Omens (Cainsville, #1)

by Kelley Armstrong

[kimbacaffeinate]

The tale begins in Chicago where we meet Olivia Taylor Jones; daughter of a wealthy Chicago family, educated and engaged to an up and coming CEO with political ambitions. From her volunteer work to plans to further her Ivy League education, Olivia appears to have it all. That is until all hell breaks loose and in one night she discovers she is adopted and the daughter of notorious serial killers.

The events that follow had me completely enthralled as fate draws Olivia to the town of Cainsville with its Gargoyles and strange townsfolk. Olivia is hiding out from the media, and coming to terms with her past. Aided by Gabriel Walsh, her biological mother’s former attorney she begins to investigate their case. All the while strange occurrences and the town’s unique interest in Olivia hold me spellbound. Ravens,fairy circles, black cats...the town itself becomes a character.

Danger, strange omens and unique characters bring this tale to life. I love old superstitions and Armstrong weaved them in from the popular to the obscure. The more Olivia uncovers, the more she finds she has this uncanny sixth sense and I devoured these elements. The characters are unique and likeable even as I found myself unsure if they are friend or foe. While I closed this book with more questions than answers, I know beyond any doubt I will continue. Olivia is strong, confident and surprising levelheaded despite all that is happening.

While this series is quite different from Armstrong’s previous works, I actually preferred it. The mystery element is at the heart of Omens weaving in murder, the supernatural and secrets. The town of Cainsville is absolutely creeptastic. There is a wrongness about it but I cannot quite place my finger on it. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer