by A.J. Scudiere
Series: Forensic Files: Under Dark Skies #1
Genres: Crime Fiction, Paranormal, Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
In NightShade nothing is as it seems . . . Eleri Eames didn’t think she’d ever be allowed to work for the FBI again, so the special FBI division of NightShade seems like an amazing opportunity. But all too soon, her chance to start over starts to disturb her. When the FBI offers Donovan a chance to leave his job as a medical examiner and try his hand at something new, he takes a chance on the NightShade division. Somehow, he has to try to escape from his shadows, but can he trust Eleri with the truth? Thrown together on their first case, Eleri and Donovan must deal with a charismatic cult leader and his true-believers. The cult is mixed up with several decade-old kidnapping cases and the missing daughter of a prominent FBI Agent. As Eleri and Donovan dig deeper, they discover that NightShade’s mysteries aren’t coincidence. Their secrets will save them . . . or destroy them
What a delightfully interesting beginning to a series Under Dark Skies, by A.J. Scudiere turned out to be. This is the first book in the Nightshade Forensic Files series. At its heart the story is an FBI thriller but Scudiere weaved in paranormal elements within this special unit of the FBI.
We meet Eleri Eames as she is waiting outside of a psychiatric hospital. On her last case, her insight into the killer found her being detained as a possible accomplice. She has just learned the FBI has assigned her to the NightShade division and secured her release. Donovan a former medical examiner has just completed his training at Quantico. Eleri is appointed lead and the two are assigned their first case.
The case focuses on a secluded cult and their leader. They are believed to be responsible for several kidnapping cases and most recently the abduction of an FBI agent’s daughter. As the two dig deeper and get to know each other each notices odd things about their partner. For example, while on recon Donovan wearing a GPS device, clocked thirty-two miles an hour. Was it a glitch? Instinctively Eleri knows who to question and where to search for clues. None of these things quite add up and the NightShade division may just be more than either of them expected.
From the mysterious NightShade division to the characters, I found myself slipping right into this case. The tale was well balanced and the paranormal elements had a plausibility to them. It is somewhat how I imagine those different from us living among us. The procedural aspect was not overwhelming as NightShade follows its own guidelines. Any forensics was light on procedural details and focused more on the abilities of certain characters. I loved that the focus was on the case itself and it read like an FBI thriller. The concept of this special FBI division is not a new one, just look at the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham but Scudiere adds twists and I quite enjoyed it.
It took me a little time to connect with Donovan and Eleri. Given the burden/secrets they have been carrying, it was understandable. There is no romance in this novel, although one could develop going forward. I am curious to see if we will get to know other members of this unit and the cases, we will encounter.
Because the paranormal elements are, low-key Under Dark Skies will make a lovely crossover book for those interested in trying an FBI thriller and those wanting to dabble a little in paranormal. I myself am looking forward to reading the next case.
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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Bookworm Brandee
I used to read thrillers like this often, but not so much lately. This sounds like a good one to jump into especially with the paranormal bent. Great review!
Paij Slater
There is something about reading about cults that just creeps me out. I love it. The brain washing and single minded thinking creeps me out. Silly…right? Cannot wait to read this :).. Great review!
kara-karina
I need to be back to AJ. I always enjoy her books very much because no matter what happens her plot always makes sense.
Lorna
I usually like FBI books and add paranormal elements, that just makes it. But am wondering about the 3.5-think I will wait for one that gets 4 or above. Maybe. It does sound good though.
Rita
This sounds like fun! I like FBI books, Criminal Minds-type shows and sometimes a bit of paranormal. Good combo and I might give this a try.
Kris
I love paranormal crossovers, especially when they include a good mystery/crime. This sounds like a novel that I’d enjoy!
Lupdilup
Love the cover, love your thoughts, but I get excited with 4 cups or more or coffee just like in real life, I’m very curious tho.
Thank you Kimba 🙂
Chelsea
I just finished this book too! I loved it! I’m actually really excited to see what happens next. Great review 🙂
Katherine
Something about the way I glanced at this picture in my feed made me think it said R.L. Stein which surprised me a bit! This does sound interesting and I like that the paranormal aspects are fairly light. I’m okay with there not being a romance. Sometimes in thrillers a romance just doesn’t fit!
MIchelle
The premise of this one looks interesting, and if there was some romance I would be more likely to give it a go., but i’m glad you enjoyed it.
Ramona
This one sounds delightful! The whole FBI agent let’s-solve-the-case thing doesn’t really speak to me, but add to it a sprinkle of paranormal happenings & clues and I’m your girl for the next 250 – 400 pages 😀 Really good review, Kimba.
Stormi
I must have this one. 🙂 Sounds great and right up my alley!
Lark
Interesting! It sounds like a series I would enjoy, but I think I’ll try the Heather Graham books first. [sigh] Why are there so many interesting books and so little time to read them all?!
Nikki-ann
This sounds right up my street! I’ve not read any paranormal fiction for a while, but I love thrillers, so I may just have to add this one to my reading list 🙂
kindlemom1
It is funny because usually this time of year I am all about the romance reads but right now I am so not! I am loving the darker reads and paranormal reads. I think I might like this one.
Laurel-Rain Snow
I love FBI procedurals…especially when we get to see the interior world of the characters. This one sounds really tempting!
Braine Talk Supe
Interesting… but you’re coffee cup rating is giving me pause. When I pick up books like this, I want it to be a solid 5. Like I want to have all the dark feels because average just won’t cut it.
Are you in FL now? Go get that wand, damn it!
Red Iza
Duly noted 😉 And I’ll be reading Krewe of Hunters in the coming months, I hope. Maybe I’ll borrow that one at the library.
blodeuedd
Maybe too low key for me
Melliane
Oh this one sounds so interesting! FBI paranormal thriller? I just love the mix and the story sounds really good too! I want to try! You always have many new books to me, that’s so much fun! Thanks for the review!