by Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #18
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Between the evil and the deep blue sea…
A historic cruise ship, a haunted ship, the Celtic American Line's Destiny, sets sail from the Port of New Orleans—with a killer on board. He's known as the Archangel Killer because of the way he displays his victims in churches. And how he places a different saint's medallion on each body. No one knows exactly who he is or why he's doing this.
Jackson Crow—head of the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, a special unit of paranormal investigators—is assigned to the case, along with local agent Jude McCoy. Then Alexi Cromwell, who works in the ship's piano bar, is drawn into the situation when a victim's ghost appears to her—and to Jude. She and Jude share an attraction, and not just because of their mutual talent.
There are many suspects, but one by one they're ruled out… Or are they? In the end, Jude and Alexi have to rely on each other to catch the killer and escape his evil plans for Alexi.
Haunted Destiny by Heather Graham is the eighteenth book in the Krewe of Hunters series. These paranormal romantic suspense novels can be read as standalone. Each features a new couple and mystery. A cruise ship, tropical storms, and a killer in the Caribbean lent to an engaging murder mystery. I hope you enjoy my Latte review.
A Latte contains espresso, steamed milk and foam milk.
Caffeinated Latte of Haunted Destiny
- The Espresso: Graham delivered an interesting murder mystery. A serial killer known as the Archangel Killer has been killing woman along the coast and leaving them displayed at local churches. On each victim, he places a saint’s medallion. Sporadic killings and movement from city to city is making it difficult for law enforcement to capture this killer. The case was interesting, and brought us to New Orléans. The head of the Krewe of Hunters Jackson Crowe has been on the case since the first victim appeared to him as a ghost. Once again, Graham weaved in interesting details from the ship to the medallions. I always find these details to be fascinating.
- The Steamed Milk: In Haunted Destiny we meet some engaging characters. Our hero, Jude McCoy is an agent from the NOLA division of the FBI and assigned to work with Crowe. At the latest crime scene, he spots a suspicious onlooker and they soon give chase. They witness him board the Destiny Cruise ship as it prepares to depart the port of New Orléans. Jude’s success rate has caught Krewe’s attention and he follows Jude onboard. There is a sadness to Jude and I enjoyed getting to know him. Alexi Cromwell, New Orléans resident and musician is an entertainer aboard the Destiny. Alexi is gifted with the ability to see the dead and is friends with a cast of ghosts who travel the Destiny. She lost her fiancé and took on this contract to avoid the memories. She is clever and quite popular with crew and passengers. She ends up aiding Jude and Jackson. We meet many colorful characters on the cruise including ghosts, crew and passengers.
- The Foam Milk: Graham gives us a side dish of romance and I enjoyed time with spent with this couple. Both Alexi and Jude have suffered loss and for the first time in a long time the other awakens feelings in them. Their relationship started slowly, sure, there was attraction but the case was at the forefront. I liked that the romance built slowly as they learned to trust each other. The case took precedence in Haunted Destiny but page time with them was sweet.
Overall Haunted Destiny made a great Latte. The tale was smooth, bold and engaging. Being trapped at sea with a list of potential suspects was interesting, although at times I will readily admit to being bored. Suspects ranged from passengers to crew and Graham did a great job with red herrings and fleshing out suspects. The ending was climatic with ghosts aiding our couple followed by a moment that while incredibly cheesy, made me tear up a tad.
Come aboard Caffeinated's Latte review of Haunted Destiny by Heather Graham Share on X
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
I bought one of these after reading one of your reviews and I have yet to read it. Just part of the massive tbr pile. I used to read her probably when she was starting out a long long time ago-romances and romantic suspense, but honestly she wasn’t a favorite. You have me intrigued though with the killer being aboard the boat. But you saying it bored you at times is still something to think about. Love your Latte review!
kimbacaffeinate
I think because we are aboard a ship it caused some repetition.
Olivia
Paranormal crossed with mystery? I think that’s an interesting combination and one that can be hard to pull off perfectly well hehe :3 But it seems like this book does a pretty fair job at it in a way you could enjoy!
