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Secrets of the Demon (Kara Gillian #3)

by Diana Rowland (Goodreads Author)

4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 · rating details · 3,125 ratings · 219 reviews

Homicide detective Kara Gillian has a special talent: she can sense the "arcane" in our world, and there's quite a bit of it, even in Beaulac, Louisiana. She's also a summoner of demons, and works on a task force that deals with supernatural crimes. Her partners are attractive and smart FBI agents, but they're not summoners, and they're not telling Kara why they are on thi...more

Paperback, 310 pages

Published January 4th 2011 by DAW (first published November 11th 2010)

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Jul 18, 2011 Bonnie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Bonnie by: Maja

Shelves: urban-fantasy, pn-demons, adult

Yes, I really did just read all 3 books in this series in a row. Yes, they were all amazing. Yes, I am now going absolutely crazy because I have to wait until JANUARY for the next book. I don’t know why I do these things to myself.

As I stated above, ‘Secrets of the Demon’ this is the third installment in the fabulousness called the Kara Gillian series. I would not recommend reading this review if you have not read books 1 and 2. Unless you don’t plan on reading this series, which is the sillies...more

11 likes · like · see review

Mar 21, 2012 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Demon Summoning Has Less Vomiting!
Beaulac, Louisiana homicide detective Kara Gillian is in New Orleans, working a case with the multi-jurisdictional task force she's recently joined with FBI Special Agents Ryan Kristoff and Zachary Garner. The task force deals with white collar and "financial crimes"...also known as crimes having a supernatural or paranormal element. The lead singer of the Goth rock band Ether Madhouse has been receiving threats that a demon is intent on eating her soul during h...more

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Apr 23, 2011 Lesley rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

I put off reading this book because I just wasn’t very interested, but when I finally did pick it up, I devoured it in less than two days. It was fast paced, fun, and exciting - an enjoyable read. Some of the mysteries surrounding Zach and Ryan finally get cleared up, and even though I called the final bombshell long before it dropped, one of the revelations did manage to surprise me. As with the previous books, the answers you get only raise more questions, stringing you along just eno...more 3.5 Stars

I put off reading this book because I just wasn’t very interested, but when I finally did pick it up, I devoured it in less than two days. It was fast paced, fun, and exciting - an enjoyable read. Some of the mysteries surrounding Zach and Ryan finally get cleared up, and even though I called the final bombshell long before it dropped, one of the revelations did manage to surprise me. As with the previous books, the answers you get only raise more questions, stringing you along just enough to make you want to read the next installment.

As always, I sympathize with Kara because she’s a realistic heroine. She’s got deep seated insecurities and trust issues, but she’s dedicated and doesn’t give up. Even though she’s angst personified in this book, I still like Kara because I can understand her emotions. She has enough self-awareness to recognize when she’s acting childish and immature, making her that much more human and relatable.

The plot was pretty good, but the villains seemed cartoonish, coming out of nowhere at the end to reveal their dastardly plans before attempting to eliminate the good guys. In fact, the whole resolution seems like it was tacked on. Like in the last book, another supporting character comes to accept the supernatural. Though I love seeing this person in the loop and on Kara’s side, his okay-ness with the arcane seems unrealistic.

Secrets of the Demon is a quick, fun read that I would definitely recommend if you enjoyed the first two books in the series. There’s action, interesting developments in the continuing mystery, sexy scenes with Rhyzhahl, and the introduction of a new character who’s going to make Kara’s life even more complicated. Though the individual story arcs of each book are somewhat forgettable, it’s easy to be drawn in by the characters and the unique blend of urban fantasy and police procedural. I’m interested to find out more about Zach and Ryan’s backstory, Rhyzhahl’s plans, and Kara’s fate, so I will probably read the next book in the series.(less)

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Jan 11, 2012 BamaGal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr-uf

Winston Churchill once made a remark about Russia that is apropos for this series - a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. This is one of the more unusual UF series that I keep up with. It’s sort of an Eve Dallas meets the demonic world. Whatever, it works for me. Questions, I have so many questions. Who is Marco Knight, really? Now that the reader knows it can be done, will Rhyzkahl use his binding to Kara to enter the mundane world? If Ryan is a demonic lord and has Zach bound to him...more

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Jan 24, 2011 Ami rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy-paranormal-futuristic

The third book in this series (after Mark of the Demon and Blood of the Demon) expands the world of Kara Gillian and her friends.

