Irresistibly drawn to mysteries, if only to debunk them, reporter Lionel Page exposes supernatural frauds, swindlers, and charlatans. His latest case is an obsession—at least for an ancient and wealthy heiress: verify the authenticity of a lost Edgar Allan Poe manuscript circulating through New York City’s literary underworld. But the shrewd Regina Dunkle offers more than money. It’s a pact. … Fulfill her request, and Lionel’s own notorious buried past, one he’s been running from since he was a child, will remain hidden.
As Lionel’s quest begins, so do the warnings. And where rare books go, murder follows. It’s only when Lionel meets enigmatic stranger Madison Hannah, his personal usher into the city’s secret history, that he realizes he’s being guided by a force more powerful than logic…and that he isn’t just following a story. He is the story.
Now that the true purpose of his mission is revealing itself in the most terrifying ways, it may finally be time for Lionel to believe in the unbelievable.
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I’m a long-time fan of the hidden world-within-the-world idea of magic/magical creatures coexisting with us “regular” humans; there are, after all, more things on heaven and earth and all that… In the hands of a strong and creative author, this type of story setting offers up a panoply of options for original and entertaining story telling that blends magic, mystery, and marvelous surprises on every page. Craig Schaefer is one of those authors.
I don’t only love his books books for those reasons though. I also love the way he takes established super-/paranormal concepts and gives them his own unique spin, usually by combining elements of various mythologies in novel ways AND adding in a bad-ass female protector/co-protagonist. As I’m a fan of both of those things, as well as action-packed stories with well thought out and carefully divulged complex plot lines, I tend to really enjoy his books, and this new title is no exception.
With his trademark wit, snark, and eye for just the right blend of mayhem, gore, romance, and action, this time around Schaefer brings us a journalist/reporter known for debunking the concept of magic – until he finds himself smack-dab in the midst of something even he cannot deny. It’s a clever set up and the reveals trickle in slowly – black-strap molasses in January slowly, with results just as sweet to read…
There’s definitely a hint of “more to come” here. In my experience, he tends to write series books, so hopefully this is no exception. There are a LOT of unexplored possibilities here, particularly with the teaser about Maddie’s past at the end, and I’m exceptionally curious to see where these characters find themselves next!
My review copy was provided via NetGalley.
What a great book! Whether he’s writing Daniel Faust, or Harmony Black or heck, even a grocery list (I assume) Schaeffer’s writing is crisp, economical and entertaining as hell. Sign me up for the whole ride.
It wasn’t a terrible read but not captivating either. There is a 3000 year old witch which one would expect to be at least a little articulate having lived so long, but no. She’s a complete dingbat and her male counterpart is completely predictable and lame. It was slightly entertaining while I was stuck at the airport but I don’t think I’ll be picking up the sequel anytime soon.
main gripe is that almost every character of note turned out to be a player in a violent supernatural world
A great read.
Some good passages sandwiched between whole sections which are disturbing or abhorent
Really enjoyed this, a nice distraction from my usual day!
I was delightfully surprised by this book. I loved the characters and all the unexpexted twists.
I just really enjoyed this book. It hit a lot of the right buttons for me. Liked both the characters and the plot, and the twists in this one.
The author did a good job with the setup, but it really was not enough to keep my interest when I had to choose which KU book to send back so I could get one from an author I had been waiting on their next book.
Very interesting and original. You think it’s going one way and it turns out to be completely different!
I highly recommend this book.
I’m looking for a part 2
Interesting story that goes in a completely unexpected direction (did not see that coming). Action packed riveting story that is a real page turner. Loved it.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book as I’ve only read one series by this author, but since I really enjoyed the books I have read, I dived right in. And, this book wasn’t anything like I expected even half way in. I can’t really describe too much as I don’t want to spoil anything, but this book was a well-written thrill ride from start to finish. From one moment to the next, I never knew what was going to happen, but I had a great time throughout the book no matter what did. I adored both Lionel and Madison, and even though I guessed part of Madison’s history, I was quite surprised to find out everything. And, Regina, she was quite the character (no spoilers!). Equal parts romance, supernatural mystery, and horror story, everything meshed well, and I loved every minute. I wish the end was a little longer, but I was left with the feeling that maybe there will be more (please?!?). I recommend this book highly enough! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.