My recent book haul post: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2016/05/my-hoarding-catastrophe-ban-strength.html
kimbacaffeinate
This author and series is a favorite for me..Graham does really well mixing genres.
Karen Blue
I am so glad to hear that this is a stand-alone. I got this at BEA and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to understand what was going on. It looks like a good read. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Did you get it signed too? Yes, you can pretty much jump in anywhere with these 🙂
AngelErin
Whew 18th book! I really need to try this series already, even though it’s so long.
kimbacaffeinate
Thankfully you can really jump in anywhere.
Bookworm Brandee
I’ve never read anything from Graham. What?!? I know! I do like your mention of how she weaves in details AND I like the paranormal element. Haunted Destiny sounds like a pretty good read and I just happen to have a copy… 😉 Love this review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
You need to fix this situation STAT!
Sophia Rose
Why haven’t I tried this series yet? I must have noticed her name or the covers and book reviews, but in passing. I love crime thriller/paranormal blends so I have a feeling I’ll love them.
Glad you Caff Latte review caught my attention better. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Glad I could share, yes I can see you enjoying these Sophia!
The Bibliophile Babe
It sounds like a really fun mix!
kimbacaffeinate
It really was 🙂 thanks!
blodeuedd
I have never read her…I know!
kimbacaffeinate
You must try one.
Angela Adams
Heather Graham is one of my favorite authors! Thanks for the post!!
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, glad you love her too Angela!
cindy
I have read this series before and loved them! Great review thanks for sharing, this is my type of book:)
kimbacaffeinate
Glad to hear you are a fan too Cindy!
sherry fundin
Fabulous cover and anything by Heather Graham is a must read for me! I actually met her and got my photo taken with her at the RT Convention in Vegas. I was already out there for PBS and NAB and hadn’t paid attention to the date of the convention so I was very surprised to see it happening and had to attend.
kimbacaffeinate
I met her at BEA this year, and had this book signed. Such a wonderful lady.
Katherine
I love the Krewe series! It’s not flawless but so much fun. My very favorite are the ones where the characters can see ghosts so I’m really looking forward to this one.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, but I always manage to have a good time
Felicia GeekyBlogger (
I started this one but I am waiting on the audiobook to finish it 🙂 Cause Luke Daniels needs to be in my ear 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe.
Stormi
Can’;t wait to get to this one cause it will mean I am all caught up….lol. I am going in order and I am currently on book 9 and I only started last year so I am doing great..as I am half way thorough! 🙂 (This one is a treasured book though cause I got it autographed…lol.)
kimbacaffeinate
That is awesome! I was that way with a few series last year and now I have joined the ranks of folks waiting for the next release!
kindlemom1
I almost grabbed this the other day, I probably should have. I think I’ll check the library, I think her books would be great for over summer.
kimbacaffeinate
It would be a perfect summer read 🙂
Jenny
I’ve only read one book in this series but I absolutely loved it, so this is going to be a go-to series for me when I need something I know won’t disappoint. I probably should start at the beginning, but I like that these all work on their own too!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Jenny!
Angela
I’m so glad that you said these could be read as a standalone. I nearly accepted this one for review, but I was worried since I was so late into the series.
kimbacaffeinate
Completely, some of them are trilogies within the series, but even then they work on their own.
Tyler H. Jolley
Great, even review, Kim. I’m so glad you introduce me to Graham. Her work always appeals to me.
kimbacaffeinate
They are a lot of fun Tyler.
Debbie Haupt
Thanks Kim for the great Latte! I haven’t read this series in a while and think I’m ready to pick it up again. I like the being trapped at sea concept reminds me a little of Agatha’s And Then There Were None. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo love that book!
Mary Kirkland
Wow, it’s been forever since I’ve read one of her books. I really need to start reading her gain, I loved her books.
kimbacaffeinate
I have fun with them Mary.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I’ve heard so many amazing things about Graham, but I have yet to pick up one of her books, which is a shame. She reminds me a bit of Nora, what with the paranormal mystery and the lovely romance. Seeing as I adore Nora Roberts, I’ll certainly give this a try.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, Nora is a wonderful comparison, although I am not a fan of her standalone novels. My favorite trilogy from Graham is Bone Island trilogy..