I know you all expect me to go on and on about the latest Krewe of Hunters novel, saying how much I enjoy the history and paranormal, suspense and romance. I’m not going to do that about Heather Graham’s Aura of Night. The thirty-seventh in the series, picks up where Sound of Darkness left off. This one features the second of the Law triplets, Megan. But, the history is missing, one of my favorite elements, and except for one, the ghosts are missing. It’s also creepier than many of the books in the series. While I was interested to see what happened, I knew this one wouldn’t wrap up the internal trilogy. There will be one more book, featuring Patrick, the third sibling.
Krewe of Hunters Special Agent Ragnar Johansen is still working on the creepy case of the “Embracer”, men who kidnapped women and buried them in the woods. While several of the suspects are in custody, including Rory Ayers, Ragnar is convinced the FBI has not caught all the men involved. He suspects them of somehow sending messages to the outside world as well. And, Ayers’ taunts indicate to Ragnar that book editor Megan Law might be in danger in New York City. Ragnar goes to the publishing house to convince Megan to move to a safe house owned by the FBI. He arrives just before she receives a box with a woman’s skull in it.
Ragnar, Megan, and Megan’s dog, Hugo, are caught up in the case, and even rescue several women from men who tried to bury them. But, when two suspects are killed, they wonder how far up a chain they have to go to find the man pulling the strings, the man behind a fraternity of sadistic killers.
As I said, I wasn’t as comfortable with Aura of Night as I have been with previous Krewe of Hunters novels. It’s obvious Patrick will have a lead role in the final in the trilogy about the Laws, and I suspect we met the FBI agent he’ll be paired with. And, Graham’s ghost in this grouping is a police sergeant who was killed during a drug raid that also involved women, one of whom he was trying to help. That thread will be resolved in the final book.
Graham did add an element to this book that I didn’t see in previous ones. There was a great deal of emphasis on the fact that most cops are good, just wanting to help people. It’s a sign of the times.
And, another sign of the times. Ragnar’s last name was spelled wrong on the book flap. (sigh)
I’ll read the next book, Voice of Fear. I’m just a little disappointed in this trilogy. More history, please.
Heather Graham’s website is https://www.theoriginalheathergraham.com/
Aura of Night by Heather Graham. MIRA, 2022. ISBN 9780778386810 (hardcover), 328p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
