Synopsis:
A place of history, secrets…and witchcraft.
Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn’t be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina—her “crazy” great-aunt, who spoke to the dead—a woman was murdered nearby.
Craig Rockwell—known as Rocky—is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI’s team of paranormal investigators. He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods. Now another body’s been found in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle. And Devin’s been led to a third body—by…a ghost?
Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem’s rich and disturbing history. Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other, something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of. But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth—or Devin’s might be the next body in the woods.
My review:
The Hexed is author Heather Graham’s thirteenth novel in her Krewe of Hunters Series and can absolutely be read as a stand alone. Being intrigued by Salem and the practice of witchcraft I was excited to read this book. Ms. Graham delivered mystery, murder and history sprinkled with romance and a charming ghost. I loved everything about this story and didn’t want it to end!
Children’s book author Devin Lyle was accustomed to the allure surrounding Salem and her nearby town. She was knowledgeable of the history and knew a great deal about Wicca and the truths and myths about being a Wiccan. She wasn’t one herself but many of her fellow townspeople were as was her best friend. Now, residing in the quaint cottage her beloved Auntie Mina had left her upon her passing, she spent her days quietly writing and speaking to her aunt’s ghost. Yes, it was a bit startling to realize she wasn’t seeing things after all and her aunt was indeed here in ghost form, but I guess you could say stranger things have happened…maybe? The bigger problem now, however, was the nearby murder of a young woman and that it was appearing that someone was trying to make it look as though Wicca had something to do with it…and that it wasn’t a harmless worship of mother earth but something evil instead. Devin knew that couldn’t be true and was visited by yet another ghost who seems to be trying to lead Devin to the one responsible for the heinous crime. Would anyone believe a woman getting clues from a ghost?
Newly appointed to the Krewe of Hunters division of the FBI, agent Craig Rockwell (aka Rocky) was back in his hometown and investigating a murder that was eerily similar to one that had happened when he was a teenager. He would never forget that murder. A crime that took away one of his closest friends and one that made him realize he had the gift to see and hear ghosts. That crime was never solved and now, coming back to town, he vowed to bring his friend justice. With the help of old friends and his new unit, it seemed more possible now than ever and also proving to be invaluable was the help of an interesting and beautiful local author who had stumbled across the body. Turns out she has s similar gift with the departed and didn’t that just add to her intrigue. But he was here for official reasons and come hell or high water he will solve this case. Now, if only the murders would stop….
With more murders happening faster than clues coming in, Rocky has his hands full and with time running out the help he is receiving from Devin and her ghostly grandmother turn out to be invaluable. But when Devin seems to be in the killer’s sights, Rocky realizes his feelings for her are growing and he prays he can solve this case before someone else gets hurt…mostly Devin.
The Hexed weaves an amazing tale of modern-day Salem with the area’s tragic past while adding a murder mystery and a dash of romance. I was kept wondering about the identity of the killer until the very end, and it was a person I never expected. To me, that is the gift of a great read. There were bits and pieces along the way that would lead me one way but then throw my suspicion in another direction entirely. I loved that. Rocky had been haunted by his friend’s murder for far too long and now being back it has really pushed his resolve. Combining his childhood friends (which includes a local police detective and lawyer) who were united in their grief, with his new Krewe team members was fantastic to read. Rocky is a professional, a gentleman, and has one hell of a sense of determination. I loved reading him. Devin is fabulous as well. Smart and witty, she is loyal to her friends and has a deep connection to her town. I appreciated her willingness to lend a hand and help with the investigation. Of course, the connection that grew between Rocky and Devin was just as amazing as every other aspect of this story.
I have to say, though, what I loved most was the way Ms. Graham made me feel as if I were a part of all of it. As if I was actually there in the cottage with ghostly Mina, Poe the raven and Devin. Every point was illustrated beautifully…even the history of the witch trials. I really adore that feeling and always appreciate when a book takes me away in such vivid ways.
Thank you, Ms. Graham, for a beautifully written suspenseful and mysterious story.
Four-and-a-Half Loves
Book links:
About the author:
Also published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell’s Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette’s Shadows, and for Harlequin’s mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children’s charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
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