lachmi's review against another edition
3.0
It was harder to get into this book than the other series. I'll still give the other books a chance but this one was a little disappointing.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
The Unseen
3 Stars
Series note: This is Krewe of Hunters book #5. The focus is on a completely new set of characters although two of the original cast appear as supporting characters. As with all of the books in the series, the plot is standalone.
US Marshal Kelsey O'Brian and Texas Ranger Logan Raintree are recruited for a second team of FBI paranormal investigators. Their first case revolves around the discovery of several sets of human remains linked either to the city's historic Alamo memorial or to the recently reopened Longhorn saloon and hotel, which is infamous for the murder of a woman in the late 1880s as well as the more recent disappearance of another. How are the Alamo and room 207 at the Longhorn related to the murders?
It seems that 2022 is my year for returning to stagnating series. Despite the long interval between installments, it is easy to return to Graham's world with the introduction of a completely new set of characters. Nevertheless, my issues with her writing remain as there is still unnecessary and annoying repetition of wording, phrasing and plot points.
While Graham's research into the history of the Alamo is excellent and the details are interesting, these sections read like a history lesson and are not merged well within the dialogue or the narrative.
The serial killer storyline plot is good; however, the identities of the victims are only revealed toward the end, which makes it difficult to care about their fates. Unlike some of the previous books, the paranormal elements work well in the story as the ghosts contribute both to the background on the murders as well as to the investigation. Even though it is easy to guess the culprit, the climax and resolution are suspenseful and satisfying.
Finally, it is evident from reading this as well as the first four installments that romance is not Graham's forte. Kelsey and Logan's relationship feels forced and lacking in emotional intimacy. Moreover, the issue of his late wife arises often and Kelsey's fear that he is still in love with her is never fully addressed.
Overall, this series has such potential but it consistently misses the mark. One final observation regarding the audiobook - Luke Daniels has a broad vocal range and his voices for the female characters are well done, which is not always the case for a male narrator.
3 Stars
Series note: This is Krewe of Hunters book #5. The focus is on a completely new set of characters although two of the original cast appear as supporting characters. As with all of the books in the series, the plot is standalone.
US Marshal Kelsey O'Brian and Texas Ranger Logan Raintree are recruited for a second team of FBI paranormal investigators. Their first case revolves around the discovery of several sets of human remains linked either to the city's historic Alamo memorial or to the recently reopened Longhorn saloon and hotel, which is infamous for the murder of a woman in the late 1880s as well as the more recent disappearance of another. How are the Alamo and room 207 at the Longhorn related to the murders?
It seems that 2022 is my year for returning to stagnating series. Despite the long interval between installments, it is easy to return to Graham's world with the introduction of a completely new set of characters. Nevertheless, my issues with her writing remain as there is still unnecessary and annoying repetition of wording, phrasing and plot points.
While Graham's research into the history of the Alamo is excellent and the details are interesting, these sections read like a history lesson and are not merged well within the dialogue or the narrative.
The serial killer storyline plot is good; however, the identities of the victims are only revealed toward the end, which makes it difficult to care about their fates. Unlike some of the previous books, the paranormal elements work well in the story as the ghosts contribute both to the background on the murders as well as to the investigation. Even though it is easy to guess the culprit, the climax and resolution are suspenseful and satisfying.
Finally, it is evident from reading this as well as the first four installments that romance is not Graham's forte. Kelsey and Logan's relationship feels forced and lacking in emotional intimacy. Moreover, the issue of his late wife arises often and Kelsey's fear that he is still in love with her is never fully addressed.
Overall, this series has such potential but it consistently misses the mark. One final observation regarding the audiobook - Luke Daniels has a broad vocal range and his voices for the female characters are well done, which is not always the case for a male narrator.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
3.0
Read for Fun!
Overall Rating 3.75
Story Rating 3.50
Character Rating 4.00
Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not part of the overall rating)
First thought: I really like the new team :)
What I Thought of the Case: The Unseen is set in San Antonio, TX and as a Native Texan I had to love it! As a history buff, I loved the setting even more. It was centered around The Alamo and the history of a missing diamond. The killings were very much committed by humans but the ghosts were such a HUGE help in figuring it out. I didn't quite figure out who did the grisly murders until about half way through. It was just a guess at that point but it ended up being right. Mysteries are best when they keep you guessing :)
What I Thought of the Characters: The Unseen is the first book with a new Paranormal Investigation team. We do get to see a few characters from the original series but you could start here without missing a beat. I do like the new team almost as much as the old one. I am sure by the end of Book 4 they will be instilled in my heart. The main characters of The Unseen are Logan and Kelsey. They are both law enforcement but of different branches. Their different unique abilities work well together and I love their chemistry. Another great pairing by Heather Graham.
