Dying Breath: A Heart-Stopping Novel of Paranormal Romantic Suspense (Krewe of Hunters, #21)

by Heather Graham

As a teenager, Vickie Preston survived an attack by a serial killer. That was the first time she saw a ghost. Now the city of Boston is being terrorized - someone is kidnapping women and burying them alive, but cruelly leaving a glimmer of hope for the authorities by sending a clue about their location. Vickie is pulled into the investigation when her name is mentioned in one of the notes. And as a historian, she has the knowledge to help uncover the graves the killer known as the Undertaker is choosing. But she also has another, unique lead: the spirit of one of the victims is appearing to her in dreams. Special Agent Griffin Price is on the case for the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI's special unit for paranormal investigators. He feels particularly protective of Vickie, since their shared past is connected to the threat that currently surrounds them. With the killer accelerating his plans, time is running out for more victims hidden around the city. Vickie is becoming closer with Griffin, but she's getting too close to the danger, and every breath could be her last.

• ISBN10: 0778330621
• ISBN13: 9780778330622
• Publish Date: 30 May 2017 (first published 2 May 2017)
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Publish Country: CA
• Imprint: Mira Books
• Edition: Original ed.
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[Eve1972]

Excellent cover for this book. Great representation of the story. Excellent use of graphics. Interesting typography. That said, AGAIN the author's name should not overpower the title on a book cover, and this one does just that. So It loses a star for having one of my biggest pet peeves in cover creation history!

If I have said it once I have said it a million times I just LOVE this author's paranormal mystery books. I love the settings she chooses. I love the history she injects into the stories. The who-done-its always keep me hooked and turning the pages. I just enjoy the hell out of them, and this one was no different.



Now, like above, if I said it once I have said it a million times the weakness in these books is always the romance angle. It always feels forced and underdeveloped, and the sex scenes (very mild) are always overly flowery with a lot of "withering" included. But since I don't read these books for the romance aspect I simply tend to overlook that and focus on the rest of the story.

So with that in mind, this one gets two thumbs up from yours truly.

[kimbacaffeinate]

Almost eight years ago, then teen Vickie Preston was almost killed by a serial killer. It was the first time she saw a ghost. Vickie is a historian and author who also spends time with troubled youth. Special Agent Griffin Price is working the Undertaker case along with Andrew Jackson. Dubbed the Undertaker this serial killer buries his female victims alive and then leaves cryptic clues tied to the cities history to find them. Their newest clue directly mentions Vickie. Price immediately recognizes her name. He was the cop who wounded the serial killer on that fateful day eight years ago.

I loved the cryptic clues and piecing together the mystery to save each victim. Graham delightfully tied in historical tidbits bringing Boston and its history to life. The case was a particularly good one tying in the past and present. The race against time, the links to Vickie and cast of suspects kept me engaged.

We have two ghosts interact with Vickie and the special agents. The first has ties with Vickie's past and the second is the first victim in the new murders. I always love this aspect of ghostly entities assisting in solving the crime.

Secondary characters added interest, offered red herrings and helped further the investigation. The who took me by surprise. It was clever and only after did I pick up subtle hints.

While Vickie and Griffin share a connection from the past I found the romance to be the weakest thread in this tale. Both characters are intelligent, and Vickie impressed me with her knowledge and ability to piece together clues, but I didn't feel the chemistry. The romance is served on the side, which for me isn't a problem, but I would have enjoyed it if they were just friends. Since the next two books will feature them, I am hoping I get a chance to connect more.

Copy provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer