by Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #12
Genres: Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
A haunted house in Key West. Hannah O'Brien, who grew up in the house and now runs it as a B and B, has always had a special ability to see a pair of resident ghosts. But when a man is murdered in the alley behind her place, she's dismayed when his spirit appears, too, asking for help. FBI agent Dallas Samson has a passionate interest in the murder, since the victim's a colleague whose death is connected to the smuggling ring known as Los Lobos—the wolves. Now Dallas is even more committed to chasing them down…. Unaware that Dallas has certain abilities of his own, Hannah calls her cousin Kelsey O'Brien, a member of the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, an elite unit of paranormal investigators. The present-day case is linked to a historical mystery involving salvagers, a curse and a sunken ship. Danger and desire bring Hannah and Dallas together, but to survive, they have to solve the mysteries of the past—and stay alive long enough to solve the crimes of the present!
The Cursed by Heather Graham is the twelfth book in the Krewe of Hunters series but work as a standalone. Each story contains one couple and one mystery to solve all wrapped in paranormal woo-woo. The Krewe of Hunters’ make-up a special unit of the FBI that deals with strange cases. Teams are located throughout the USA. As always, Graham allowed me to slip into the story and enjoy!
Five reasons to grab a cup of coffee and curl up with The Cursed
1. You love murder mysteries, hidden treasure and ghosts. The central theme is an undercover FBI operation and murder of an agent right outside a historic Bed & Breakfast. FBI Agent Dallas Samson believes the murder(s) are connected to a smuggling ring known as Los Lobos. The case was an interesting one with dark elements and sinister suspects. Graham shared the POV of the killer adding to the suspenseful vibe.
2. The setting- Set in the Keys, Graham takes us to a historic Bed & Breakfast and introduces us to the owner, Hannah O’ Brien. Hannah loves her B&B and the ghosts who inhabit it. I liked Hannah and her ghosts only added to the tale. Familiar streets, places and sights added to the authentic feel and made me long to visit.
3. You like your romance to be discreet and severed as a side dish. While the relationship that develops had a physical beginning she allowed it to slowly develop into something deeper. It felt genuine and did not muddle or overshadow the mystery. I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Dallas and Hannah.
4. You love old legends and historical deets. Hannah does haunted ghost tours and Graham took us on a few regaling us with local legends. I found all of these tales to be fascinating. The B&B ties into the legends making things interesting.
5. Paranormal woo-woo makes you smile. Graham gives her agent and Hannah abilities that allow them to see or communicate with ghosts. The ghost we meet and their stories were well done, and I enjoyed how they assisted in the case.
Heather Graham’s tales always delight, and I read The Cursed in two sittings. The pacing is well done, and the threads balanced. Twists and turns, dark suspects and dangerous moments kept me engaged. The Hexed is the next book in the Krewe of Hunters series and will release in July 2014.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Dani
I am not a huge fan of Heather Graham’s books. For some reason I just have a hard time enjoying them.
Evie
OMG! This sounds absolutely amazing! And totally right up my alley – especially the mystery and the hidden treasure part 🙂 Great review, Kimberly! I am definitely adding this one to my pile 🙂
Brittany
I hadn’t heard about this book until I read your post, but I’m itching to go pick a copy up for myself. What a great review. I like how you numbered the reasons why one should look into reading it. I always get so excited for summer (besides the warm weather) because of all the great summer reads. This is definitely going on the list. Thank you for the review!
Kathy
Great review! I read one of her books and really liked it. I don’t like scary books (or movies lol) but I’m glad I took a chance on Heather Graham. I have to check out this series!
Ginny
I read this one this month and I have review scheduled for the 27th. I really enjoy Heather Graham’s book for all the reasons you listed. Mystery, suspense, the paranormal woo-woo, with a backdrop of romance–all equal an enjoyable escape.
Lily B
I have not read her books yet, this series sounds right up my alley thought – I have to find book 1 first I think.
aurian
I so love her books! I will read this series someday too.
Stephanie
I have been wanting to start this series so much. Your review makes me even more anxious to get going. I love ghost stories and historical information. It sounds like Heather Graham does an excellent job of blending them all into a great story! I’ll be sure to be adding the first in the series to next month’s TBR pile!
Angela Adams
Heather Graham is one of the best there is at writing suspense. Thanks for the post!
Livia
So this pretty much sounds like pure win, as I see it.
blodeuedd
I should try this author one day
Heidi
I read my first Graham books a couple of weeks ago and liked it, I would definitely like to read more so this series is on my wish list. Hope you are back on your feet soon!
Candace
This one actually sounds right up my alley! I enjoy a lot of the elements you mentioned!
ShootingStarsMag
Oh this sounds great!! I like pretty much all those things you listed, and I appreciate when long series like this can be read as stand-alones.
Diana Leigh
Ooo, ghost tours. Fun! I’m glad to hear that these books can be read standalone.
Lauren
Murder mysteries, hidden treasures and ghosts? Yes please! And I’m thrilled there is a side dish of romance and paranormal woo woo 🙂 *adds to TBR pile* *is crushed by TBR pile when it finally collapses*
Braine Talk Supe
I’ve read a book from a spin-off of the series years ago. I have to say I do like her world and super characters, they certainly deviate from the stereotypes.
Melliane
wow book 12? It’s impressive. I think I actually have read a book in French in this series, the only one by the author. I liked it but it wasn’t extraordinary so I didn’t read more. Maybe I should try again because this one sounds really good. thanks for the review.
Jenea
Paranormal woo-woo, murder and the Keys all sound like a good mix to me. Great review.
Debbie Haupt
Thanks Kimba, I love Graham and this one goes on the pile
Carmel
I’m glad to hear that these books can be read as stand-alones because having to catch-up on 12 installments is super discouraging. So, bring on the paranormal woo-woo!
Nick
Great review, Kim. I’ve only read one book by Heather Graham but it was great. I need to read more because I miss reading murder mysteries.
kim { Book Swoon }
I’m SO glad that this series does not have to be read in order LOL, the number #12 would make me pass out! I have such a hard time reading books out of order, but since these are about various couples – I have no problem. As you know, I love paranormal woo-woo and a great setting/characters so I’m excited to check this book out. *Thinking, about book one* hmmm – Thanks for the great five breakdown, Kimba 🙂
Katherine
I have this one and am now so excited to read it! I was nodding along at all 5 of your reasons to read it! I’d kind of forgotten about it and it’d gotten buried in a pile of other books but it’s about to get pulled to the top.
Mary
In books like this, I do like my romance discrete and for the mystery to be the primary storyline. Plus, paranormal woo-woo! Woo-hoo!
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
I haven’t read this one yet. I am waiting for my audiobook copy to get here 🙂
Bea
I like the sound of this one; I might see if m y library has it. I also like this new review format.
Jessica
Oh, oh! I (FINALLY) just got the first two books in this series a couple of days ago! If you didn’t already know, I’m a complete nut about reading order, but now that I actually have them, I can’t wait to read them 😉
Naomi
Oh wow! This is definitely my kind of book! Mystery, paranormal and a slow developing romance! Fab review Kimberly!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Christy
Gah! I should’ve just jumped on it despite being the 12th book. I really need to start working on my issue of not being able to willingly read out of order.
kindlemom1
Okay I love how you did this review and you convinced me to pick up another one of her books. I have no idea why I put off some authors for some long, especially when I have read one of their books before and know I will like it.
Fun way to do a review Kim!