In addition to investigating the death of several people connected to a Goth band; which seemed to be caused by a golem (KUDOS, by the way for a reference to The X-Files; since I was a fan of the show) ... I feel that in this books, we have more scenes of the people in Kara's life: FBI Agent Ryan Kristoff and Zachary Garner, Crime Scene Technician Jill Faciane ... as...more

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Aug 30, 2011 Kindle-aholic rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: uf

The continuing adventures of Kara Gillian - cop and demon summoner. She is still coming to terms with the deal she made at the end of book 2, still wants to pass the "just friends" boundary with a certain co-worker, and is trying to maintain a balance between the benefits and costs of dealing with demons.

Note to the uninitiated: The demons in this world aren't your fire and brimstone variety. They are from a different dimension, will do tasks for a price, have a deep sense of honor, but will sti...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Kathy Davie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, police-procedural, urban

Third in the Kara Gillian urban fantasy-police procedural series.

My Take
As much fun as it's been watching Kara squirm around not telling anyone about her abilities, it's a relief when she does bring more people in on the secret. It's rather endearing how the demons she works with are so interested in the human joys.

Rowland is a treat to read as she reveals secrets---most in a slow tease and some with a flash bang---and entices us with yet more to be unveiled. Her cast of characters run the gamu...more

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Mar 29, 2012 Star (The Bibliophilic Book Blog) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Kara Gillian is a homicide in Beaulac, Louisiana, yet she is also a summoner…of demons. Yet, not everything that is a demon is demonic and not everything demonic is a demon. Right now Kara is working on a joint task force with the FBI and other law enforcement – whose primary focus is crimes involving the arcane or preternatural.

Their case this time…catch a predator who is targeting the lead singer of a Goth rock band, Ether Madhouse, promising to kill her and eat her soul. Kara feels a strange...more

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Feb 14, 2012 Fangs for the Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kara Gillian is out for another mystery in Beaulac. It starts out peacefully enough – a stalker threat against a popular musician – but becomes much more complicated when the stalker is shown to be non-human

And then the bodies start piling up – bodies that aren’t so much unconnected, but have so many different connections it’s not sure which ones are actually relevant and the reasons behind the killing. Add in that the arcane forces being used in the attack are beyond Kara’s knowledge or experie...more Kara Gillian is out for another mystery in Beaulac. It starts out peacefully enough – a stalker threat against a popular musician – but becomes much more complicated when the stalker is shown to be non-human

And then the bodies start piling up – bodies that aren’t so much unconnected, but have so many different connections it’s not sure which ones are actually relevant and the reasons behind the killing. Add in that the arcane forces being used in the attack are beyond Kara’s knowledge or experience and we have both a mortal and magical mystery to solve. And, of course, she has to manage this while negotiating the standard problems of the justice system and keeping her secret, secret. As well as the dilemma of what to do with a case you cannot prove?

At the same time Kara continues to have her confusion relationship with Rhyzkahl in her new role as his Summoner as well as juggling her mortal relationships – especially with Ryan. And even more so as more of his past becomes known.

I’ve said before and I’ll say again about this series - the plot was well written and paced with enough side issues to keep Kara interesting during the slow parts of the investigation but not too many that we’re distracted and bogged down. It had enough detail about the investigation to make it feel real and realistic, enough clues to keep us guessing but enough mystery to stop us knowing the answer too early. There was also well maintained meta-plot and character reactions without any excess or dull scenes dragging the book down. I think perhaps, in an effort to make each book stand alone, we have scenes and settings described more than is necessary (the dimensions of Kara’s office, for example) but it’s not a major issue by any stretch

I actually like how many people are now in on Kara’s secret, though your mileage may vary. A little hoop jumping to try and hide the supernatural is fine, but considering her job and the people around her, Kara keeping the secret from so many would rapidly become untenable. Her ability to solve crime would involve pages and pages of desperate cover up and/or convoluted luck brushing everything under the rug. I really like the way it’s done, she has a small circle of people she can trust who know what the real score is and none of them are in vast positions of influence for it to be abused for Deus Ex Machinae reasons. Also it means she has a Scooby gang, I like a Scooby gang, I do. Speaking of the Scooby gang, I also have to praise the banter between Kara and her friends, it never fails to make me smile

And, of course, we had a lot more backstory hinted at and revealed with Zach and Ryan. There are still far more questions to answer (and I am dying to know) but we’re getting a few more revelations with each book – the meta-revelations are moving on through the series preventing it being a lot of “monster of the week” books. In fact, there is general growth – Kara’s relationships, Kara as a character, Kara’s knowledge and power as a Summoner (without her developing massive new super powers every new book, which, yes irritates me). It makes not just the books well paced, but it makes the series well paced as well.

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Dec 28, 2011 Tonya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, demons, paranormal, paranormal-romance, urban-fantasy, romance, fiction

While this book does have some drawbacks, it's over all a good solid read. There's some room for improvement in regards to some of the relationship development, but for the most part character development is very excellent. While I would recommend reading the other two novels of the series first, it's not strictly necessary because all the vital information you need is seamlessly integrated into the writing. The main character is someone you can relate to while not having her flaws be painful an...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Buffi BeCraft-Woodall rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My comments on the book:
Cover- is a nice graphic (painting or graphic novel style) of a police woman holding a gun with a glowing tattoo on the inside of her wrist. The model kept reminding me of Debra Morgan on the HBO show Dexter so that’s who the heroine was for me throughout the book, lol.

First off, I have to mention that this is not the first book in this series and I didn’t realize it until very late in the book. Heck, I thought was the second book until I looked on the author’s website....more

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Mar 01, 2011 Paradoxical rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reading-list, books-otherwise

I have always been fond of the Kara Gillian series; mainly because I like its take on demon summoning, and how demons are not evil, but are still beings you need to be very, very careful around. They're honorable, in fact honor means just about everything to them, but this doesn't mean that they're good either--they're just different. Plus with supernatural powers.

The writing is--hm. It flows well and it the author paces the book well--it's a comfortable read that balances nicely between action...more I have always been fond of the Kara Gillian series; mainly because I like its take on demon summoning, and how demons are not evil, but are still beings you need to be very, very careful around. They're honorable, in fact honor means just about everything to them, but this doesn't mean that they're good either--they're just different. Plus with supernatural powers.

The writing is--hm. It flows well and it the author paces the book well--it's a comfortable read that balances nicely between action and resting. It's just not outstanding, but it is a joy to read (is that even understandable? Eh heh). Admittedly, the main plot in the book holds less interest to me than Kara and the relationships she has to the people around her, as well as her connection to the demon world and everything that entails. That's probably the main reason why it felt a little slow to me--interesting, but not enough that it has me racing through the pages.

I can't help but really like Rhyzkahl. It's more of a personal preference thing than anything else--and, all right, so Kara probably shouldn't be in a... (sorta) relationship with someone who scares the pants off her a good portion of the time, but it's a book and I like it so... heh. To her credit, she's scared but she still stands up to him, which helps. You do get an underlying sense that Rhyzkahl has some sort of motivation for the relationship he has with Kara (and she knows this as well), but I still can't help but like him very much, which contrasts with my neutral feelings about Ryan. Granted, I don't really see how a relationship between Kara and a demon lord would work (two different dimensions and so on), but a part of me can't help but hope anyway.

Go figure.

In any case, the main storyline of the book deals with a band and a series of murders that surround (and affect) it, caused by what Kara calls a golem, though apparently it isn't one, exactly, but that is a close enough word for it. As I said before, the plot seemed rather lackluster to me this time around (average all over, really) though it did pick up towards the end. I really am interested in the back story involving both Zack and Ryan and I hope that Kara finds out more about that in the next book; we find out one crucial piece of information (on the last page, of course), but it doesn't really tell us much of anything in the end.

