Kimberly reviews For All Of Her Life by Heather Graham

TITLE: For All Of Her Life
CHARACTERS: Kathy & Jordan
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/20/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes our exes are exactly how we remember them. Sometimes they’re better . . .

Kathy and Jordan Treveryan used to have everything. They fronted the enormously successful rock band Blue Heron, they had two beautiful daughters, and they had a passionate marriage. But life as they knew it came to an abrupt end when their bandmate, Keith, was killed in an apparently accidental fire. Soon after, the band and their marriage fell apart.

In this tale of unstoppable love, Jordan pursues Kathy as he tries to reunite the band and lay to rest the mysterious circumstances of Keith’s death. And while Kathy finds herself torn between her current boyfriend and her lingering feelings for her ex-husband, romance reignites—and the exes may even unravel the truth behind what made them separate so long ago.

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from 1995. I enjoy Heather Graham very much but apparently not her old stuff. The characters never seemed to connect. The ex-husband was just rude. I can’t imagine that any female reader would fall for this guy and want him to win the girl. Kathy on the other hand is pathetic. She has a chance at a life but for some reason only wants to be with her ex and why she would want that is beyond me.

Seeing as this was written 2 decades ago maybe that made the difference but I think I will stick with the current reads from Graham from now on.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Kimberly reviews Keeper Of The Night by Heather Graham

TITLE: Keeper Of The Night
SERIES #: The Keepers: LA #1
CHARACTERS: Rhiannon & Brodie
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/18/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon|| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In their new Keeper roles, these extraordinary women must balance the fate of the world with their desires…

New Keeper Rhiannon Gryffald has her peacekeeping duties cut out for her—because in Hollywood, it’s hard to tell the actors from the werewolves, bloodsuckers and shape-shifters. Then Rhiannon hears about a string of murders that bear all the hallmarks of a vampire serial killer, and she must confront her greatest challenge yet. Together with Elven detective Brodie McKay, they head to Laurel Canyon, epicenter of the danger, where they uncover a plot that may forever alter the face of human-paranormal relations.

REVIEW:
So the plot for this story is interesting. Rhiannon is a Keeper (babysitter/judge) for the vampires. She is new to the job with her 2 cousins. She barely gets to LA and vampire murders start happening. Brodie is a copy (and Elvan) who is working the case and they team up.

Sounds interesting right? And it sorta is except the writing of the story almost seems like it is written for YA (except the minor love scenes). This is the first in a new series but it felt like I should know the Fathers of the new Keepers because they refer to them over and over as if they were in an original series and I did go back to see if I could find the series but I couldn’t find anything but it made me feel like I was missing a little something.

Also the other problem was the female characters. They are so immature. And yes we are supposed to think that they are new and thrown into this Keeper position but it Rhiannon seems like she can not do anything alone and one cousin is too uptight and the other is a bit spoiled. I really didn’t like them much.

But I did enjoy Brodie and Rhiannon together. They worked well together. I love Heather Graham’s ghost stories so I thought I would love this too but I just liked it.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Krewe of Hunters by Heather Graham

Phantom Evil 

Krewe of Hunters #1

A secret government unit is formed under the oversight of Adam Harrison, famed paranormal investigator. The six members he’s gathered know a little of the otherworldly–each has honed a psychic talent of their own.Jackson Crow, part English, part Cheyenne, heads the group. Haunted by his experience with an ancestral ghost who saved his life as a child, and the recent murders of two previous teammates, Jackson can’t tell if Adam’s demoted him or given him an extraordinary opportunity. Despite his link to the realm of spirits, he’s well aware that the living commit the most heinous crimes, with spiritualist charlatans existing merely to fool and seduce the unwary.

To counterbalance Jackson’s careful skepticism, Adam Harrison has paired him with Angela Hawkins, a young woman who learned the painful lesson of loss at an early age. A police officer utilizing her paranormal intuition in Virginia, she already has her hands full. But Adam’s call to New Orleans is strong.

