It is so nice to stumble upon an author and a book that you truly enjoy. "The Abandoned" is a wonderful book about a psychology grad student Ree Hutchins who volunteers at a treatment facility while working on her thesis. During her time as a volunteer she has come to enjoy the company of an elderly patient Miss Violet Tisdale. Violet has been in the facility longer than any staff member can remember.

One evening while Ree is reading to Miss Violet, she quietly passes away. While Ree attempts to compose herself she gets an odd sensation. One of the nurses asks her to deliver a package to the head doctor, Nicholas Farrante. This is when Ree overhears someone blackmailing the doctor and her curiosity gets the better of her.

That same evening, Ree wakes from her sleep in a graveyard halfway into a striptease for a stranger. He is a gentleman and does not take advantage of her confusion. He introduces himself as a paranormal investigator/ soon to be lawyer named Hayden Priest. Together they embark on a quest to unmask a series of deceptions, murder and mystery.

I loved this book because it reminded me of a good old fashioned 'who done it' but with a paranormal twist. Don't get me wrong, I love my vampires, weres, witches and other creatures but sometimes the story lines can get a little convoluted and simplicity can be a blessing. This book seems to be a prequel and I cannot wait to read the first book in the series, 'The Restorer.' Give this book a try, you will not regret it!