It is a good book, but rather average overall. I preferred the previous books in comparison. This one just felt too... filler-y for me. We don't get a lot of answers, though we get a ton of new questions. One crumb of (admittedly important) information at the end doesn't make up for the rest of the book. (less)

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Feb 28, 2011 Lilibeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Even though I can say that the Kara Gillian series is "wordy", like my English teacher would say, it lets you enjoy every stickin' detail that the author could possibly squeeze out of this murder-mystery supernatural-romance. Indeed, it does contain more expletives and explicit sex scenes than I've encountered at such an early point of a series, but it adds so much to the southern Louisiana charm. As precisely outlined in book 1 and 2 of the series, Kara is thrown into completely new territory w...more Even though I can say that the Kara Gillian series is "wordy", like my English teacher would say, it lets you enjoy every stickin' detail that the author could possibly squeeze out of this murder-mystery supernatural-romance. Indeed, it does contain more expletives and explicit sex scenes than I've encountered at such an early point of a series, but it adds so much to the southern Louisiana charm. As precisely outlined in book 1 and 2 of the series, Kara is thrown into completely new territory with the arcane powers running a muck in her small town of Beaulac. It's thrilling to go through the procedures of detective work right along with her because you can practically feel how she's finally getting the hang of being a homicide detective. Exhilarating though it is to watch her jump through hoops to catch the killer, Rowland doesn't let it interfere with the true gut-twisting roller coaster romance that Kara has between Rhyzkahl, the demonic lord and Ryan, an arcane-tainted FBI Agent.

As I was saying about the wordy thing, it is something that a lot of authors--with their complex Urban Fantasy stories--fall into: repeating the previous books' details in a not-so-subtle way. Some do it magnificently, merely reminding you of details one might have missed in the book before, and others fall a little flat, as in "I knew that already, get on with the current happenings!" It drives me a bit batty sometimes because I feel like I have to skim most of the book in order to get to the real essence of it. However, with Secrets of the Demon--as well as Blood of the Demon--Rowland was able to keep me entertained immensely otherwise, with all the crime-solving and personal-life strife that Kara slugs through. This third installment really cleaned up a bit and was marginally shorter and more precise than the second. It definitely felt like Rowland answered some long overdue questions that were subtly present in both book 1 and 2, mostly speculations pertaining to the two FBI agents in Kara's life.

Rowland does seem to follow a pattern with each installment in the Kara Gillian series, one that's vaguely noticeable if you read the book consecutively. It's an addicting thrill to find out who the murder is at the end, but I always seem to be skimming the final action scene because I would be too lost with all the baggage that surrounds it. It would definitely draw back from the initial punch I imagine is intended every single time that the murderer is confronted. Then, of course, comes the minute epilogue that Rowland concludes with at the very ending that leaves you craving for the next book in the series, because she does answer the last conflicting nuggets that are left tickling the back of your head, but it really leaves you with only more questions that could only be answered through the gradually growing series.

I greatly anticipate the fourth book in the Kara Gillian series, if only to see where exactly the big unveiling at the end of Secrets of the Demons leads to.

Grade: B-(less)

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Feb 20, 2011 Bookmom rated it 5 of 5 stars

Kara Gillian is a homicide detective in small town Beaulac, LA who has a little secret and advantage over her fellow investigators. She has the ability to sense and shape arcane magic and can tell when it's been used on victims; and she can summon demons for information or help. Of course she has to keep this a secret as most don't know the arcane exists. Because of her abilities, she's also on a special FBI task force that investigates crimes using the arcane.

A goth singer is kidnapped and thro...more

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Jan 21, 2011 Schnaucl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, january, owned, read_2011, series, urban_fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I thought this was a mostly solid book. The final revelation was certainly a surprise to me.

I think the addition of the new cast member should be interesting. I'm very, very glad she's female and not yet another male for Kara to angst over.

Here's my thing with the Rhyzkahl situation. Why, exactly is she falling for him? He's hot and the sex is great. Okay, fine. He also clearly has no problem terrifying her if she does something he doesn't like. I fail to see what's attractive about a mate who...more

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Jan 18, 2011 Holly McLaughlin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

I really liked the first two books in this series, and this particular one was just all right in my opinion.

