by Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #22
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
The witches, they are real...
A series of bizarre assaults is mystifying Boston police: an unknown attacker is viciously beating random strangers and leaving a note quoting an old warning about witchcraft. History professor Alex Maple was one of the victims, and now he's gone missing. Vickie Preston is certain that someone has taken her friend for malicious purposes. She's having blood-drenched visions that seem to be staining her waking life, and the escalating attacks suggest that a dangerous cult is at work behind the scenes—a cult so powerful that its members would rather die than be apprehended.
Vickie is grateful to have Special Agent Griffin Pryce and the FBI's elite Krewe of Hunters on her side. Vickie and Griffin are finding their way in an increasingly passionate relationship, and he's keeping her safe and sane amid the disturbing investigation. The search for Alex will take them deep into the wilderness of Massachusetts on the trail of a serial killer, where an ancient evil is waking.
DARK RITES by Heather Graham has us back in Boston, MA with Special Agent Griffin Pryce and Vickie Preston as Alex Maple goes missing. A dangerous cult, murder and missing persons have them sweeping the surrounding woods where an ancient evil is awakening. Suspenseful, dark and chilling Graham delivered a page-turning tale.
DARK RITES is the twenty-second Krewe of Hunters novel, but don’t let those numbers scare you. The books fall into mini-series based on location and Krewe members. This mini-series began with the previous novel DYING BREATH, and it is where most of the romance between Vickie and Griffin take place. While this is a paranormal romance, there
While this is a paranormal romance, we already have an established relationship, and Graham used that to lighten the darker tones of DARK RITES. We did get some hilarious moments between Griffin and Vickie which I thoroughly enjoyed. On a side note we do see other romances develop mostly off page, but again these lightened the tone.
Griffin and Vickie were supposed to be heading to Virginia, but a series of murders with notes have Griffin sticking around. The notes reference a Puritan man, who left and formed his own congregation. Some believe he worshiped Satan. When Griffin almost captures a killer, and then, history professor Alex Maple goes missing, Griffin begins to think they may have a dangerous cult in their midst.
Vickie concerned for her friend begins having visions in the form of nightmares. She thinks she hears Alex calling her and sees a young woman deep in the woods. All of this has the Krewe traveling into rural communities around the city. We even get to spend the night at Liz Borden’s house!
Graham always delights me when she weaves in historical tidbits from the past into her tales. This time we have the Puritans, Satan worshippers, unsolved murders, Lizzy Bordon and more. I loved seeing Vickie come into her own and watching them piece together clues from the past to help those in the present. A ghostly couple and a silent, spectral figure assist them, but it is Vickie who emerges as the hero in this story. The story built slowly, and as the pieces clicked into place, we moved into a suspenseful, nail-biting conclusion that freaked Griffin out as much as it did me.
The cryptic quote that seemed to foretell of an evil coming was quite smart and I was delighted by the way it all came together. For me, DYING BREATH and DARK RITES have been excellent stories in the Krewe of Hunter series. I am eager to get my hands on WICKED DEEDS which includes Edgar Allen Poe!
Missing persons, murder, ghostly apparitions and evil await you in DARK RITES #paranormal 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
Darlene
I do want to read this series but I figured it would be best to start at the beginning instead of jumping in just anywhere. I have only read one of Graham’s holiday romances and just loved it, so I want to try more. I like the sound of the paranormal elements to this series.
kimbacaffeinate
Nope, not necessary. In fact, I jumped in with the books set in Key Largo
Carole
I really need to read more of Heather Graham’s work. This sounds like something I would really like but I haven’t read any of the books in the series. I will keep in mind that there are different arcs within the overall series.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it seems like an intimidating series based on the size. I actually started with ones set in Key Largo featuring a ghost named Bartholomew.
Melanie Simmons
I really need to try Heather Graham. I’ve heard so many great things about her. Book 22 though, I’m already so far behind. I do think I remember seeing a narrator I really like reading this series (or maybe some other HG series), but I can’t remember who. So many books, so little time.
kimbacaffeinate
As I said in my review the series is broken up into different teams of the Krewe FBI unit. This group of books all take place on East Coast, primarily Boston and deal with the VA branch. They begin with Dying Breath. So you can jump in there. The whole series is built that way. Kind of like Karen Rose’s Romantic Suspense series.
