30) Trail of Dead by Melissa F. Olson

The Blurb :

As a null, Scarlett Bernard possesses a rare ability to counteract the supernatural by instantly neutralizing spells and magical forces. For years she has used her gift to scrub crime scenes of any magical traces, helping the powerful paranormal communities of Los Angeles stay hidden. But after LAPD detective Jesse Cruz discovered Scarlett’s secret, he made a bargain with her: solve a particularly grisly murder case, and he would stay silent about the city’s unearthly underworld.

Now two dead witches are found a few days before Christmas, and Scarlett is once again strong-armed into assisting the investigation. She soon finds a connection between the murders and her own former mentor, Olivia, a null who mysteriously turned into a vampire and who harbors her own sinister agenda. Now Scarlett must revisit her painful past to find Olivia—unless the blood-drenched present claims her life first.

My Thoughts :

After listening to Dead Spots the other week I couldn't wait to listen to the second part, Trail of Dead.  The cliffhanger in the first book wasn't the only thing that had me coming back for more.  Scarlett is a strong character and the kind person you hope you can be if you were in her position.  Which in this book means a lot as she goes up against Olivia.  The person she trusted, who hurt and betrayed her, her mentor and now her enemy.  Emotional and thrilling there isn't much time to breathe as this story unfolds.

However it isn't just Scarlett that keeps me reading.  Jesse also plays a huge part in the story as sometimes takes over the POV reins.  His struggle with what Scarlett does and the covers up of the supernatural world he has been confronted with since meeting Scarlett is realistic and makes him very lovable.  The relationship between the two characters is also a huge selling point for this series especially because it isn't one of those lovely dovey romance angles but something much more believable.

Trail of the Dead is a strong sequel.  There is even more world building with so much information regarding the history of the witches as well as some other bits and pieces.  The plot is a roller coaster ride that sometimes makes you feel a little dizzy but you can't help enjoying and wanting more.  The events that take place in this installment are a wonderful continuation of the story that was started in the first book.

There is a third book available on Audible and I am pretty sure I will be getting a copy of it very soon.  I am really enjoying this fresh and unique paranormal urban fantasy series and hope that the third book isn't the last.  Well worth reading and definitely a very good audible book.  The narrator is brilliant and the story really comes to live with her voice behind it. Expect to see book #3 on my lists within the next few weeks.  I can't wait to see what happens next.

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