What I Thought of the Audio: Not to sound like a broken record but Luke Daniels did a wonderful job. I recommend this series on audio! Though if you listen to a lot of audios that he does (which I do) then you will notice some re-use of accents. Sometimes that can make you laugh because that will make cross-series characters. Let's just say having Oberon act as some of these characters is hysterical. You quickly though get back into your story with just a little grin!
Final Thought: I like this series and think most romantic mystery readers would too!
Overall Rating 3.75
Story Rating 3.50
Character Rating 4.00
Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not part of the overall rating)
First thought: I really like the new team :)
What I Thought of the Case: The Unseen is set in San Antonio, TX and as a Native Texan I had to love it! As a history buff, I loved the setting even more. It was centered around The Alamo and the history of a missing diamond. The killings were very much committed by humans but the ghosts were such a HUGE help in figuring it out. I didn't quite figure out who did the grisly murders until about half way through. It was just a guess at that point but it ended up being right. Mysteries are best when they keep you guessing :)
What I Thought of the Characters: The Unseen is the first book with a new Paranormal Investigation team. We do get to see a few characters from the original series but you could start here without missing a beat. I do like the new team almost as much as the old one. I am sure by the end of Book 4 they will be instilled in my heart. The main characters of The Unseen are Logan and Kelsey. They are both law enforcement but of different branches. Their different unique abilities work well together and I love their chemistry. Another great pairing by Heather Graham.
What I Thought of the Audio: Not to sound like a broken record but Luke Daniels did a wonderful job. I recommend this series on audio! Though if you listen to a lot of audios that he does (which I do) then you will notice some re-use of accents. Sometimes that can make you laugh because that will make cross-series characters. Let's just say having Oberon act as some of these characters is hysterical. You quickly though get back into your story with just a little grin!
Final Thought: I like this series and think most romantic mystery readers would too!
catladylover94's review against another edition
5.0
i love the 5th book just as much as I loved the other 4
salene27's review against another edition
2.0
I normally love her books and the history intertwined with paranormal, but for some reason I could not get into this one.
ceng1018's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I'm enjoying the series. This is the start of team 2. Good story introducing the characters
shai3d's review against another edition
4.0
THE UNSEEN caught my interest immediately and held it tight until the stunning conclusion. The characters are wonderful and very realistic. The pacing is spot on as the reader is taken on a roller coaster of a ride as the team attempts to catch the murderer before more bodies are found.
Having a federal unit consisting of members with ‘special’ gifts is not a new theme though most fit into the thriller/suspense genre. Ms. Graham has definitely added her own deft touch with the sparks that Logan Raintree and one of his team members Kelsey O’Brien throw off.
Also the legend of the Galveston Diamond is so possible that I had to do a web search to discover whether it really does exist. I am happy to say that it doesn’t and is only a part of Ms. Graham’s wonderful imagination that she shares with her readers.
I highly recommend it to any readers who enjoy their romantic suspense with a touch of the paranormal. Also readers who enjoy Kay Hooper’s Bishop series will want to check out this series.
I rate this book a 3.8.
***I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No monies have or will change hands.
Having a federal unit consisting of members with ‘special’ gifts is not a new theme though most fit into the thriller/suspense genre. Ms. Graham has definitely added her own deft touch with the sparks that Logan Raintree and one of his team members Kelsey O’Brien throw off.
Also the legend of the Galveston Diamond is so possible that I had to do a web search to discover whether it really does exist. I am happy to say that it doesn’t and is only a part of Ms. Graham’s wonderful imagination that she shares with her readers.
I highly recommend it to any readers who enjoy their romantic suspense with a touch of the paranormal. Also readers who enjoy Kay Hooper’s Bishop series will want to check out this series.
I rate this book a 3.8.
***I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No monies have or will change hands.
readwithchey's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmm I don’t really feel one way or the other about this book. I think the set up for a new branch of the Krewe was interesting (although I do miss the main 6) and I looooved the San Antonio setting! As a Texan who has been to The Alamo it was so cool to be able to picture a setting I’ve been to before. I liked the case itself and thought the murder aspect was good, but the romance was lackluster for me. And the audio here was trying to SO hard to be Texan it was comical. Another okay and entertaining listen, but I wouldn’t want to revisit this one.
jesslane88's review against another edition
3.0
I went through this whole series in just a few days.
beersbooksandbooos's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0