Angela Adams
Heather Graham is one of my favorites! Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, glad you enjoy her Angela.
Nadene
I want to start this series, but 22 books that is a lot. I need more hours in the day.
kimbacaffeinate
Like I said, it is broken into mini series and each book works on its own. You could start with Dying Breath and read the next two for a complete set of characters and story.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh this sounds good. I am also curious about the next one (you had me with Poe). I really need to get to the trilogy of hers that I have on my tbr! *sigh*
kimbacaffeinate
It was sooo good. I will share my thoughts in September.
blodeuedd
22! That is a lot
kimbacaffeinate
Indeed.
Heidi
I am glad you can read these without having read them all. I have enjoyed her books in the past, I will have to try this series soon.
kimbacaffeinate
I love it too, It keeps it fresh by changing characters and locations.
Lover Of Romance
This author does such a great job with her historical aspects, I just love it. Glad this one worked out so well for you, a good reminder that I should grab it up since I have enjoyed reading this author in the past.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, I hope you read this one soon 🙂
Angela
Every time you review a book in this series you have me itching to get to these books. I need an extra reading day.
kimbacaffeinate
I have been advocating for an eighth day or four day work week just for this!
Kristin
What a unique concept, to go back to an established couple and have them investigate a brand new mystery. I’ve never seen (err, or read) that done before. I guess this is the genre where it can definitely work!!
kimbacaffeinate
She breaks this series up by branches of the Krewe and location. So we often see the same couple or group of characters through a 3 or 4 book mini series within the overall series. All work as standalone.
A Belle's Tales
I have just got to make time for this author! Glad this was such a great, suspenseful read!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..these are enjoyable Michele.
kindlemom1
You now I’m totally going to read some of her books this fall, she screams fall author to me with all the dark mysteries and paranormal stuff she writes. I’ll keep this series in mind. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Perfect for fall Ali!
Quinn's Book Nook
I’ve heard really good things about this one and the previous book. I’ve never read Heather Graham, but she’s been on my TBR for awhile.
kimbacaffeinate
Since they are broken into mini series you can dive in Dying Breath. I have already read the third one with Poe and it was fantastic as well.
Tyler H. Jolley
Graham has done such an incredible job with this series. The quality hasn’t diminished even with its impressive longevity.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, the new teams, and settings as well as the research she does keep it fresh.
Katherine
I’ve really loved the last few books in the Krewe series. This one was really good though it was not a book I could read at night by myself! I’m really looking forward to the next book.
kimbacaffeinate
I devoured the next one already..lol
Debbie Haupt
Wow it’s hard to believe this series is up to #22 and still getting very good reviews. I may have to get back to them Kim. Thanks for your terrific thoughts on it
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy!
Sarah
HOLY COW, this series just keeps going! I really need to inevst in more Graham novels. I like the idea of being left cryptic notes. Glad you’re still enjoying this series!
kimbacaffeinate
It does, but since there are mini series and each book works on its own, you can jump in wherever you want.
Julie
Ohhh this one sounds like one that I would absolutely love. I’ve been loving paranormal stories lately and as soon as you say witches, I’m sold. lol! I really love that it takes place in Boston too. I normally like to start books at the very beginning of the series but wow, 22 books?! I love that it’s sort of a mini-series and you can start with the previous book and be set. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Each book works on its own, but yes because they are mini series and different teams you can jump in and feel confident.
Jenea
I didn’t realize that this series was done like this. I was a little worried, cuz that is a lot of books. But they do sound so good. And definitely something I would enjoy, our library doesn’t carry them though. 🙁 LIZ BORDEN house! Yes, pease. Great review! I really want to read this entire series even more now!
kimbacaffeinate
Nope, if you start with Dying Breath, you can read about them and Boston.
Nick
Ooh that’s very cool that it’s a mini-series within a series. I have to admit that the number of books seemed very daunting at first, but I’ll start with a mini series. I’m glad the series is going strong for you, Kim. Lots of intriguing stuff in this one, especially the culty murders!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, the mini series features different branches, characters, and locations.