Phantom Evil (Krewe of Hunters, #1) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Jan 23, 2017 Lisa Kay rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: zzcover-green, challenge-2017-rlftci, authors-h, authors-g, m-library-sf-e-book, genre-romance-suspense, buddy-read-rlftci, series-k

Bourbon Street sign - note the Mardi Gras beads!

★★★½☆ (This is a review of the audiobook.) I like Jeff Cummings’s narration of this one. I’ve heard him before and have had no major complaints; however, I don't think he is quite as creative with the voices this time and his Southern accent is just adequate. *shrugs* He has nice pacing and inflection, but I found myself wondering if he doesn’t switch the voices/accents of the characters a time or two. Being a man with a

Bourbon Street sign - note the Mardi Gras beads!

★★★½☆ (This is a review of the audiobook.) I like Jeff Cummings’s narration of this one. I’ve heard him before and have had no major complaints; however, I don't think he is quite as creative with the voices this time and his Southern accent is just adequate. *shrugs* He has nice pacing and inflection, but I found myself wondering if he doesn’t switch the voices/accents of the characters a time or two. Being a man with a deep voice, he doesn’t do a fabulous job on the female characters, but at least they aren’t falsetto.

I haven't read a HG book in decades and I quite enjoyed this start to the series. So much so, I am tempted to jump right into the next in the series... There were times I almost gave it five stars, but I believe it needs a bit of tweaking in a few spots, and a bit more character development (there are some inconsistances), especially of the secondary characters, to get it that high a rating. (view spoiler)

I can’t say there was “insta-lust” in this one, because Jackson and Angela’s first encounter with each other was anything but romantic! It is so horrible, appalling, scary, and funny, all of which makes it very memorable. I can certainly picture it in my mind’s eye. LOL! But the lust comes relatively soon afterwards. And, lucky for us, there is certainly chemistry here between the hero & heroine.

The ambiance and charm of New Orleans’s French Quarter - with its ghostly, historic mansions - in contrast with Bourbon Street’s rowdiness at night, is very nicely done. There is a lot of mystery, a hint of voodoo, plenty of phantoms, and a plethora of suspects in Phantom Evil. Though Jackson wouldn't like the label, his fledgling team are pretty much “ghostbusters,” AKA paranormal investigators. I don’t want to spoiler things for other readers, but (view spoiler) ...more

14 likes · Like · see review

Mar 14, 2011 April rated it liked it

Shelves: don-t-own, mystery, read-in-2011, paranormal-supernatural, ghosts, mc-with-special-talent-s

Jackson Crow, an investigator in the Behavioral Sciences Unit in DC has been on leave since his last assignment ended in the tragic deaths of 3 team mates. Adam Harrison, a government insider (working either alone or unofficially), especially in cases of "extreme weirdness" offers Crow a job heading up a new team, and their first case takes them to a New Orleans mansion with an infamous past that is supposedly haunted. Most recently, Regina Hollow, wife of the well-liked Senator Holloway, fell Jackson Crow, an investigator in the Behavioral Sciences Unit in DC has been on leave since his last assignment ended in the tragic deaths of 3 team mates. Adam Harrison, a government insider (working either alone or unofficially), especially in cases of "extreme weirdness" offers Crow a job heading up a new team, and their first case takes them to a New Orleans mansion with an infamous past that is supposedly haunted. Most recently, Regina Hollow, wife of the well-liked Senator Holloway, fell from her bedroom balcony to her death. Crow's team - a motley crew from all walks of life and interests, but all with special gifts of their own - is given the task of proving or disproving the existence of ghosts in the house and figuring out the mystery behind Regina's unexpected death. With no lack of suspects - including a cult and a group of Aryans, Regina's death may not be all that it appears.

I found the whole premise of the book intriguing. I love books set in New Orleans' mansions, especially the haunted variety. The house has a very interesting history that slowly unfolds as you read, and I loved other aspects of the story as well - namely the romance that builds between two of the characters. I also enjoyed learning about each of the team members and what their specialties were and seeing them all become fast friends. It had all the elements I usually love in a story.. but for whatever reason, and I really can't put a finger on it, I just had a hard time getting INTO the book. It took me longer to read than it normally would have, and that's when I realized I was having trouble keeping focused on it. There are really no obvious flaws to point out, nothing that I hated; so I think it was just a case of me reading it at the wrong time. I learned that this is the first in a new series, and I will be reading the second book, because I did like all the characters, and I hope that the next book will be a little more action packed and hold my interest a little more.

All in all, I give this one 3 stars because I did like it, it just wasn't the fabulous book I was expecting from the premise. However, this is the first Heather Graham book I've read and I do plan on reading her other books, and I recommend this book for anyone who loves a mystery - or books set in New Orleans.
...more

Like · see review

Oct 27, 2011 Joyce rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, paranormal-romance, psychics, ghosts, paranormal, louisianna, romance, suspense, romantic-suspense, gothic

I really enjoyed this one. The interaction between the "Krewe" was fun and enjoyable. I really enjoyed that Angela and Jackson are the main characters despite being around lots of younger people. This is the beginning of a series and I am looking forward to more of this story. I hope the "Krewe" doesn't change too much and that we can get some continuing storyline between the people. ...more

Like · see review