by Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #13
Genres: Paranormal, Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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...
Hexed is the thirteenth book in the Krewe of Hunters paranormal mystery/romance series by Heather Graham. One of the things I love about this series is that each can work as a standalone. In Hexed, Graham took us to the Massachusetts’ area on the outskirts of Salem. An unsolved murder occurred thirteen years ago, and it looks like the killer is back. Romance, the witch trials and paranormal woo-woo made this tale a real page-turner.
The newest member of the Krewe of Hunters is Craig Rockwell, nicknamed Rocky. When a body is found that appears to be murdered in the same fashion as a friend he found back in high school, he requests to join the Krewe. Rocky grew up in the area outside of Salem, and his friend’s murder is what drove him to join the FBI. On his way to the local police department, he almost hits Devin Lyle, who has returned to the area after inheriting her great-aunt Mina’s cabin. Devin has just found another body and a ghost led her to it. Devin is former reporter who writes children’s book, and she may have inherited more than her Aunt’s cabin as a ghostly spirit has Devin and Rocky looking into Salem’s dark past.
We get to see older members of the Krewe and I loved the addition of Rocky. His back-story regarding the first murder was interesting, and I was fond of him. Devin was interesting, from her family history to the wonderful witchy children books she writes. The townsfolk were colorful and just how I imagine the locals to be. I love that Graham fleshed them out while weaving in the history of the witch trials.
High body count, ghostly aspirations and an interesting list of suspects have Devin and Rocky delving into the past and looking at local suspects. Graham knows how to spin a good yarn, and the atmosphere of the Salem area and its witchy background added an excellent layer of suspense, and tension to the Hexed. The romance that develop between Devin ad Rocky was the slow building, passionate romance that readers’ love. I easily connected to both and adored Devin. She is quirky, strong, and lives with a crow and her dead Aunt Mina! The execution of the mystery kept me guessing, with the twists and turns Graham weaved. The reveal was fascinating, and I always love discovering the why.
From the slow-building romance to the murder mystery, Graham had me hooked with Hexed. Fans of paranormal woo-woo and Salem history will love this addition to the Krewe of Hunters.
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
Lorna
Okay you got me! I used to read her books when they were all romances-a long long time ago. For whatever reason, I have never read a paranormal by her, but this one sounds like what I consider my favorite reads. Thanks for reviewing this 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I love her mix of mystery and paranormal suspense Lorna 🙂
Amir
For some reason, why I read woo-woo, I think of hoohaa which for me is another term for vajayjay. Lol. Anyway! I’ve read a few books by Heather Graham long ago. I don’t really remember much of it but your review really got me curious in trying her books out again. Will Check GR now 😀 thanks Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
:snort: dirty mind Amir? I really enjoy her books and hope you try them again.
Alisa Selene
I haven’t read any Heather Graham before but this one sounds really good 🙂 I like Salem history so it may be a good fit for me 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I love the Salem history too Alisa, I find the time period fascinating.
Christy
Curse you and your dang Heather Graham. 😛 I need to flippin’ read something by her again.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes you do. Netgalley has the next one..they all work as standalone
Ginny
I’m on the wait list for this one through the library eBook program. I think I am #6 on the list. You already know that I’m a big fan of this series and can’t wait to read this one. After reading your review I know I won’t be disappointed. It will be interesting to see how she weaves Salem’s history into the story.
kimbacaffeinate
I am so excited you are enjoying all of these. Graham gives me an enjoyable read every time.
Kay
I have heard of this author, but for some reason I never gave her books a second glance. Maybe I should change that. I could use a new paranormal/mystery romance series to read. I also like that they can read standalone.
kimbacaffeinate
I really enjoy them, and love that they balance, mystery, paranormal and romance.
Kim { Book Swoon }
Yay for Paranormal woo-woo! Thanks goodness these can be read as standalones. Do I need to check out one of the mini-series (division of the Krewe of Hunters) first or can I just dive in? Wonderful review, Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
You can dive right in Kim. 🙂
Lola
Oh I love books with ghosts (usually–then The Girl in The Well happened) so will check this out. Thanks for the review seems like a great read. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This is a fun one, and the ghosts are fascinating Lola.
