One Grave at a Time: A Night Huntress Novel (Night Huntress, #6)

by Jeaniene Frost

This is the latest installment in Jeaniene Frost's "USA Today" and "NYT" bestselling "Night Huntress" series, in which Cat grapples with her temporary ability to commune with the dead and takes on a phantom murderer...

• ISBN10: 0061783196
• ISBN13: 9780061783197
• Publish Date: 24 August 2011
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Avon Books
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[Berls]

I loved this book the first time around and YEP loved it the second time too. I was pressed for time and ended up listening and even though I really don't like the narration for Bones's voice I still loved it. Once again, though, I remembered next to nothing!

I think the thing that is striking me most in these later book rereads is the way I hadn't read any of the night huntress books and wasn't thrown at all by the developments that had happened outside of Cat and Bones's world. Like Dense plays a pretty significant role in this book - thanks to things that happened in Night Huntress - and that never bothered me before that I didn't know what had happened?

That said, I enjoyed this villain so much. He's just the definition of evil and I like that, FINALLY, we're not having a bad guy that's all caught up in Cat. I mean yeah he gets fixated on her, but not because of who she is or some major supernatural power play... just because he's evil! And a ghost bad guy is super brilliant. I'm also interested in the things that are happening with Cat's old team - but it reeks of political plays and schemes. Normally I find that interesting but right now I'm exhausted by politics so I don't know if I'm going to enjoy that story line as it progresses in the next book.

As I've mentioned a few times, I really do not enjoy this narration. Tavia Gilbert delivers a fine performance for everyone EXCEPT Bones. And for Bones it's just awful (for me). I know part of this is that I have such a clear picture of Bones in my head and it just doesn't even come close to that picture. But I also just think she really missed the mark on who Bones is and thus the accent is all wrong. That said, everyone else is fine and at least I was able to get through the book in time for our chat.

[Kelsenator]

The ending was disappointing. It was building up, and the last fight was great and I loved most of the book, but then before they did the final thing, it cuts away to an epilogue and we don’t get to see it, especially after that character caused so much trouble. (I’m trying to be vague so I don’t spoil anything). The ending just felt really rushed.

[Beth C.]

Tyler...everyone needs a Tyler in their lives ;)

[Jo]

Being such a huge Jeaniene Frost, I automatically bought this book without putting much thought into it. Why would I? I loved her books! But reading as many books as I do, sometimes I only have a hazy memory of what happened in the previous book. This was the case with This Side of the Grave, I couldn't remember too much of what happened, so before I opened One Grave at a Time, I reread my review of the previous book. Which reminded me that I found the last book a little disappointing. There was a "Oh no!" moment, worrying that this book might go along the same route, but I pushed it aside. Different book, different story, no reason why it should be disappointing. And it wa a lot better than the previous one!

I know I've said it before, but authors really do amaze me with the plots they come up with. Seriously, a murderous ghost who's already dead, so you can't kill him? That's just clever! What was also pretty cool was the fact that the ghost, Heinrich Kramer was actually a real person way back when. An actual witch hunter, who not only murdere innocent women at the stake, but tortured them into confessing - if they didn't, they were burned, because they were obviously lying; if they did, they were burned, because they're a witch - and raped them. Nice guy, huh? And that's what makes this book so awesome, and much more credible; its villain actually existed, but not only that, he existed and was truely evil. We already hate him for who he was, so we're already rooting for this guy to get whatever Cat and Bones throw at him. It just intensifies when the character is brough to life in the pages, and we see what Frost has made him into now. Ooooh, do we want him to get it!

But how on earth can you fight someone you can't touch? To make things worse, this someone has poltergeist powers, so can throw things - like, say, silver knives. Aimed at your heart. It's just genius! Cat and Bones have no idea what they're supposed to do. And even when they do come up with a plan, they have no idea if it's going to work because it's never been done before. This all adds to brilliant action scenes, because there's very little they can do to stop him, but a lot of damage they can do to him. And time's a-ticking when on Halloween, Kramer will be flesh again, and will torture, rape, and burn the innocent women he has chosen as targets. They have to stop him! And the action scenes once Kramer has a body? Dear god, it's horrific!

Despite all that, there were some areas that seemed lacking for me. There was less humour, less emotion, less romance between Cat and Bones, and so on. The key word here is "less"; it's not gone completely, but it's almost like Frost has taken a step back. The emotional depth that was so strong in previous books where I felt like I could cry is kind of shallow in this book. I guess that could be because with such a deadline of only a few weeks to try and find a way to stop him, to find his accomplice who's going to grab the targets for him, find out who the targets are to keep them safe, and live when Kramer is throwing things at you at every opportunity, all before 31st October, there's little time to waste on emotion, you've just got to push it aside and do.

However, there was a brilliant moment when Bones had to force Cat to realise this may be one time when they don't win, and that she would have to let it go if they couldn't stop him. With Cat being such a fiercely strong woman, the idea of giving up, of allowing Kramer to kill innocent women every single year for all eternity, because they simply couldn't stop him, is just completely abhorrent to her. But it's a strong possibility. It was a great moment!

