laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Phantom Evil
3 Stars
A secret unit of six paranormal investigators, each with their own unique skill, is called following the mysterious death of a state senator’s wife. Regina Holloway allegedly fell to her death in a house reportedly haunted by the victims of a post civil war serial killer. As the investigation progresses and the team grows closer both personally and professionally, they must determine whether Regina was the victim of a malevolent ghost or the more insidious machinations of someone closer to home.
The underlying premise of a haunted house is intriguing and the opening chapters are well written and engaging. Unfortunately, this trend does not continue and the writing becomes excessively descriptive and the dialogue forced. There are also one or two editorial slip-ups that create some confusion. For example, one character’s involvement in a nefarious group is revealed through conversation before the event exposing his connection actually occurs.
The characterization is unrealistic. It is extremely difficult to believe that six individuals from such diverse backgrounds will come together so cohesively in a relatively short period of time with absolutely no friction or conflict – this goes against human nature.
The romantic leads lack both tension and chemistry in their relationship. The hero is completely cold and unsympathetic, and the heroine’s initial dislike for him changes almost immediately into an incomprehensible attraction.
Finally, the conclusion is convoluted, and while some aspects of the mystery are solved others remain unexplained, which leaves the reader with a less that satisfied feeling.
Notwithstanding the above, this is a good ghost-hunting story with some interesting twists and turns. Moreover, readers with a passion for New Orleans history and culture will be entertained by the setting and atmosphere.
3 Stars
A secret unit of six paranormal investigators, each with their own unique skill, is called following the mysterious death of a state senator’s wife. Regina Holloway allegedly fell to her death in a house reportedly haunted by the victims of a post civil war serial killer. As the investigation progresses and the team grows closer both personally and professionally, they must determine whether Regina was the victim of a malevolent ghost or the more insidious machinations of someone closer to home.
The underlying premise of a haunted house is intriguing and the opening chapters are well written and engaging. Unfortunately, this trend does not continue and the writing becomes excessively descriptive and the dialogue forced. There are also one or two editorial slip-ups that create some confusion. For example, one character’s involvement in a nefarious group is revealed through conversation before the event exposing his connection actually occurs.
The characterization is unrealistic. It is extremely difficult to believe that six individuals from such diverse backgrounds will come together so cohesively in a relatively short period of time with absolutely no friction or conflict – this goes against human nature.
The romantic leads lack both tension and chemistry in their relationship. The hero is completely cold and unsympathetic, and the heroine’s initial dislike for him changes almost immediately into an incomprehensible attraction.
Finally, the conclusion is convoluted, and while some aspects of the mystery are solved others remain unexplained, which leaves the reader with a less that satisfied feeling.
Notwithstanding the above, this is a good ghost-hunting story with some interesting twists and turns. Moreover, readers with a passion for New Orleans history and culture will be entertained by the setting and atmosphere.
vanna's review against another edition
I tried. It looked promising as the beginning. I loved the premise. I love any sort of found family out hunting the supernatural. But I could not get past the horrible dialogue. I physically winced every time someone started talking. And some of it was repetitive. That’s bad writing and bad editing and I don’t know how this book went to print like that. I sat there trying to figure out if it was a typo or just the author repeating herself.
I’m assuming the other books get better and maybe she improves at her craft. I know these are popular and she’s sold a ton of books. I just couldn’t force myself through it.
I’m assuming the other books get better and maybe she improves at her craft. I know these are popular and she’s sold a ton of books. I just couldn’t force myself through it.
laineeblue's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
tjandrey's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Bought for Myself
Book Club Pick
Overall Rating 4.00
Story Rating 4.25
Character Rating 3.75
NOTE: Phantom Evil is classified I think as a Romantic Suspense. I would classify it more as a Mystery/Thriller with some paranormal leanings. There is some romance but it is not the main focus of the story.
What I Loved: This was one fantastically twisty tale that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was never quite sure if it was the ghosts or real-live evil people that committed the murder that the "Krewe of Hunters" was investigating. While it didn't take me the whole book to figure it out, the way that Heather Graham wrapped up the end was done brilliantly. As a mystery/thriller fan, I was highly impressed.
What I Liked: The "Krewe" Team was excellent and I have a feeling I will grow to love them over the course of the series. The different personalities, backgrounds, races, and experience seemed to set the stage for there to be conflict and yet they worked together as a cohesive team. I had a blast watching them lean on each other and accept each others differences.
Complaints: None
Why I Gave it a 4.00: Phantom Evil was an excellent mystery/thriller that had a bit of romance and a unique concept. I will be reading the rest of the series.
Book Club Pick
Overall Rating 4.00
Story Rating 4.25
Character Rating 3.75
NOTE: Phantom Evil is classified I think as a Romantic Suspense. I would classify it more as a Mystery/Thriller with some paranormal leanings. There is some romance but it is not the main focus of the story.
What I Loved: This was one fantastically twisty tale that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was never quite sure if it was the ghosts or real-live evil people that committed the murder that the "Krewe of Hunters" was investigating. While it didn't take me the whole book to figure it out, the way that Heather Graham wrapped up the end was done brilliantly. As a mystery/thriller fan, I was highly impressed.
What I Liked: The "Krewe" Team was excellent and I have a feeling I will grow to love them over the course of the series. The different personalities, backgrounds, races, and experience seemed to set the stage for there to be conflict and yet they worked together as a cohesive team. I had a blast watching them lean on each other and accept each others differences.
Complaints: None
Why I Gave it a 4.00: Phantom Evil was an excellent mystery/thriller that had a bit of romance and a unique concept. I will be reading the rest of the series.
the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition
3.0
This one was a pretty good read for me. The mystery part was basically 4 stars, it kept me guessing until the end. It's the romance that really knocked it down a star, it just wasn't very interesting. I didn't feel a romantic connection between them, and the actual sex scenes were boring. Of course this wasn't meant to be erotica.
Overall though I did enjoy it, and will probably continue on with the series! :)
Overall though I did enjoy it, and will probably continue on with the series! :)
goaskalix's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Stars.
I did not love this; I found both the characters and the plot to be quite flat, and not very cohesive, so it was kind of a dull, push-through-to-the-end read for me. Not sure whether or not I'll continue the series...
I did not love this; I found both the characters and the plot to be quite flat, and not very cohesive, so it was kind of a dull, push-through-to-the-end read for me. Not sure whether or not I'll continue the series...
sunshinesusan's review against another edition
2.0
boring, predictable, and I hated the parentification of the couple.