by Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #24
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Length: 8 hours and 23 minutes
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4.5
Where dreams go to die...
Starring in a cult TV show was a blessing for Marnie Davante, especially now that her former fame could support her future dream of starting a children’s theater. So she’ll work the convention circuit. But then a costar is brazenly murdered in front of her. With a killer who vanishes into thin air with seemingly inhuman skill, and strange events plaguing Marnie, she feels she can’t even trust her own senses.
Although his dear departed parents were famous actors, PI Bryan McFadden is about as far from Hollywood as you can get. The former military man is reluctant to get involved in such a bizarre case, but it quickly becomes obvious that Marnie is in grave danger, and he is compelled to help. It’s unclear if the killer is an obsessed fan or something more sinister. Could the show’s cast be cursed? How can Bryan keep Marnie safe when it becomes apparent there’s a force determined to make this her final curtain call?
Fade to Black by Heather Graham is the twenty-fourth Krewe of Hunters novel. Don’t let that scare you because each of the books will work as standalone. A murder-mystery will keep you guessing in this paranormal romantic suspense as sexy, PI Bryan McFadden returns to keep an actress safe. Narrated by Luke Daniels, Graham delivered a predictable yet delightful tale.
Like a lot of Robert‘s trilogies, Heather Graham’s writing, in particular, the Krewe of Hunters is formulaic. While each story features a new setting, ghost, and mystery, we also have a recruit, a love interest, and some rich history. All of this makes this series a comfort read for me. I know exactly what I am walking into and can lose myself for a few hours. Kind of like mini-binge of NCIS.
This was my first time listening to a book in this series, but when I saw that Luke Daniels was narrating I jumped for it. He did a fantastic job with the characters and it was fun hearing hints of Oberon and Orla (Iron Druid Chronicles).
Fade to Black begins at Comic-con where Marnie Davante a famous sitcom star, makes an appearance, to help fund her dream of opening a children’s theater. Things turn upside down when her co-star is murdered by a man dressed as a comic villain. Meanwhile, PI Bryan McFadden is dealing with his mother’s ghost. She wants him to go help, Marine. Apparently, his mom knows something he doesn’t. To appease his mom he goes, and it’s a good thing too because it looks like someone is targeting Marnie.
Graham serve the romance in these stories as a side dish but feel genuine. Both Marnie and Bryan were great characters. Having grown up in Hollywood, Marnie is a little skeptical of everyone and between seeing the ghost of her friend and the murder she doesn’t trust Bryan. The chemistry was there under the snark and it was fun seeing calm, cool and collected McFadden win her over.
Ghosts, Hollywood and sitcom sets kept me engaged as we tried to thwart a killer. Graham provided a few twists and a sweet romance with a touch of heat. Secondary characters from co-workers to local law enforcement helped develop the story and provide suspects. Jackson Crow and his wife arrive to assist Bryan s they continue to court him. Adam, the founder of this special FBI task force, makes a brief appearance.
I thought the murder mystery was clever although, I felt the story dragged a little in the middle. The ending wrapped up loose threads and gave us closer. Fans of murder mysteries with a touch of paranormal woo-woo will enjoy Fade to Black.
Graham creates mini-series within the overall Krewe of Hunters series, and this is the first of three books that focus on the McFadden brothers. Yes, sexy, capable Bryan has two brothers! Pale as Death releases July 31st and Echoes of Evil, September 18th. Luke Daniels is narrating both, so look for reviews here at Caffeinated.
Heather Graham's latest Krewe of Hunters novel, Fade to Black shares a twisted Hollywood murder mystery. Luke Daniels narrates and as always delivered. #JIAM #loveaudiobooks Click To Tweet
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
Laura
I’m going to try this set. I’ve loved all of her Krewe of Hunters series, except the last three. For some reason, I couldn’t tolerate the main female lead and when all three featured her, I just couldn’t continue. I will be grabbing this one though!
Laura 🙂
Crystal @ Lost in Storyland
I love crime novels with paranormal elements. This sounds like a read that’d be up my alley 🙂
Kimberly
Yes, you would like this, as long as you don’t mind the romance angle as well.
Debbie Haupt
Oh my gosh #24 I’m so far behind on this series, but so many books so little time you know. I love Luke Daniels as a narrator maybe I’ll pick this series up in audible. Thanks Kim
Kimberly
Yes, but remember this series is broken up into little mini series surrounding a team or location..so you can jump in anywhere!
blodeuedd
I see that they are by Luke Daniels, oh, I so need to try him!
Kimberly
You do. I love his narrations.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
It has been years since I have read anything by Heather! I really like her writing and have to pick up some of her books!
Mary
Kimberly
I always have a good time with her paranormal suspense stories.
Anne
Another author I’ve wanted to try but not managed yet. Thanks for the review. I thought these were romantic suspense but didn’t realize there was a paranormal aspect. Hopefully I will get to it sooner, rather than later.
Kimberly
She is like Nora Roberts and Robyn Carr or Jayne Anne Krentz for me. I know what I am getting and just slip in and enjoy!
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I love Heather Graham’s Krewe series. They’re very predictable but such fun! I’m glad this one was enjoyable. I’m looking forward to diving into all the ghostly goodness. Looks like perfect summer reading.
Kimberly
I enjoy them and love when she adds local history and tidbits
lisa thomson
This sounds like a good one, Kim. This is yet another author I haven’t read in the past. I could get into this series quite easily. A little paranormal adds some interest to a basic murder mystery—if it’s done well. I say that because I just finished one that had a deceased aunt communicating with the MC to solve a crime and it really was cheesy. This will not be, I’m sure. With dozens of novels under her belt this author knows what she’s doing, LOL.
Kimberly
Nope, not cheesy.
Tyler H. Jolley
I’m already hooked since it starts at a comic con. Graham does it again!
Kimberly
Haha..yeah that was a nice hook.
Angela Adams
Heather Graham always puts together a good mystery. Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
She really does. I love the ones where she adds a bit of local history to the mix.
Donna
Always glad to know when large series can be read as stand alone novels. I don’t usually go for the paranormal books, but this one sounds like a fun read.
Kimberly
Yes, these are cool the way it highlights different teams and locations.
Melliane
oh it’s been a while since I haven’t read one of her books!
Kimberly
I hope you pick them up again <3
Sophia Rose
So, she writes her series a bit in the same lines as Karen Rose or Kay Hooper. Its one overall series with groupings of a sub-series within the series. I like that. It would keep things fresh even with the comfort of the formula. One of these days, I’ll get a start on this series and I’m more than eager now that I know Luke Daniels is a narrator.
Kimberly
Yes exactly like Rose, Sophia. Some sets with series are 3 book others are 4. Unusually same location, team, and characters.
Rowena
I haven’t picked up a Heather Graham in years. This one sounds like a good one. Thanks for the review sweets!
Kimberly
Happy to share Rowena. I am a sucker for her paranormal romantic suspense <3
Kimberly
Yes! Happy Thursday Ro!
RO
I see you’re still going strong with Heather Graham, and looks like the books keep getting better and better! Hugs…RO
verushka
I didn’t realise the books of this series could be read as a standalone! It’s such an epic series already, I thought it was too late to start reading it.
Kimberly
Yes, all will work as standalone and there are mini-series within the whole series featuring a specific team. This is the first one, Pale as Death and Echoes of Evil are the next ones coming out. So you could jump in here!