Deadly Fate by Heather Graham

◊ DEADLY FATE by Heather Graham

◊ Series: Krewe of Hunters, Book #19

◊ Narrator: Luke Daniels

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 10 hours and 5 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Harlequin Audio

◊ Release Date: July 19, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1F5OBL3O

SYNOPSIS:

Alaska - the final frontier?

When Clara Avery, an entertainer working on the Fate, an Alaskan cruise ship, goes to nearby Bear Island, she comes across a scene of bloody mayhem. She also comes across Thor Erikson, who will soon be a member of the FBI's elite paranormal unit, the Krewe of Hunters.

Thor's been sent from the Alaska field office to investigate several grotesque killings, with the dead posed to resemble the victims of notorious murderers. The prime suspect is a serial killer Thor once put behind bars. The man escaped from a prison in the Midwest, and all the evidence says he was headed to Alaska.

Thor and Clara share an unusual skill: the ability to communicate with the dead. Their growing love - and their contact with the ghosts of the victims - brings them together to solve the case...and prevent a deadly fate of their own!

Author Heather Graham has a unique way of taking secondary characters from one story and making them lead characters in another story in a smooth transition.

DEADLY FATE, the 19^th installment in Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series, is a prime example. The heroine, Clara Avery, was a secondary character in Graham’s previous installment, HAUNTED DESTINY.

Luke Daniels once again does a superb job giving voice to the Krewe of Hunters characters. His tempo and accents enhance this tantalizing mystery. His timing is spot on adding to the story’s suspense.

Graham transports listeners/readers to Alaska and all it has to offer through her vivid descriptions. The frozen setting becomes a character in itself as it contributes to the uncertainty of the situation. Listeners/readers are drawn into the setting through its beauty, but are quickly reminded of its dangers.

The story flows smoothly and makes several jests at realty television and viewers’ love/hate of the genre. With twists and turns, as well as a second surprise ending, the story holds you captive from beginning to end.

While it’s always better to read/listen to a series in order, DEADLY FATE is a stand-alone tale. There is enough background reference to the previous story that new listeners/readers aren’t left in the dark. At the same time, returning fans have a chance to reunite with characters they are already familiar with.

Graham blends mystery, suspense, paranormal, touches of humor, and a dash of romance to create a well-balanced, intriguing story. This is an entertaining tale you won’t be able to put down until the end.

Deadly Fate by Heather Graham, Krewe of Hunters series (Book #19), Narrated by Luke Daniels, Harlequin Audio, @2016, ASIN: BO1F5OBL3O, Unabridged, Digital Download, Run Time: 10 Hours and 5 Minutes (* This book is also available in eBook and print formats.)

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for dropping by today. Hope your Saturday is going well and you find time to enjoy reading this weekend. Do you think of Alaska as a vast wilderness? Have you ever or would you like to visit Alaska?

Haunted Destiny … The Obsession

◊ HAUNTED DESTINY by Heather Graham

◊ Series: Krewe of Hunters (Book #18)

◊ Narrator: Luke Daniels

◊ Listening Length: 9 hours and 56 minutes

◊ Program Type: MP3 CD

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Paranormal

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Brilliance Audio

◊ Release Date: May 24, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN: 978-1491505700

SYNOPSIS:

Between the evil and the deep blue sea.…

A historic cruise ship, a haunted ship, the Celtic American Line's Destiny, sets sail from the Port of New Orleans―with a killer on board. He's known as the Archangel Killer because of the way he displays his victims in churches. And how he places a different saint's medallion on each body. No one knows exactly who he is or why he's doing this.

Jackson Crow―head of the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, a special unit of paranormal investigators―is assigned to the case, along with local agent Jude McCoy. Then Alexi Cromwell, who works in the ship's piano bar, is drawn into the situation when a victim's ghost appears to her―and to Jude. She and Jude share an attraction, and not just because of their mutual talent.

There are many suspects, but one by one they're ruled out.… Or are they? In the end, Jude and Alexi have to rely on each other to catch the killer and escape his evil plans for Alexi.

MY THOUGHTS:

When it comes to things that go bump in the night, author Heather Graham has a knack for making them come alive. Graham takes elements of the paranormal and weaves them into the story in such a way they appear plausible.

Narrator Luke Daniels once again demonstrates his rich talent for providing multiple voices. His mannerisms enhances this tantalizing tale. His timing and tone are spot on.

The historic cruise ship setting is perfect for the mix of ghosts and a serial killer. With an eye for detail, Graham draws listeners/readers into the setting so clearly you can practically feel the ocean breeze on your face.

Graham’s characters are well-developed and very likable. Their interaction with the paranormal seems real. The story moves at a quick pace with a number of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

HAUNTED DESTINY is an alluring tale of murder and mystery with a good dose of romance and ghosts woven in for just the right measure of a well-balanced story. While this story is a part of the Krewe of Hunters series, it can be listened to/read on its own.

Haunted Destiny by Heather Graham, Krewe of Hunters series (Book #18), Narrated by Luke Daniels, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1491505700, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 9 Hours and 56 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

THE OBSESSION by Nora Roberts

◊ THE OBSESSION by Nora Roberts

◊ Narrator: Shannon McManus

◊ Listening Length: 14 hours and 19 minutes

◊ Program Type: MP3 CD

◊ Genre: Romantic Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Brilliance Audio

◊ Release Date: April 12, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN: 978-1501223822

SYNOPSIS:

The riveting new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Liar.

Naomi Bowes lost her innocence the night she followed her father into the woods. In freeing the girl trapped in the root cellar, Naomi revealed the horrible extent of her father’s crimes and made him infamous.

Now a successful photographer living under the name Naomi Carson, she has found a place that calls to her, thousands of miles away from everything she’s ever known. Naomi wants to embrace the solitude, but the residents of Sunrise Cove keep forcing her to open up―especially the determined Xander Keaton.

Naomi can feel her defenses failing, and knows that the connection her new life offers is something she’s always secretly craved. But as she’s learned time and again, her past is never more than a nightmare away.

MY THOUGHTS:

Author Nora Roberts explores some of our worst nightmares I her latest thriller. What if a family member was a serial killer and what if you were the one that lead to their arrest?

Narrator Shannon McManus does an excellent job giving distinct voices to all the characters. Her vocals and timing brings out the emotions of the characters and adds to the story.

Roberts’ characters are well-rounded, likable and realistic. Her protagonist is strong and determined, but has a crack in her shell from the trauma she’s experienced. The author shares the beautiful landscape with the listeners/readers through her detailed descriptions.

The story moves at a good pace as the suspense unfolds. Even if you guess who the new killer is, the path to their reveal is worth the effort. The romance sizzles as the tension mounts. THE OBSESSION offers mystery, suspense, good chemistry, humor and forever friendships.

The Obsession by Nora Roberts, Narrated by Shannon McManus, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1501223822, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 14 Hours and 19 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you’ll check out both of these fascinating stories. If you’re not an audio fan, both books are available in print format and eBook. Do you like to mix up your reading pleasure by reading from different genres or do you prefer just one genre?