Monday, August 28, 2023

Cursed at Dawn - Paranormal Mystery Review

Goodreads:  Cursed at Dawn (The Blackbird Trilogy #3) by Heather Graham

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Dracula lives—and he’s hunting for his bride.

Vampires may not walk among us, but FBI agents Della Hamilton and Mason Carter know real monsters exist. They’ve witnessed firsthand the worst humankind has to offer. They’re still catching their breaths after the apprehension of two such monstrous killers when they’re met with horrific news. Stephan Dante, the self-proclaimed king of the vampires, has escaped from prison, followed only by a trail of blood.

All too familiar with Dante’s cruelty, Della and Mason know the clock is ticking. But as Dante claims more victims, a chilling message arrives. The vampire killer seeks his eternal bride—Della herself. Playing into Dante’s desires might be the only way to stop the carnage once and for all, assuming they can outwit him. Della is confident the agents have the upper hand, but Mason knows every gamble runs the risk of not paying off, and this time, the consequences could be deadly.

Genre:  Mystery - Paranormal

Why I Picked This Book:   I have enjoyed the previous two books in this trilogy and I always enjoy the Krewe books.

My Impression: The self-proclaimed Vampire Killer is back and causing havoc in Scotland.  Della, Mason and the rest of the Blackbird team are on their game and determined to save his potential victims and put the Vampire Killer back where he belongs - all while trying to keep Della herself from becoming victim number 1.  

This has the usual fun Heather Graham atmosphere and spooky setting.  The Scottish setting complete with ghost tours and hidden closes added a bit of a claustrophobic air.  In this book we know who we are chasing but are never quite sure just what he looks like or who else he got involved.  I liked that the original group of Blackbird agents are involved and really liked the new additions of Lachlan and Brianna.  

This was a fun slightly spooky read with a great setting.  As I've found with the entire trilogy the dialogue comes off as a bit stiff but the pace and mystery itself make up for it.  While you could jump in with this book I think it would be much better enjoyed with the other two books in the trilogy.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Of course!  While they are never 5 star reads for me I always enjoy a visit to the world Heather Graham creates.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you like mystery with a few ghostly presences and a cat and mouse feel this is a fun trilogy.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

7 comments:

  1. You say it correctly. These are never 5 star reads but I enjoy them. However, I have a larger funnel of options these days and have found more regular 5 star type reads for me so while I would like to read these I never seem to choose them anymore.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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  2. I enjoyed the first two books and am waiting for the next. One thing I noticed is the names of the main characters - Della and Mason. Erle Stanley Gardener wrote the Perry Mason series with Della Street as his secretary. An Easter Egg or just subconscious?
    Chris Wallace

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  3. I want to read this one just for that Scottish setting! I love Scotland. :D

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  4. This sounds like such a fun spooky read. I really need to read this author's work.

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  5. Yes, never five, but cozy like a warm blanket. I am hoping with the developments that we see more of the Blackbirds.

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  6. Pity about the dialogue but still the spooky Scottish setting and the fast paced mystery all combine to make it sound like a worthwhile read.

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