Despite murders happening left and right, it felt very slow and like not a whole lot happened right up until page 240 or so. The ending really picked up the pace and was more of what I was looking for, but otherwise the book just kind of sauntered along at a leisurely pace.

Some of the slang/dialogue was off, and I think that authors need to be really careful of this. "For the win" never,...more

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Jan 16, 2011 Chelsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, urban-fantasy, favorites

Wow! I absolutely loved this book and the series. I found the plot to be very nicely balanced and the pace was just right, not too slow and not too fast. I really liked the subtle integration of the detective work and the arcane side of things as well. Very nicely written!

My only complaint would be that I felt like I didn't get to see Rhyzkahl in the picture very much, to me he was the tempting morsel that kept me going throughout the books. I think that the relationship between Kara and Rhyzkah...more

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Jan 12, 2011 Sharon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-fantasy

First off I am a huge fan, love the character & world Kara inhabits.
Throughout the book Kara is chasing her tail, trying to solve a series of murders that leave a muddy & puzzling trail.
There are also demon politic machinisations stewing in the backround that continue to harangue & worry Kara & more questions spring up than answered.
Because the author has done a very good job on her sub-plots & characterisations I found I did not care at all whether the murders where solve...more

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Jan 10, 2011 Kat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: format-ebook, 2011-release, who-nook

This series just keeps getting better. I'm usually not interested in books with too much of a murder/mystery going on but this has just enough to make it interesting without irritating me.
The attacks (& the mystery of who is causing them & why) plays a bigger part of this book than in the previous two. This book does continue stringing along some of the side mysteries of the who and why of several of the main characters but it's not the point of the book. I liked this one a lot more than...more

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Jan 08, 2011 Jennifer Lavoie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: person-library, fantasy, urban-fantasy, books-to-read-over-and-over

I love this series! I was disappointed at first that the style of the cover art changed - I thought it was beautiful before - but it doesn't matter. This book was well worth the torturous year-long wait. I don't know if I can hold out for the next one, though!

This book exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds. Rhyzkahl had many layers added to him, as did Zack (oh man, Zack...) and Ryan (can he be who I think he is?). Eilahn is a great new addition as well. I liked her a lot, though I was d...more

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Jan 07, 2011 Kt from A Book Obsession.. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hardcopy

Kara and the rest of her "task force" are given a job to guard a band because they have received demonic threats, or so they claim. Kara doesn't think the threat is real, so imagine her surprise when something does snatch the lead singer off the stage. It isn't a demon, but it reeks of the Arcane. When a string of murders pop up that have that same Arcane reek, she knows she has to get to the bottom of. Meanwhile, Kara is still bound to the Demonic Lord, Rhyzkahl, and she must keep up her end of...more
Kara and the rest of her "task force" are given a job to guard a band because they have received demonic threats, or so they claim. Kara doesn't think the threat is real, so imagine her surprise when something does snatch the lead singer off the stage. It isn't a demon, but it reeks of the Arcane. When a string of murders pop up that have that same Arcane reek, she knows she has to get to the bottom of. Meanwhile, Kara is still bound to the Demonic Lord, Rhyzkahl, and she must keep up her end of the bargain. Of course her partner agent, remains much of a mystery and also resents her for her tie to Rhyzkahl. The tension runs high between them, and the question is whether or not they can work it out for both their own and their job's sakes.

As much as I would have loved to see Kara and Ryan get together, things are really getting frustrating between them. He continually makes her miserable by being so hateful about her tie to Rhyzkahl which is ironic considering she only accepted the tie to save Ryan's life. He also should not be one to throw stones as he has powers and a past that neither of them understand. I realize he doesn't remember any of his heritage, or why the demons call him an oath breaker. I just don't think he should be so quick to judge when he doesn't even know who he truly is. I'm still holding out hope for the two of them, but only if she gains some confidence with him and he ceases his blind hatred of her choices.

