Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

COLD FURY, the first book in a planned trilogy, mixes the mafia with espionage and a sprinkling of supernatural. Image the TV show Cake Boss–with actual mob ties–when an attempt to overthrow La Familia ends with one girl trying to stay alive long enough to solve a mystery that goes way beyond Al Capone.

The chronology of COLD FURY was a little unusual in that it starts near the end, then goes back way before the inciting incident and spends a good third of the book establishing characters and relationships. The writing is expressive, so this backstory section was interesting, but I was anxious to get to the on-the-run-from-the-mob part of the story. Learning about Sara’s boxing training, her first meeting with Max, the growing tension between her father and uncle, they were all important to the story, but I would have preferred to have them mixed throughout the book rather that weighing down the beginning.

Once the story caught back up to the present, all the secrets and clues left for Sara were fascinating. Hidden locations left over from the height of the Prohibition era like Capone Doors, the secret network of people who spring into action once certain phrases are spoken, and the notebook passed down that details everything. If even half of these are based on fact, it’s amazing. Added to that is the subtle supernatural Cold Fury, a mysterious ability that may trace back to ancient Egypt. I’m very interested in learning more about it in the next book along with seeing how the endlessly resourceful, and determined Sara embraces her heritage and seeks to stay one step ahead of the Outfit.

Sexual Content:
Kissing