character has always been the most helpful so it was nice to see her take center stage.
What made me go huh?: It took a long time for me to warm up to Sam though part of that had to do with the narration.
Audio Review: Usually I am a fan of Luke Daniels but he wasn't great in this book. It might have been because I listened to the Iron Druid series first but Sam sort of sounded like Oberon. That isn't great when one is a dog and the other is a love interest. So I would say read this one, I ended up doing just that about half way through.
Final Thought: This was probably the weakest of the 4 books but I still enjoyed it!
catladylover94's review against another edition
5.0
I love her books, she keeps u guessing until the end, and then u are still not sure until it happens