The Unholy: Book 6 in Krewe of Hunters series

Heather Graham's The Unholy is her usual fun with ghosts vs. "OMG you're crazy if you see ghosts" frolic. A second Krewe of Hunters is a bit difficult to get used to. I wish she would just once write a story with a married couple in the primary roles.

This is my first Heather Graham novel. I always thought of her as a romance novelist and I typically stay away from them. I have nothing against love or romance but I prefer mine in a Jane Austen stye. I may give Graham's books another try if I am at a loss for a book but I don't think I will go out and immediately pick up another one.

The Unholy was interesting in the beginning but as we traveled along it became a rather predictable romp. The story line was a little thin when it came to wrapping things up. Lots of loose ends in this book. I don't like it when I find myself saying, "that didn't make sense" or "that was never explained." I did enjoy the "red herrings" she tossed in. Those are always fun.

Having Humphrey Bogart's ghost helping to solve the crime was a unexpected pleasure. I believe she captured his essence pretty well. It is odd that I had no problem believing that there are people who can talk to ghost but I didn't buy that a murder suspect's family was able to bring in a friend to head the police investigation. Has anyone ever heard of conflict of interest?

As I said before, I am not big on the throbbing-member style sex scenes in books. I don't mind a little flirting or lusting, but I just don't need all the details. It is so Paperback. I found it slowed down the pace of the story. I know, I am boring.

I am thoroughly convinced that no one can pull off paranormal romance like Ms. Graham can. Then again, I'm not going to lie...if you've read one of Heather's paranormal romances, you've read them all. And yet, I still enjoy her stories. I like that no matter how many books of hers I've read, there's still going to be a twist or two I'm not going to see coming. I also kind of dig the fact that there is almost always a celebrity ghost that is attached to the main character. Then again, it really could be all the hot, steamy scenes she writes so well that keeps me coming back. Regardless, I always come back.

If you're looking for a fun, swift read that quickens your pulse and indulges your need for the long gone days of Hollywood, buy it!

Although the 2013 mega blizzard Nemo will be remembered for it's nearly unprecedented ferocity, my memory of it will be linked to reading the part in "The Unholy" when the dead girl Jenny Henderson speaks to the FRI Krewe member, Sean, while she's lying on a gurney table in the morgue. This story is full of suspenseful macabre while presenting a modern and realistic murder plot. This is one of Heather Graham's best mystery stories. After reading "The Unholy", it will be easy to become hooked on her other high energy paranormal adventures, as always, with a healthy dose of intrigue mixed with passion. Although the story's epilogue is over the top "happily ever after", the plot of "The Unholy" is a terrific story.

Alistair Archer and Jenny Henderson are walking in the tunnels under the defunct Claymore Illusions special effects studio and the still running Black Box Cinema. Out of one of the classic sets from the 1940s a hand with a knife slashes the starlet. The police suspect only Alistair of murdering Jenny as there is no evidence to prove anyone else was down there though he insists the culprit looked like Amun Mopat, an evil priest from the Sam Stone tableau.

FBI Agent Sean Cameron, who used to work for Alistair's father Eddie the genius behind the special effects studio, investigates what looks like an open and shut case. Eddie recommends to Sean that his employee Madison Darvil might be helpful with his inquiry. Eddie and Madison share in common the ability to communicate with ghosts and an attraction to each other. As she fits in with him and his team, they search for the real killer of Jenny Henderson.

This Krewe of Hunters romantic urban fantasy (see The Evil Inside) is an enjoyable investigative mystery due to a strong case and fun references to the 1930s and 1940s film noirs like Madison getting assistance from Bogart's ghost. The storyline is fast-paced as the Krewe and Madison seek clues to the identity of the killer using any available source. In some ways the nostalgic trip down cinema history steals top billing from the lead couple and his team; as Bogie might say "Here's looking at you," Krewe.

Harriet Klausner