LuAnn Braley
Oh great. Thirteen MORE books on my TBR list! Maybe Auntie Mina can help me! :O)
Seriously, it sounds like a thrilling read!
kimbacaffeinate
Thankfully each book can be read as a standalone and is divided into mini series of 3-4 books that feature one division of the Krewe of Hunters. This set begins with the Cursed.
Diana Leigh
I’m glad to hear these can be read stand alone. I can’t believe there are already 13 in the series!
kimbacaffeinate
I know right, but I love that we have met several different branches of the Krewe and solved mysteries all over the US.
Tanja
I love it when a series has a lot of books but you can read any you feel like reading. This one reminds me of some crime shows I like to watch only with a nice romance there. Sounds really good. Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Crime shows is a good way to describe them, but without the procedural details and a lot of woo-woo 🙂
Heidi
I had no idea this was part of a series. I was going to get a copy. I like the sound of the witchcraft and the setting and all that. I want to read more of this author.
kimbacaffeinate
Heidi, even those these all are Krewe of Hunter books they feature different teams, and every 3-4 books focuses on one team. Having said that..each and every one works completely as a standalone…so dive in!
Candace
I remember your other reviews for books in this series. I think it’s one I might enjoy!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I have read them all and they work as standalone
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I can’t believe this is book 13 and I haven’t even started yet! And this sounds precisely like my kind of thing. I don’t know when I’ll find the time, but I really, really want to. Salem, ghosts, romance and murder mystery? Sign me up!
kimbacaffeinate
They work as standalone, so feel free to jump in anywhere Maja!
Paij Slater
Boy am I glad you said each book can be read as a stand alone ;). I love series, but 13 wow…hehee! It sounds great though 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
These work as standalone and also break out into 3 and 4 books focusing on once branch of the Krewe in different locations like the south, Texas, the Keys etc.
Kris
Ooo… this sounds like a book I’d enjoy. I love paranormal books with a good crime / mystery element to it. I’m especially intrigued by the mention of witchcraft here. Adding this to my TBR list!
kimbacaffeinate
Kris, I enjoy Graham’s novels from start to finish and love that each contains a mystery. I loved the Wicca/witchcraft angle and perfect setting.
Sophia
13 books! O_O
I’ve always had a strange fascination with the Salem Witch Trials (and other not so great stuffs in history… like the sinking of the Titanic and WWII)
I think I’ve sneaked a peek into another Heather Graham’s books – I’m not sure which one though!
kimbacaffeinate
I am drawn to those periods in history too Sophia, and will watch documentaries and read about them whenever I can.
Jenea
For a series that has this many books and still has you hooked tells me just how good it is. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
She is clever with them, and they are broken down into different teams, settings, offices etc with each book focusing on one agent and their romance..plus a very good case!
Debbie Haupt
Kimba it’s good to know she can still kick paranormal butt!!
I can’t wait to read this one I love her!
kimbacaffeinate
I do too Debbie, I always know I am in for a good read,
Red Iza
Paranormal ? Secrets ? Witchcraft ? Ghosts ? I’m in ! Thanks for the review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
My thoughts Exactly!!
lupdilup
I met Heather Graham this year at RT, and she was such a lovely lady, I made a promise to myself to listen to some of her books, since you said these are OK as standalone, which one would you recommend starting with, what I’m asking is, which one is your favorite? This right here sound pretty good.
kimbacaffeinate
Ok..my favorite is the Bone Island trilogy. It is three books with the original crew. This book’s crew began with The Cursed, then this one Hexed, followed by the Betrayed in September.