Typically in a love triangle situation I have a clear picture of the guy I want to pick for the girl in the very beginning. I very rarely change my mind, nor do I usually have an issue with choosing. At the start of this series I would have picked Ryan hands down, over the demonic lord everyday. However, after reading this book, with Ryan's behavior and Rhyzkahl showing what could almost be called affection toward Kara. I'm actually having a bit of indecision between the two. I think for now the scales are still tipped in Ryan's favor because his caring for Kara doesn't seem to have an ulterior motive like Rhyzkahl, but I have a feeling it wouldn't take much for me to make the leap over towards supporting Rhyzkahl.

There are new dangers and risks that pop up during this book that kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a nice mix of the police case, personal issues, as well as furthering the overall story arc. There were several shocking revelations that I can honestly say I did not see coming. I really love books that have twists and turns that you never see coming, and this was definitely one of them. It also ends on a pretty big cliffhanger that makes me desperate for the next one. I really like the direction the series is going, and it looks like things are going to be pretty complicated in the future. For fans of the series, this book won't disappoint, and if you haven't checked this series out, I would highly recommend starting at the beginning, you won't regret it.(less)

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Mar 30, 2011 Marisa rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 07, 2011 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, kindle, keeper

Kara Gillian was once cop who was a bit of a hermit because she's a demon summoner; over the course of the series she's gained some friends, who know her secret (and she's now bound as a summoner to a particular demon, which causes some friction with a particular friend who she wishes was more than a friend...). In this book, she's learning how to deal with awkwardness of her 'human' relationships (and the demon she invites into her home once a month--which sounds like euphemism for something, b...more

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Sep 08, 2011 Cathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: angels-demons, fantasy, great-cover, magic-users, paranormal, read-in-2011, twitter-author, urban, mystery

4.5 stars, I just love this series. My favorite thing is that Kara is both a real woman and very firmly the hero of these books. She's a regular woman, not a superhero, she's vulnerable, gets her feelings hurt, gets frightened, eats comfort food, has a temper, is just totally real. And she doesn't turn to anyone to solve her problems. So many fantasy books, especially those with hot demons, have the heroine "forced" into letting the demon solve everything for her, and then she gets to be gratefu...more 4.5 stars, I just love this series. My favorite thing is that Kara is both a real woman and very firmly the hero of these books. She's a regular woman, not a superhero, she's vulnerable, gets her feelings hurt, gets frightened, eats comfort food, has a temper, is just totally real. And she doesn't turn to anyone to solve her problems. So many fantasy books, especially those with hot demons, have the heroine "forced" into letting the demon solve everything for her, and then she gets to be grateful to him and lovey dovey yada yada. Kara is gradually forced to ask Rhyzkahl for help, but it happens slowly and logically and she does have real doubts about his intentions, not showy doubts like in so many other books. And when she accepts help, it doesn't end up taking away her power, she's still completely fierce and the center of the story. The same thing goes for Ryan, and for her other work colleagues, when she works with people she works with people, but they don't overtake her.

I also like the character development across the series, including the supporting characters. For example, her sergeant, Cory Crawford, has had a good story arc of his own as he's gone from a bit of a hard ass to a caring guy and honest cop just trying to deal with this crazy stuff.

Another thing that makes the book and the series great is the details, they're perfect without being cumbersome. It's small things like when one of the bodies was found in the middle of thick bushes and Kara laughs when the coroner's driver shows up with lopping sheers but asks if anyone has a chainsaw; it's a brief moment but it shows the realism and the background that the author has both as a policewoman and as a morgue assistant to put moments in that just ring true. Also, I really appreciated that moment more because I recently read the author's My Life as A White Trash Zombie, a very different style book with it's young, sarcastic heroine, but also filled with a lot of heart, and it sure made me sensitive to the plight of morgue drivers!

Finally, I loved the cover, the publishers finally got it right by acknowledging that the books are about a kick-butt police woman and not paranormal romance. Kara is the star, it's intense urban fantasy with a romantic element, like most urban fantasy. I'm not saying that the demon isn't hot, because he is. Kara's having some fun with him too, woo hoo! And the triangle with Ryan is tense, if slow to build. But that's one aspect of the story only and I really appreciate that it's building slowly and really showing a great part of Kara's growth as this recently isolated woman becomes more experienced at juggling having dear friends, colleagues that she can depend on, and pretty serious romantic interests as well. I'm glad that the cover finally reflects that Kara is primarily a police woman who happens to be an arcane practitioner, and that the book is mostly about her trying to solve a case, not about her being sexy with someone as the previous two covers seemed to imply.

