by Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #20
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
They say it's about the journey, not the destination…
Charlene "Charlie" Moreau is back in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to work on a movie. One night, she stumbles across the body of a Civil War reenactor, the second murdered in two days. Charlie is shocked to learn that her father—a guide on the Journey, a historic paddle wheeler that's sponsoring the reenactment—is a suspect.
Meanwhile, Ethan Delaney, new to the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, is brought in on the case. He and Charlie have a history of their own, dating back to when he rescued her from a graveyard—led there by a Confederate ghost!
Charlie arranges a Mississippi River cruise so she and Ethan can get close to the reenactors, find out who knows what, who has a motive. They discover a lot more as they resume the relationship that ended ten years ago…but might die, along with them, on the Journey.
Darkest Journey is the twentieth book in Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series, but each book contains a new murder-mystery and romantic couple. Civil War reenactors, a second chance romance, history, and ghostly intervention await you Darkest Journey.
Graham begins Darkest Journey with a flashback involving Charlie as a teen, and right away, I was hooked. It also shares the connection between Charlie and FBI agent Ethan Delaney.
Charlene “Charlie” Moreau is an actress helping an old friend film a movie in St. Francisville, Louisiana when she discovers a body. When she believes she hears the dead speak to her, she requests Ethan’s services as a member of the Krewe of Hunters.
The murder mystery was interesting and I enjoyed not only tagging along as we gathered clues, but Graham also treated us to history about events and people during the Civil War. I always enjoy this added layer to these modern tales. A Confederate ghost, who once saved Charlie years ago, comes to their aid and I enjoyed the flashback scenes particularly on the Mississippi River cruise.
A second chance romance was served as a side to the murder mystery. Graham shared the history between Ethan and Charlie allowing me to connect. Charlie’s father and his engagement with Ethan kept things interesting. Graham provided heat, but keeps things mostly fade to black.
This novel loosely ties to the previous books Haunted Destiny and Deadly Fate, as key characters (couples) aid Charlie and Ethan. However, Graham reacquaints us quickly and Darkest Journey will stand on its own.
I thoroughly enjoyed Darkest Journey, although I felt the ending was a tad rushed. While the case was closed, I felt Graham did a lot of tell not show to wrap up the story and romance. It felt abrupt leaving me disappointed after such a fun read.
Murder, ghosts and romance await you in the Darkest Journey 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
Literary Feline
I’ve read a few books in this series and really enjoy it. While not favorites per say, they’re such fun books just the same. I am looking forward to reading this one.
kimbacaffeinate
I know what you mean, they never make me top ten list, but I love curling up with them!
Laura Thomas
I meant to add that this is my favorite series too!
Laura Thomas
Oh boy! This is going on my Birthday Wish List ASAP! LOL I love her books and this promises to be another goodie!
Lark
I agree with you about the ending, but I enjoyed this one anyway. Especially the relationship between Ethan and Charlie!
kimbacaffeinate
They were fun together. Thanks Lark!
The Bibliophile Babe
20?! Now that’s dedication!
kimbacaffeinate
Yep, but there have been several different teams of Krewe and the books take place in different parts of the country.
ShootingStarsMag
This sounds like a good one! I like the added history of the Civil War. Sorry you felt the end was a bit rushed though.
kimbacaffeinate
The books take place in all different settings and the author weaves in local history.
Mary Kirkland
It’s been forever since I’ve read one of her books. I really must remedy that.
kimbacaffeinate
Thankfully you can jump in anywhere.
Rowena
I’ve only read one book by Heather Graham and I don’t remember much about that book. This one sounds good but above that, the series sounds like a good one. After 20 books, it would be really hard to keep the readers entertained but I’m glad to see that this one worked for you.
I hope you’re having a great week, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Different crews, settings and murders make it work Rowena
Debbie Haupt
Wow #20 I am so behind in this series. Yes that is one reason I have loved this series in the past because of her history lessons included for the price of the book. Thanks for the great review Kim, it looks like I’ve some reading to do!
kimbacaffeinate
I love them for that reason too, and love that they are all complete stories 🙂
Kristin
20 books and she’s still writing 4 cuppa’s?!?! That’s pretty awesome 🙂 I can see why a rushed ending would disappoint, then. After so many books, you kind of know what to expect.
I love your phrase “fade to black..” I’m always a tell me what happening kind of gal 😉 tee, hee….
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, yes the romance aspect is very mainstream, but then for me I care more about the mystery and details of these stories 🙂
Sophia Rose
I love the idea of the Civil War reinactment being the setting and ghosts from the past. Second chance romances tug me in, too. Sounds great, but bummer it smooshed it all in too quickly at the end.
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the setting too Sophia, and she added some nice details to the story 🙂
Angela Adams
One of my favorite authors. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
I love her paranormal series 🙂
blodeuedd
And I stilll have not tried anything by her
kimbacaffeinate
We do need to fix that 🙂
Leona
I absolutely love reading mysteries that are set in the south! I think that’s why I stuck with the Sookie Stackhouse series for so long. Even with the problems you faced with this story I’m glad it worked out for you in the end.
kimbacaffeinate
Within this overall series are trilogies and mini-series with particular crew members that are all set in the south!!
Paij Slater
#20??? 20? I can’t even 😉
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, they are work as standalone
Heidi
I like that you can read this as a stand alone because once a series gets in the twenty book range it feels daunting. I also like the sound of the Civil War era stuff.
kimbacaffeinate
Nope, there are trilogies and 4 book mini series within this series featuring a different crew or with a central theme like ships, but all work on their own 🙂
Rita
Heather Graham is always a good choice for a read, though I’ve only read a few of her books. And I enjoy books and shows about war or history reenacters.
Thanks for your thoughts. I wonder how long Ms. Graham will continue with this series, ,though. I’d like to see what other ideas she has up her sleeve if she started a new series 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am not a fan of her standalone novels Rita…lol
sherry fundin
Heather continues to put out books for my must read list. Sorry the ending was disappointing, but it sure won’t stop me from adding this to my reading list. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
She is an auto-buy for her series books for me, and yep even with the ending it was worth it 🙂
Jenny
Wow, this series is on book 20?! Impressive. I’ve read one of the middle books in this series and really enjoyed it, so I need to go back and read more! I love that each book stands on it’s own, even when loosely tied to previous books:)
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, each works as a standalone, although of the twenty books you will find trilogies and what not with the same FBI team or setting which is nice.
Katherine
That’s too bad about the ending but I have found Graham’s books a little inconsistent at times so I’m not shocked. However, they’re so much fun that I never hesitate to pick one up! This does sound interesting and I love the setting. I need to read Deadly Fate soon and then move onto this one. Not sure why I haven’t gotten to it yet as I really enjoyed Haunted Destiny.
kimbacaffeinate
I feel the same way Katherine 🙂
kindlemom1
I had no idea there are 20 books in the series, glad they all act as stand alone reads because otherwise, yikes! Glad this was a good one, even with the rushed ending.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, the series contains different crews, so some books are a trilogy or mini-series inside of the main series.
Nick
It’s so impressive that the author continues to write such terrific installments for the series. Now that’s talent! The murder mystery sounds great. It’s too bad about the ending though. I’m glad it didn’t take away too much from your enjoyment of the story!
Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
It really didn’t as the rest of the tale was strong 🙂 thanks Nick