Haunted Destiny (Krewe of Hunters, #18)

by Heather Graham

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.

• ISBN10: 1522635602
• ISBN13: 9781522635604
• Publish Date: 24 May 2016
• Publish Status: Unknown
• Imprint: Brilliance Audio
• Format: Audiobook
• Language: English

Reviews

[Eve1972]

This was just an OK read for me. I love this author's paranormal mysteries, but this one fell a little short for me. The setting was a haunted cruise ship. Which was fine, but I much prefer her books when they take place in New Orleans. This one didn't have the same mystique. Also, the paranormal element here, the ghosts, were actual characters that interacted with more than a few people, Which I wasn't overly crazy about.

I've also mentioned before in my reviews of this authors books, that I think her "romance" angle works best when the couple is already established (which seems to be just the novellas) Unfortunately, again with this book I felt the romance between Jude and Alexi felt forced, and mechanical, and without any passion.

All that said, I DID enjoy the mystery, and it kept me guessing with all the twits and turns and red herrings.

[kimbacaffeinate]

A Latte contains espresso, steamed milk and foam milk.

Caffeinated Latte of Haunted Destiny

• The Espresso: Graham delivered an interesting murder mystery.  A serial killer known as the Archangel Killer has been killing woman along the coast and leaving them displayed at local churches. On each victim, he places a saint’s medallion. Sporadic killings and movement from city to city is making it difficult for law enforcement to capture this killer. The case was interesting, and brought us to New Orléans. The head of the Krewe of Hunters Jackson Crowe has been on the case since the first victim appeared to him as a ghost. Once again, Graham weaved in interesting details from the ship to the medallions. I always find these details to be fascinating.


• The Steamed Milk: In Haunted Destiny we meet some engaging characters.  Our hero, Jude McCoy is an agent from the NOLA division of the FBI  and assigned to work with Crowe. At the latest crime scene, he spots a suspicious onlooker and they soon give chase. They witness him board the Destiny Cruise ship as it prepares to depart the port of New Orléans. Jude's success rate has caught Krewe's attention and he follows Jude onboard. There is a sadness to Jude and I enjoyed getting to know him. Alexi Cromwell, New Orléans resident and musician is an entertainer aboard the Destiny. Alexi is gifted with the ability to see the dead and is friends with a cast of ghosts who travel the Destiny. She lost her fiancé and took on this contract to avoid the memories. She is clever and quite popular with crew and passengers. She ends up aiding Jude and Jackson. We meet many colorful characters on the cruise including ghosts, crew and passengers.


• The Foam Milk: Graham gives us a side dish of romance and I enjoyed time with spent with this couple.  Both Alexi and Jude have suffered loss and for the first time in a long time the other awakens feelings in them. Their relationship started slowly, sure, there was attraction but the case was at the forefront. I liked that the romance built slowly as they learned to trust each other. The case took precedence in Haunted Destiny but page time with them was sweet.

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