A review by laurenjodi
The Unseen by Heather Graham
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.