Long review, sorry! Summary - Kara's the center of the story and a terrific hero, read the books.(less)

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Jan 06, 2011 Wicked Lil Pixie (Natasha) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Kara Gillian, not only a Homicide Detective but a Demon Summoner, is once again right in the middle of it. What starts out as a routine case, threats to a popular New Orleans band, ends up being much more then she expected. On top of that, the FBI Agents she works on a task force with have secrets they aren’t telling her & Kara has been trying to get info out of them, but it’s like pulling teeth. Now she is finding out, things aren’t always what they seem or appear to be…..

In order to save o...more Kara Gillian, not only a Homicide Detective but a Demon Summoner, is once again right in the middle of it. What starts out as a routine case, threats to a popular New Orleans band, ends up being much more then she expected. On top of that, the FBI Agents she works on a task force with have secrets they aren’t telling her & Kara has been trying to get info out of them, but it’s like pulling teeth. Now she is finding out, things aren’t always what they seem or appear to be…..

In order to save one of those FBI Agents lives, Kara pledged herself as a summoner for a Demon Lord but he is expecting things in return, she just can’t figure out what he is up to. Considering they fall into bed, onto walls & kitchen tables whenever she summons him, it’s no wonder!

Anytime I finish a book & immediately turn on the computer to start typing the review, you know it’s one hell of a book. Diana Rowland did not disappoint with Secrets of the Demon….and boy there are all sorts of secrets!

Never mind, when I finished reading it I actually slammed the book down, cliff hanger endings are evil thus making Diana Rowland one hell of an evil writer. I love when I finish a book & wish it was longer, which is very rare but exactly how I felt about Secrets of the Demon! I want more, I need more!

The story really is up, down & all around. We are coming close to the closing of the main story arc, you can just feel it. But just when I thought I had a handle on things, they flipped upside down & left me totally shocked. Seriously, I think my mouth fell open & flies flew in! The world building is phenomenal, I could almost smell the rain in the air in a certain scene. There is still something left open that has Kara in need of protection, god only knows what is up with that.

The relationship between Kara & Lord Rhyzkahl is a weird one, it’s hot & intense but Kara still knows better then to trust the Demon Lord. Even worse, is the trust issues Kara is having with Ryan though thats a whole confusing mess that I would love to tell you about but I don’t want to run the risk of spoiling it for you, because all sorts of weirdness happens on that front!

I crown Diana Rowland Queen of Paranormal Police Procedurals. Secrets of the Demon was a fabulous roller coaster ride that by the end, left me flushed & wanting more of that thrill ride!(less)

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Jan 10, 2011 Stacy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blo...

TALK ABOUT ENDING WITH A BANG!! I need the next book NOW. Seriously SECRETS OF THE DEMON was beyond fantastic, I was glued to the pages every chance I had to read. Kara is hilarious, I love her snarky comments and replies, I busted out laughing quite a few times. Rhyzkahl doesn't make as many appearances in SECRETS OF A DEMON but when he does he has me seeing a totally different side of him. The tension between Kara and Ryan continues to be unb...more

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Jan 07, 2011 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Diana Rowland's latest Secrets of the Demon is a MUST read! Her Kara Gillian series is just amazing!!! I totally love it from beginning to end and that goes for all 3 books! And just a quick note for those new to the author this is a series where you need to start with book 1, Mark of the Demon followed by Blood of the Demon.

Secrets of the Demon takes Kara on quite an interesting case involving rock stars, or rising rock stars. Someone is out to destroy the rising band, offing off the members on...more Diana Rowland's latest Secrets of the Demon is a MUST read! Her Kara Gillian series is just amazing!!! I totally love it from beginning to end and that goes for all 3 books! And just a quick note for those new to the author this is a series where you need to start with book 1, Mark of the Demon followed by Blood of the Demon.

