173) Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland

Detective Kara Gillian is a summoner of demons and she can't solve the mystery surrounding her last summoning. Looking to summon a lower lever demon she was surprised to find Rhyzkahl in her cellar. Not only is he very strong but he is also very gorgeous and keeps finding his way into her dreams.

So when Kara is given a serial killer case that has something to do with the occult she hopes that Rhyzkahl can give her a hand. However the powerful demon has other things in mind and it seems that someone he knows may actually be involved with the killings. So instead Kara finds herself working with Federal Agent Ryan Kristoff and trying to stop him finding out more about the demon side of her life.

The Symbol Man is back on the streets taking more victims than before. Kara can only hope that at some point the killer makes a mistake that she can pick up on and use against him. Although there are way too many questions to answer. Why did the killer take a three year break? Why is he killing more frequently? The only connection Kara can find is too scary to believe. Is there a demon loose in the city?

Patricia Cornwell and Tess Gerritsen mixed with Jenna Black and Kim Harrison. This is what you can expect from Mark of the Demon. I was totally gripped the whole way through this book and didn't work out the mystery until Kara did. I guessed who the bad guy was as the book twisted and turned but I kept being surprised and I loved it!

I love a good bloody murder mystery and the paranormal element just made this the perfect read for me. Well written, great characters and an amazing plot, this is one book I will be recommending to anyone who likes a good criminal thriller.

The second book in the series, Blood of the Demon, is due out in Spring and I already have it on my pre-order list. This is one of the best debuts I have read this year and I can't wait to see where the author takes this series next.