Dante, aka Danny, Valentine is a half-human/half-demon female bounty hunter who can literally speak with the dead. That alone makes her unique in the community of psions in her city. Her connection with the savagely murdered bodies that start showing up in the city creates more than a stir among the police—and the media. Police necromancer Gabe asks her friend Danny to help figure out who is using power to kill others. The investigation takes Danny on a nightmare trip into her past as she tries to find the killer before he/she/it can kill again.

While fighting the external demons, Danny is also beset with guilt and grief over the loss of her demon lover. Her live-in partner knows he can never replace Jeph in her heart or life, but he keeps trying.

And then there’s Lucifer. He keeps writing and calling, wanting to speak with her dead lover—the man he killed.

There is a lot going on in this book, but all the conflicts and angst are skillfully woven into a tale that is one part dark fantasy, one part chick lit, one part crime thriller all woven into a sometimes gory tapestry that works on many levels.

The author skillfully pulls out the emotions of the characters, drawing the reader in until you can’t put the book down, but at the same time, those with less than strong constitutions may want to read this in between meals.

While not my usual type of read, I found the story well crafted and entertaining. If you want to try something a little more romantic than Stephen King, definitely pick up this one.

Reviewed by Vicky E. Burkholder
7/11/2006

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