Lara Mayhew held her cell phone to her ear, trying to reach her friend Meg as she hurried along the length of the National Mall. ~ Opening of The Silenced
The Silenced (Krewe of Hunters #15) by Heather Graham
The Silenced (Krewe of Hunters #15) by Heather Graham
Mira, 2015
Crime Fiction (Paranormal/Romance); 352 pgs
From Goodreads:
Lara, a congressman's media assistant, suddenly quits her job—and disappears on the way to her Washington, DC, apartment.
Novice FBI agent Meg Murray, a childhood friend of Lara's, gets a message from her that same night, a message that says she's disillusioned and "going home." To Richmond, Virginia. Meg discovers that she never got there. And bodies fitting Lara's description are showing up in nearby rivers… Could she be the victim of a serial killer?
Meg is assigned to work with special agent Matt Bosworth, a hard-nosed pro in the FBI's unit of paranormal investigators—the Krewe of Hunters. They trace the route Meg and Lara took more than once in the past, visiting battlefields and graveyards from Harpers Ferry to Gettysburg. Places where the dead share their secrets with those who can hear… As Meg and Matt pursue the possibility of a serial killer, they find themselves in the middle of a political conspiracy. Is there a connection? And who—besides each other—can they trust?
Coincidence can be a funny thing. Having recently read The Mapmaker's Children by Sarah McCoy, which takes place, in part, during the Civil War, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Heather Graham's latest novel, The Silenced, ties into the Civil War too-sort of. At least, the two novels share similar settings with historical ties to the locales.
In some ways, The Silenced is my favorite of the Krewe Hunter books I have read so far. Although this is book #15, I have really only read 3 books in the series, all of them in the later half of the series. These books stand alone well, with two new main characters featured in each book. This particular book had more of a thriller feel to it than the cozy feel that past books have had. For those not familiar with the series, The Krewe Hunters are an elite division of the FBI whose members are specially gifted, often with the ability to see and communicate with ghosts.
As I am finding with this series, I am most enamored with the historical aspect, especially the history of the various locations that the novels take place. In The Silenced, Civil War history is at the forefront, and Graham weaves the history with the mystery quite well, referencing the political thoughts and changes at the time, some of which are relevant today. She doesn't do it in a heavy handed way at all--it's actually quite subtle.
The author does a good job of capturing the nuances of the newly formed partnership between the two main characters, especially with both of them not exactly happy about the idea. I liked the interplay between Meg and Matt, one the overconfident newbie and the other the slightly arrogant "old timer". They play off each other well, at first in a defensive sort of way and then later in a casual joking manner as they grow more comfortable with each other. I admit to not completely buying into the romance aspect of the novel though--I worried that it was more a case of a traumatic experience bringing two people together, and I wonder if it can possibly last.
My favorite character in the novel by far is Killer, who, if you read the book, you will get to know soon enough. Anyone who knows me well though won't be surprised.
The mystery itself was interesting. Politics play a large part over the course of the book and how that may or may not tie into the serial killings is a big part of it. Although I had an idea of what direction the novel would take, I was only partially right in terms of the ending--and even then I wasn't completely sure. The Krewe Hunters is a fun series, and I enjoy the interactions the characters have with the ghosts and the history behind the settings the various books take place.
Source: Review copy provided by publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
© 2015, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
This sounds like an intriguing read, with the historical setting and the mystery and all. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it. I need to check out this series by Heather Graham.
ReplyDeleteMelody - I really enjoyed it. I hope you do give the series a try some time, Melody. They are fun reads for when you don't want anything serious.
DeleteI keep meaning to try this series. I think I have the first book. I'd enjoy the historical aspects as well. You made me want to read it, Wendy. Good job!! LOL
ReplyDeleteKay - Anything to promote reading. Haha! I hope you enjoy the series when you give it a try.
DeleteI've only read one of Graham's books (The Night Is Forever) and found it a light and entertaining read. It worked fine as a stand alone,and I was surprised at how many books were in the series!
ReplyDeleteJenclair - Yes, it's a nice diversion when you want something on the lighter side. These books do have a cozy feel to them to some extent, although this one less so than the others I have read so far.
DeleteHm, I don't always like historical settings but you've piqued my interest. I may have to try this series.
ReplyDeleteKathy - It's a fun series. I know you don't much care for the paranormal, but other than the ghosts, it's pretty light in that respect.
DeleteI really need to try this series soon. I was just reading Lisa's thoughts on one of the books and now yours. Maybe I should just go ahead and put the first one on hold at the library. Great review!
ReplyDeleteSamantha - I saved Lisa's review but haven't read it yet. I need to go and do that now that my review is up. :-) You can pretty much jump in anywhere with the series (there's no over-reaching story line from book to book), but I understand the desire to start at the beginning.
DeleteGreat review! I can't resist a suspense novel in which the killer is my favorite character. :-)
ReplyDeleteTruth be told, Killer isn't the actual killer--that's just the name of the dog in the story. He's a great character. :-)
DeleteI really enjoyed this one as well and the historical element is my favorite part of the series. The Hexed is still my favorite so far but I never can resist a Heather Graham!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I can't resist her books either. :-) I have The Forgotten here somewhere and hope to get to it soon.
ReplyDelete