The case: In a historic mansion in New Orleans’s French Quarter, a senator’s wife falls to her death from a balcony. Most think she jumped, distraught over the loss of her young son. Some say she was pushed. And yet others believe she was beckoned by the ghostly spirits that inhabit the house–once the site of a serial killer’s grisly work.

Whether supernatural or all too human, crimes of passion, greed and desire will cast the pair into danger of losing their lives…and their immortal souls

*****

Heart of Evil 

Krewe of Hunters #2

Emerging from the bayou like an apparition, Donegal Plantation is known for its unsurpassed dining, captivating atmosphere, haunting legends…and now a corpse swinging from the marble angel that marks its cemetery’s most majestic vault. A corpse discovered in nearly the same situation as that of Marshall Donegal, the patriarch killed in a skirmish just before the Civil War.Desperate for help traditional criminologists could never provide, plantation heiress Ashley Donegal turns to an elite team of paranormal investigators who blend hard forensics with rare–often inexplicable–intuition. Among the “Krewe of Hunters” is an old i � ‘ ame, Jake Mallory, a gifted musician with talent stretching far beyond the realm of the physical, and a few dark ghosts of his own.

The evil the team unveils has the power to shake the plantation to its very core. Jake and Ashley are forced to risk everything to unravel secrets that will not stay buried–even in death.

*****

Sacred Evil 

Krewe of Hunters #3

A terror born of Jack the RipperThe details of the crime scene are no coincidence. The body–a promising starlet–has been battered, bloodied and then discarded between two of Manhattan’s oldest graveyards.

One look and Detective Jude Crosby recognizes the tableau:

A re-creation of Jack the Ripper’s gruesome work. But he also sees something beyond the actions of a mere copycat. Something more dangerous…and unexplainable.

As the city seethes with suspicion, Jude calls on Whitney Tremont, a member of the country’s preeminent paranormal investigating team, to put the speculation to rest. Yet when Whitney and Jude delve deeper, what they discover is more shocking than either could have predicted, and twice as sinister.

*****

The Evil Inside 

Krewe of Hunters #4

For as long as it has stood overlooking New England’s jagged coastline, Lexington House has been the witness to madness…and murder. But in recent years the inexplicable malice that once tormented so many has lain as silent as its victims. Until now. A member of the nation’s foremost paranormal forensic team, Jenna Duffy has made a career out of investigating the inexplicable. Yet nothing could prepare her for the string of slayings once again plaguing Lexington House, or for the chief suspect ? a boy barely old enough to drive, much less kill. With the young man’s life on the line, Jenna must team up with attorney Samuel Hall to pinpoint who ? or what ? is taking the lives of those who get too close to the past. But everything they learn brings them closer to the forces of evil stalking this tortured ground.

*****

The Unseen 

Krewe of Hunters #5

1800s. San Antonio, Texas: In room 207 at the Longhorn Saloon, in the long shadow of the Alamo itself, a woman renowned for her beauty was brutally murdered. Her killer was never found.

One year ago: In that same historic room, another woman vanished without a trace. Her blood was everywhere…but her body was never recovered.

Now: In the last month, San Antonio has become a dumping ground for battered bodies.

All young women, many of them long missing, almost all forgotten. Until now.

Texas Ranger Logan Raintree cannot sit by and let his city’s most vulnerable citizens be slain. So when he is approached to lead a brand-new group of elite paranormal investigators working the case, he has no choice but to accept the challenge. And with it, his powerful ability to commune with the dead.

Among Logan’s new team is Kelsey O’Brien, a U.S. marshal known for her razor-sharp intuition and a toughness that belies her delicate exterior. Kelsey has been waiting all her life to work with someone who can understand her ability to “see” the past unfolding in the present. Now she has her chance.

Together, Kelsey and Logan follow their instincts to the Alamo and to the newly reopened Longhorn, which once tempted heroes with drink, cards and women. If the spirits of those long-dead Texans are really appearing to the victims before their deaths, only Kelsey and Logan have the skills to find out why.