Secrets of the Demon takes Kara on quite an interesting case involving rock stars, or rising rock stars. Someone is out to destroy the rising band, offing off the members one by one. No one knows why either, so it's up to Kara, Ryan and Zack to solve the case since there are supernatural elements involved. Creatures that Kara has never seen before.

The story was paced wonderfully in my opinion. The case builds itself up very nicely so that it soon escalates into total chaos where you're not sure who the murderer is and the plot gets complicated in that matter for Kara is afraid she will have to leave behind her cop senses and bring forth just her survival skills.

There is still just the thickest layer of romantic tension between Kara and Ryan and it's driving me crazy!! They are still at the "friends" stage, but like I said the tension is so thick a knife wouldn't be able to cut through it! You'd need a chainsaw!

And there were quite a few surprises as well. Those were really surprising and only wants me to know more about it, but alas the book ended without my questions, or Kara's for that matter, being answered. And there is one devious little cliffhanger, so be forewarned. I was just warned earlier this morning so I was expecting it, but still the shock always hits hard! Damn those cliffhangers. I hate and love them!

Rhyzkahl--hate spelling that name! Diana must use the auto-word format thingy when typing!, is still there and ever seductive. He has his own plans and whatnot going on that I still can't figure out. And neither can Kara. I still have trouble believing his intentions and advances toward her are sincere, Kara feels the same as well at times, but she still enjoys his...company. So while the romantic tension between her and Ryan was only mildly satisfying, there's still romantic activities between her and Rhyzkahl to be had that were quite intense!

Overall this was a fantastic read! My favorite in the series so far, what will all the surprises! Definitely have to give this one 5/5 stars!! Truly amazing!(less)

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Jul 19, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 26, 2012 Nina rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: people who love to read about demons

Shelves: a-3-stars, adult, american-setting, badass-villains, contemporary, demons, favorite, fbi-cia-agents, hot-men-i-wish-were-real, hot-heroes, kickass-heroines, magic, mystery-and-investigation, paranormal-romance, series, wizard-and-witch

Kara Gillian reminds me so much with Kate Daniels, but after reading three books I've got the impression, well, okay, I like Kate better. While Kate is a mercenary and her fate is clear that she'll be with Curran, but Kara still hanging on a thread. She feels things toward Ryan Kristoff, but she has the hots to the Demonic Lord, Rhyzkahl. And after three books, I couldn't put my finger on who the hell will she choose.

After pledging herself to Rhyzkahl, Kara summons him once a month so Rhyzkahl c...more

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Dec 08, 2011 Kristina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review

Kara is a demon summoner. In this book she finds herself working closely with Ryan(whom she secretly can't decide if she loves him) and Zack, both special agents with the FBI. Their relationship is a struggling one. he hates demons..and kara just can't figure out why. They are working on a task force together to "investigate financial crimes". Though that is not really all the task force does. It takes care of all the crimes that are "wierd". So in this book they are trying to find out who or wh...more

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Does Rhyzkahl actually care about Kara?Or is Ryan perfect for her?	13	80	Oct 13, 2012 12:59pm
Kara Gillian: Secrets of the Demon - Discuss Spoilers	1	11	Sep 08, 2012 03:25pm
The origin of the demon summoners	6	22	Jun 26, 2012 01:46pm

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About Diana Rowland

Diana Rowland worked as a bartender, a blackjack dealer, a pit boss, a street cop, a detective, a computer forensics specialist, a crime scene investigator, and a morgue assistant, which means that she's seen a lot of weird crap. She won the marksmanship award in her Police Academy class, has a black belt in Hapkido, has handled numerous dead bodies in various states of decomposition, and can't ro...more

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Quotes from Secrets of the Demon

“When did I turn into a needywhiny angsty idiot who needed to be swept off her feet? She snorted then started running again, forcing me into a brief sprint to catch up. We're conditioned from birth she said. I swear to god,if I ever have a daughter I'll ban all of the Disney princesses from the house. Except Mulan. She kicks ass.” — 37 people liked it

“I told him about me being a summoner, and what that entailed. At the end of he simply gave a long sigh. “Why couldn’t you simply be an alcoholic like all the other detectives?”
I grinned. “Demon summoning has less vomiting!” — 22 people liked it

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