102) Malediction by Melissa F. Olson

The Blurb :

Ask Jesse Cruz how I died.

In life, Samantha Wheaton often got the last word—and not much has changed after her death. To find out what really happened to her sister, boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther will travel to Los Angeles to talk to Cruz, the former LAPD detective who investigated the murder. When Jesse proves reluctant to talk, however, Lex must find more of the people connected to the Henry Remus case –including a young woman with a very ugly dog and very familiar powers.

As she searches for answers, Lex finds herself venturing deeper down a rabbit hole—one that may lead her to a big bad wolf.

My Thoughts :

Didn't I just read a book from this author?  Yes!  Luckily I went to check on her other books and saw that this novella fits in after the book I just read, Boundary Crossed and before the next book, Boundary Lines.  When I read the blurb for this short story it was obvious that this needed to be read before I start the second book in this series.  It is also pointed out by the author that this story is not to be read if you haven't already read the Scarlett Bernhard books.  This is something I can confirm.  Do not read this one without being up to date!  This is a spoiler novella.

Now if you have read all the books, Malediction isn't going to offer you much in the way of new information.  Readers of the Scarlett Bernhard series already know how Sam got killed and what really happened.  However it is really important to the new series that Lex finds out the truth.  This is a story that opens up Lex's 'Old World' a little more and also lets us have a little look at what is going on back in LA.  Some things have changed and others have not.  It is a nice interesting trip and a nice extra story strengthening the connection between the two series.

Well worth reading if you have read all the installments so far.  A definite must read before reading Boundary Lines and I am really happy I didn't start listening to that one yet.  I am pretty sure I would have been disappointed seeing as the ending of Boundary Crossed pointed to this line of questioning.

53) Hunter's Trail by Melissa F. Olson

The Blurb :

Actions have consequences—a lesson Scarlett Bernard is learning the hard way. As a “null,” Scarlett has always been able to negate the powers of the supernatural beings that surround her. But now her reckless decision to permanently change Eli from a werewolf to a human has left the Los Angeles werewolf pack in shambles, and upset the balance of power among the city’s supernatural factions. To make matters worse, Scarlett’s employers discover that a newly changed werewolf is running amok in the city. To catch the rogue werewolf, Scarlett will need help from both Eli and Detective Jesse Cruz of the LAPD…a situation that will force her to finally choose between them.

However, Scarlett and her friends aren’t the only ones on the hunt—someone else is chasing the wolf. Someone with no reservations about collateral damage. Now Scarlett and her allies must stop both the rogue wolf and the deadly hunter before the full moon rises and all hell breaks loose.

My Thoughts :

Hunter's Trail is the last book in a trilogy about Scarlett Bernard, a null, who helps clear up the paranormal messes that the LA 'Old World' manages to get into.  Her ability to block or nullify magic is rare and means that the 'Old World' paranormals can't use their powers.  When they enter her radius werewolves turn back into human form, witches can't use spells and vampires are alive and age again.   She can make everyone vulnerable but is also a huge asset which is getting her into more trouble than she can handle.

So there is Jesse.  A LAPD detective who has been tangled up with Scarlett's world since the first book.  The story is often told from his perspective and his ethical qualms about everything he has seen and done since he was introduced to the 'Old World' is exactly the position you would hope a cop would take.  Scarlett is trying to stay alive while keeping her 'family' safe and Jesse wants to just have everything go through official channels.

This last installment was just as thrilling and enjoyable as the previous two.  I am really happy I decided to listen to this series because the narrator, despite her bad English accent, was great.  She really brought the characters to life and it was always easy to tell which characters were speaking and when.  Her voice was a little annoying at some points but her enthusiasm and great performance out weighed her sometimes too happy sounding voice.

All in all this was a great little trilogy with some great new ideas and very nice characters.  The paranormal elements were well thought out and had a nice new angle attached so there was something new to get your teeth into.  The plot was well thought out and there were some nice twists and turns.  Absolutely everything you would expect from any good Paranormal Urban Fantasy.

The ending was nicely tied up and Scarlett ended up with the guy she obviously needed.  I didn't like how her living situation ended and it was also quite sad to see Scarlett get a new 'position' only to have her story end.  There could have been some more great tales to come and I would have been very interested in reading them.

I will be keeping an eye on this author.  She does have a new release out and from what I have read it seems to also take place in this world.  Maybe Scarlett has a cameo appearance as well as other characters from this trilogy.  I hope to listen/read it sometime soon.  Until then I can highly recommend giving this trilogy a try.  It was some of the best PUF I have read in a while.

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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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24) Dead Spots by Melissa F. Olson

The Blurb :

Scarlett Bernard knows about personal space: step within ten feet of her, and any supernatural spells or demonic forces are instantly defused—vampires and werewolves become human again, and witches can’t get out so much as a “hocus pocus.” This special skill makes her a null and very valuable to Los Angeles’s three most powerful magical communities, who utilize her ability to scrub crime scenes clean of all traces of the paranormal to keep humanity, and the LAPD, in the dark.

But one night Scarlett’s late arrival to a grisly murder scene reveals her agenda and ends with LAPD’s Jesse Cruz tracking her down to strike a deal: he’ll keep quiet about the undead underworld if she helps solve the case. Their pact doesn’t sit well with Dash, the city’s chief bloodsucker, who fears his whole vampire empire is at stake. And when clues start to point to Scarlett, it’ll take more than her unique powers to catch the real killer and clear her name.

My Thoughts :

This book/series has been on my wishlist for a long time.  I finally picked up the Audible version and decided to listen to it straight away.  After the first few chapters I knew I had made a mistake.  A huge one.  I should have read this series much sooner!

It was a little confusing at the beginning but once I managed to get the lay of the land I found myself being caught up with the story.  The idea is fresh and unusual mixed with some of the usual paranormal urban fantasy content.  Scarlett is an amazing, likable, clever and strong character and not one of the annoying female leads who always keep messing up and then still save the day.  Scarlett puts in the hours and works hard.  She thinks before she leaps and she the kind of person you want to be friends with.

The story was well written and the plot kept me guessing.  There were a few things I figured out before Scarlett did and there were also a couple of twists that I saw coming.  I liked the story being told by both Scarlett and Jesse.  He is a strong character and it was nice to see things from his perspective as well.  There were a few little bits of the story that left me a little annoyed.  Either because they weren't explained or didn't go into enough detail.  There were also a few points where I think the characters make pretty big leaps to connect things but maybe I just zoned out while listening.

Wonderful cliffhanger ending to this one!  It made me extremely happy that I already got hold of the second book.  However I will make a short pause and listen to something else.  This is a great start to what I hope will be a great series.  Strong characters, interesting story and some great paranormal twists and turns.  Despite kicking myself for not reading this earlier I am, in a way, happy I did wait because now I don't have to wait too long to listen to the next installment.

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