And if something more earthly is menacing the city’s oldest, darkest corners, only they can stop it—before more innocent women join the company of San Antonio’s restless ghosts

*****

The Unholy 

Krewe of Hunters #6

The 1940s: Hard-boiled detectives and femmes fatale are box-office gold. In one iconic scene, set in a deserted museum, the private eye arrives too late, and the buxom beauty is throttled by an ominous Egyptian priest.Now: The Black Box Cinema immortalizes Hollywood’s Golden Age in its gallery of film noir tributes. But the mannequin of that Egyptian priest is hardly lifeless.

He walks—and a young starlet dies a terrifying death.

Movie mogul Eddie Archer’s son is charged with the grisly murder. Eddie calls agent Sean Cameron, who specializes in irregular investigations. As part of an FBI paranormal forensics team, Cameron knows that nightmares aren’t limited to the silver screen.

Working with special-effects artist Madison Darvil—who has her own otherworldly gifts—Cameron delves into the malevolent force animating more than one movie monster.…

*****

The Unspoken 

Krewe of Hunters #7

1898: Bound for Chicago, the freighter Jerry McGuen goes down in Lake Michigan, taking with it every man aboard. But what other fate could befall a vessel carrying the ill-gotten sarcophagus of an Egyptian sorcerer? Now: A veteran diver and ?ghost ship? expert is exploring the legendary wreck for a documentary. He dies inexplicably inside the freighter’s main saloon. Then another diver is killed and panicked rumors rise like bubbles from the lake: ancient demons have awakened below! The expedition’s beleaguered financier calls paranormal investigator Katya Sokolov to Chicago to save the film ? and perhaps some innocent lives. Along with media forensics guru Will Chan, Kat plumbs the depths of an evil that may date back to the time of the Pharaohs. But some secrets are best drowned in the seas of the past.

*****

The Uninvited 

Krewe of Hunters #8

1777: In the throes of the Revolutionary War, Landon Mansion is commandeered by British Lord “Butcher” Bedford.

He stabs Lucy Tarleton – who spurned his king and his love – leaving her to die in her father’s arms.

NOW: After the day’s final tour, docent Allison Leigh makes her rounds while locking up… and finds a colleague slumped over Bedford’s desk, impaled on his own replica bayonet.

Resident ghosts may be the stock-in-trade of stately Philadelphia homes, but Allison – a noted historian – is indignant at the prospect of “ghost hunters” investigating this apparent murder.

Agent Tyler Montague knows his hauntings and his history. But while Allison is skeptical of the newcomer, a second mysterious murder occurs.

Has “Butcher” Bedford resurfaced? Or is there another malevolent force at work in Landon Mansion? Wary, yet deeply attracted, Allison has to trust in Tyler and work with him to discover just what.

Kimberly’s review of The Uninvited by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Uninvited
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
1777: In the throes of the Revolutionary War, Landon Mansion is commandeered by British Lord “Butcher” Bedford. He stabs Lucy Tarleton—who spurned his king and his love—leaving her to die in her father’s arms.NOW: After the day’s final tour, docent Allison Leigh makes her rounds while locking up…and finds a colleague slumped over Bedford’s desk, impaled on his own replica bayonet.

Resident ghosts may be the stock-in-trade of stately Philadelphia homes, but Allison—a noted historian—is indignant at the prospect of “ghost hunters” investigating this apparent murder.

Agent Tyler Montague knows his hauntings and his history. But while Allison is skeptical of the newcomer, a second mysterious murder occurs. Has “Butcher” Bedford resurfaced? Or is there another malevolent force at work in Landon Mansion? Wary, yet deeply attracted, Allison has to trust in Tyler and work with him to discover just what uninvited guest—dead or alive—has taken over the house.

Or their lives could become history!

 

REVIEW:
4 ½ Stars. I have always enjoyed Heather Graham’s ghost stories and this one is no exception. Actually I think it is the best one she has written lately, even though I love all of them. I am hearing this is the last of Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series. No one writes a ghost story like Graham does. Besides the ghosts who take on a life of their own (pun intended) the fact that Graham writes with so much history is what astounds me. By the time the reader is done with the book they actually want to travel to the city to take in the sites and read a book about the history of the area. There is no better travel agent then Graham when she writes a novel.