There are some things that are left to be continued in the following books, such as the fact that Don is now a ghost after his heart attack in the previous book, and Cat is having trouble finding him a way to cross over. And an arrogant git with a superiority complex, Madigan, has taken over Cat's old team, who's going to cause all kinds of trouble, but has an ulterior motive behind it all. It seems it's ultimately to make Cat's life hell, but he's keeping his cards close to his chest.

Over all, a pretty awesome book! Just so clever! Not quite on par with some of Frost's previous books, but still amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next. Frost's next release will be Once Burned, the first book in the Night Prince series, set in the same world as all Frost's others, but starring Vlad! Once Burned is due to be released on 27th March 2012.

From Ink and Paper - fantasy book blog

[Cocktails and Books]

I never understand just how much I miss these characters until I finish the new book and realize I have to wait MONTHS until the next one comes out.


This story picks up a few months after the skirmish with the ghouls. Cat's still dealing with the aftermath of drinking from Marie (which has many ghosts camping outside of their house) and the loss of her Uncle and his subsequent inability to cross over. While Cat thinks they have a lot going on, Bones reminds her that no one is trying to kill them or their friends, so everything is going pretty well. Cat should really warn Cat to be careful of what you wish for.


It's after returning from a summons to her old team base (and the harassing from a government jackass hiding more than he's telling) that things go south for our beloved couple.

It seems Fabian has taken a fancy to another ghost, Elizabeth. He breaks a house rule, allowing Elizabeth into Cat and Bones home, but for good reason. Heinrich Kramer, the Inquisitor (aka witch hunter) was murdered centuries ago by Elizabeth, who was trying to protect innocent women from being killed by Heinrich like she was. Unfortunately, Heinrich has figured out a way become corporal on Halloween to continue on with his torture. Elizabeth has taken it upon herself to try and stop him, but is now asking Cat for her help.

Cat, being Cat, immediately agrees as a favor to Fabian (who never asks her for anything and is always there for her). What she doesn't realize is that Heinrich is no regular ghost and the juju she got from Marie's blood may not be there to help her out of this one.

I loved this story. We continue to see how Cat has evolved from that woman with a single determination we met way back when. Even when I expected Cat to go off on her own, because she thought it was the right thing to do, she listened to what Bones said and agreed with his course of action. It's almost as if, in this story, she's finally trust the depth of the feelings she has for Bones and he for her.

Of course, that doesn't mean Cat isn't her normal snarky self when it comes to the bad guys, because she certainly is. Heinrich is one bad as ghost who wants Cat anyone he can use her or abuse her (and abuse her is does, quite a few times).

Some old friends come to Bones and Cat's aide. Denise and Spade, Ian, and Cat's mom Justina are all there to lend a hand, body, or other implement of torture or rescue. I was a little disappointed that Vlad wasn't around, because surely he would have enjoyed dispatching Heinrich with the rest of them.

For those that enjoy those intimate moments with Cat and Bones, I'll leave you with this. They've given a whole new definition to the Mile High Club!

[Amanda]

Actual rating 3.5

Original review: http://onabookbender.com/2011/10/03/review-one-grave-at-a-time-by-jeaniene-frost/

Don’t get me wrong — One Grave at a Time is an enjoyable book. But this is Cat and Bones we’re talking about here, and I expect a certain level of snarkiness, heat, and ass kicking. I do not think this book delivered. Heat was replaced with emotion (which is fine; I like all the lovey dovey stuff, but I like my steamy sex scenes, too — just sayin’). Snark came primarily from Ian, which made me hope that he would get his own book soon. And I felt like Cat spent more time getting her ass kicked than she spent doling out the ass kicking.

Cat has definitely matured and grown over this series. She is most certainly a lot wiser than she used to be. But it seemed to translate into hiding and planning rather than taking charge and doing something. This is fine, but it is not quite as exciting to read. As a result, some of the story dragged, which made One Grave at a Time easy to put down. Again, that reaction is not what I expect from Cat and Bones.

I did enjoy the inclusion of past characters (Spade and Denise) as well as new characters (Tyler is only out witted by Ian, I think), and this aspect was appreciated. The plot was nothing special, and the ending was tied up far too quickly. But honestly, if you love Cat and Bones, you are going to read One Grave at a Time and you are going to like it. Even if it is not on the same level as previous books. It feels complacent, if you will.

[Melanie]

****Spoilers from earlier books in the series, but not for this book.****




Not a bad read. There is a lot going on. At the end of the previous story, we find out that Don's ghost is not quite ready to leave. There is some stuff going on with Cat's former team. Cat, Bones and the gang fight off the ghost of a former witch hunter. You have most of the characters you have come to love, no Vlad, Mencheres, Juan or Dave though.

I can't wait to see how Tate handles some of the issues going on with the team in the next book. Also, what Don figures out either. He is also keeping something from Cat that is really going to bite one of the two in the ass at some point.

[Linda]

This book was totally amazing! And I just love that Cat and Bones can have a great relationship, and still have other challenges they have to meet - together.

I was very intrigued by the ghost, loved Taylor, and was totally surprised by Sarah!

There was everything in this book, romance, excitement, fights, scares, and new friendship. I felt very satisfied with this installment.