Rita
I think–senior moment 🙂 — that I read a few books by this author many years ago. I know I haven’t read any recent ones but I’m not sure why. I think I was under the assumption that I had to read each and every one in order and it’s daunting. Glad to hear that you might be able to dive in anywhere and pick the story up. I do love stories about Salem and the witch trials. I was lucky to stop in Salem for a few hours on a long-distance trip, but hubby isn’t a fan of all this and I didn’t get an overnight intensive exploration of the area.
kimbacaffeinate
You can totally dive in anywhere with these Rita!
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
I had been wondering if I could read this as a stand alone. It really appeals to me, but I have so many other series I want to finish before starting new ones. I’m happy to hear that I can add this to my list 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
These totally work as standalone and actual have mini series in the whole series. (which focus on one branch of the Krewe and take place in different areas of US) I hope you dive in!
A Voracious Reader
Looks like I need to add this series to the roster. *eyes TBR dubiously* Hmmm…*pokes a book here, shoves a book there* I see this is going to take some time. lol
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, these are great, but you can dive in now and then go back.
Mary
Book 13? Wow. I haven’t heard of this series and it’s book 13. Sounds good, especially all that paranormal woo-woo. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
While it is 13 books, within those are 3-4 books that are based on one team. So you can jump in anywhere and feel at home.
Trish
What a fab cover! I love when books in a series can work as a standalone as sometimes the thoughts of starting a new series (especially such a long one) is intimidating. I am always fascinated by the awfulness of witch trials so I think this one sounds great. This is pure trivia but the last witch in Europe was burnt just a few miles away from where I work, it’s an awful story and gives me shivers. It was a 28 year old woman in 1895. Poor woman.
kimbacaffeinate
Within the 13 books are trilogies and sometimes four books dealing with one branch of the Krewe. So we get each team members romance and a mystery. However, they each work as a standalone, so you an jump in anywhere.
Nick
I’m glad to hear that this series is still going strongly for you, Kim! 🙂 You look like you’re having a ton of fun with it. I love the sound of the slow and passionate romance! It’s my favorite kind of romance as you know. 🙂
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
It is Nick she really mixes things up with different teams and characters. I love that each book is standalone
Katherine
I have this one and now I can’t wait to read it! I like that the romance is slow building as that was my main complaint with the previous book. Add Salem, ghosts and more info on the Krewe and this one just slid up my TBR list! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, I always have a good time when I open one of her books
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
I am now officially behind by 2 books DARN IT! I need to catch up *sigh*
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, it happens. I do love her books and know you will enjoy the last two.
Angela Adams
Heather Graham is one of the best when it comes to mystery and suspense. Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Angela, and I love how her series are mini series/trilogies within the whole and all work as standalone.
Rashika
Okay so I’ve had my eye on this series for a while now but have been slightly hesitant to dive in and you have me sold! I definitely need to pick one of the many books already in this series and SOON!
Fantastic review, Kimba! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo! You can dive in anywhere Rashika. Even though it is 13 books, it actually breaks down into 3-4 mini books based on one branch of the Krewe.
Silvia
Fantastic review, Kimberly! I love to know that each book can work as a standalone and I’m definitely going to add this to my list 😉
Melliane
It’s been a while since I read a book by this author but as I was a little mixed about it, I never tried more. But now many wonderful reviews are up for the others and I confess that I’m curious. I should try something else to see if it’s for me. This one sounds great. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I do not like some of her other books, but love this series.
Siiri
I’m so intrigued about Salem. Though I dare not watch the HBO show since it was too freaky and creepy for me ;______; I’m glad that the scenery was done well and you enjoyed the tension and suspence. Yay for a slow-building romance and a great heroine 🙂
Siiri @ Little Pieces of Imagination
kimbacaffeinate
I love reading/watching about Salem and witches Siri 🙂
blodeuedd
She sure has written plenty of books
kimbacaffeinate
She sure has, and they are all good 🙂
kindlemom1
Paranormal woo-woo, I love it! It has been way too long since I have read a book by this author.
kimbacaffeinate
I love her brand of romantic suspense wrapped in paranormal woo-woo Ali 🙂