I really enjoyed the story of Allison and Tyler. They are written with such chemistry right from the start. While there is no real hostility when they first met, as I read in the last Graham book, there was just a underlying uncertainty about the other person and I think that comes off better when you read it. I loved the ghost Julian in the story as well. The history of the house and Philadelphia is also really  interesting.

If you love a ghost story with a bit of suspense than Graham should be your first choice of authors. And as always with her books I never figure out who did it.

*Note: The ARC I received was slightly different from this description. The house was named the Tarleton-Dandrige House not the Landon Mansion and the “Butcher” Bedford was actually named Brian “Beast” Bradley. I am unsure if the characters were changed or the synopsis is incorrect.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly’s review of The Unspoken by Heather Graham

The Unspoken
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/31/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
AN AIRLESS TOMB. AN UNSPOKEN CURSE 1898: Bound for Chicago, the freighter Jerry McGuen goes down in Lake Michigan, taking with it every man aboard. But what other fate could befall a vessel carrying the ill-gotten sarcophagus of an Egyptian sorcerer? Because a curse unspoken is no less deadly. Now: A veteran diver and “ghost ship” expert is exploring the legendary wreck for a documentary. He dies inexplicably inside the freighter’s main saloon. Then another diver is killed and panicked rumors rise like bubbles from the lake: ancient demons have awakened below! The expedition’s beleaguered financier calls paranormal investigator Katya Sokolov to Chicago to save the film -and perhaps some innocent lives. Along with media forensics guru Will Chan, Kat plumbs the depths of an evil that may date back to the time of the Pharaohs. But some secrets are best drowned in the seas of the past.

REVIEW:
Once again Graham delivers a story the reader can not put down. Set in Chicago/Lake Michigan this story is a page turner. I have never read another author that puts as much research into her books as Graham does. She draws you into her story from the first chapter. While Graham is known for her ghost stories this did not have as many ghost as with most of her other stories which was a little disappointing but still an excellent story.

This is part of the Krewe (Texas Krewe) series and this books takes place right where the last book (The Unholy) left off, even having to do with “Amun Mopat”. The main characters of this book are Will and Katya. Will seems very unlikable in the beginning and there is some antagonism between Will and Kat, they do eventually warm to each other of course. Will seems almost calmed and in sync with Kat and it brings out his softer side. Kat is a M.E. that has joined the Krewe and was called to go to Chicago but she is having dreams and is not sure what they signify. I enjoyed “watching” Will soften toward Kat, wanting to protect her and yet knowing that she is just as trained as he is so he knows he needs to believe she can take care of herself. They make a great team together once you get past the roughness that Will starts out with.

As with all of Graham’s stories I never figure out the “who” or the “why” no matter how many hours I lay awake trying to think it through. And I love that about her writing. No one tells a ghost-story-who-done-it like Graham. This story can be read alone but I recommend reading The Unholy to understand the background of Amun Mopat.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly’s review of The Unholy by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Unholy
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE:   06/26/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Hollywood shrine hides unholy deeds The 1940s: hard-boiled detectives and femmes fatale are box-office gold. In one iconic scene, set in a deserted museum, the private eye arrives too late, and the buxom beauty is throttled by an ominous Egyptian priest. Now: the Black Box Cinema immortalizes Hollywood’s Golden Age in its gallery of film noir tributes. But the mannequin of that Egyptian priest is hardly lifeless. He walks-and a young starlet dies a terrifying death. Movie mogul Eddie Archer’s son is charged with the grisly murder. Eddie calls agent Sean Cameron, who specializes in…irregular investigations. As part of an FBI paranormal forensics team, Cameron knows that nightmares aren’t limited to the silver screen. Working with special-effects artist Madison Darvil-who has her own otherworldly gifts-Cameron delves into the malevolent force animating more than one movie monster.

REVIEW:
The best thing about the ghost novels by Heather Graham is they are so hard to figure out who did it and this book was no exception. I will say I had the villain in my top 3 suspects but not the why. Heather Graham is the master of ghost stories. This is the sixth in the Krewe of Hunters series and the second with the Texas Krewe characters.

This time they head to L.A. because Sean’s old boss and mentor calls to say his son was arrested for murder. Madison has actually taken the position Sean worked in L.A. and is asked to show Sean the things that have changed since he left. I really never felt a huge connection between Sean and Madison, they just didn’t have that love match that other characters from Graham have had. That being said it is still a great story. I have no idea where Graham finds the time to research so much for her stories.

I really enjoyed the ghost that lives with Madison (I won’t ruin it by telling you who it is) and enjoyed the mystery of the storyline. Another great book by Heather Graham.

4 Hearts

Kimberly’s review of The Unseen by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Unseen
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE:   03/27/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
1800s. San Antonio, Texas: In room 207 at the Longhorn Saloon, in the long shadow of the Alamo itself, a woman renowned for her beauty was brutally murdered. Her killer was never found. One year ago: In that same historic room, another woman vanished without a trace. Her blood was everywhere…but her body was never recovered. Now: In the last month, San Antonio has become a dumping ground for battered bodies. All young women, all long missing, almost all forgotten. Until now. Texas Ranger Logan Raintree cannot sit by and let his city’s most vulnerable citizens be slain. So when he is approached to lead a brand-new group of elite paranormal investigators working the case, he has no choice but to accept the challenge. And with it, his powerful ability to commune with the dead. Among Logan’s new team is Kelsey O’Brien, a U.S. marshal known for her razor-sharp intuition and a toughness that belies her delicate exterior. Kelsey has been waiting all her life to work with someone who can understand her ability to “see” the past unfolding in the present. Now she has her chance. Together, Kelsey and Logan follow their instincts to the Alamo and to the newly reopened Longhorn, which once tempted heroes with drink, cards and women. If the spirits of those long-dead Texans are really appearing to the victims before their deaths, only Kelsey and Logan have the skills to find out why. And if something more earthly is menacing the city’s oldest, darkest corners, only they can stop it – before more innocent women join the company of San Antonio’s restless ghosts…

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly Wise            NUMBER OF STARS: 3 Stars

REVIEW:
*3.5 Stars*  This is the first in the new Texas Krewe of Hunters. While most of Graham’s books have been set in Florida (mostly Key West) or some in New Orleans this is set in San Antonio, Texas. It is the start up of the new Krewe of Hunters. A new branch of the Harrison Investigation/Krewe of Hunters in New Orleans series.

Logan is a Texas Ranger who is coming back from losing his wife three years ago after a revenge killing for putting a man into prison. Kelsey is a US Marshal from Key West. Neither of them knows why they are being called to San Antonio except there is going to be a new job offer but neither has an idea of what kind of job or why them. When Jackson Crow (Krewe leader of the New Orleans branch) explains why they have been asked to help they learn women are being killed and left around the city. Jackson feels there is something going on and because The Alamo has such history maybe Logan and Kelsey with the “gifts” they have can get to the answers before another woman goes missing.

This is a very typical Graham ghost story. And ghost stories are where Graham should stay. She has a way of writing that draws the reader in. I guess you could say that Graham writes it all. Her books fall under “Paranormal Romantic Suspense”. Her books are not the same when she does not write about ghost. Thankfully we have three in this book to enjoy. The problem was I never felt a connection between Kelsey and Logan. Their relationship felt more like a working affair and when the case was over they would go their separate ways and be fine with it. What keeps this story going? The suspense of who-dunnit (which I am not sure I have ever figured out in one of Graham’s books and I read a lot of suspense books) and the history of the area she is writing about. The history that we find out through Graham’s writing is incredible and it makes you want to go visit. In this case it was The Alamo which of course was part of our history class growing up but Graham wraps a story around that history and brings the area to life. Is this one of her best ever? Maybe not. But I did enjoy it. And if you are a fan of Graham’s then you will as well. No one tells a ghost story like Graham!