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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Another phobic heroine?, October 19, 2009
This review is from: Waking Evil (Mindhunters) (Paperback)
There's one thing about Kylie Brant's Waking Evil that wouldn't bother me if I read it as a stand-alone book, but that struck me as unfortunate since I read it as a follow-on to her Waking Nightmare. While the personalities and backgrounds of Ramsey Clark and Abbie Philips have many differences, the similarities are so broad, obvious, and unlikely that when presented in sequels, it stretches belief. It's hard to buy into the idea that Raiker happened to hire two women for his company who just happen to have deep-seated phobias based in childhood traumas that will be conveniently brought into play while they work a case with a handsome man. As much as I love the stories and characters as individual entities, I really hope Brant does something a bit different with the next one, because the more such "coincidences" she strings into a line, the less believable it feels.
Once again Brant presents us with complex, three-dimensional, fascinating characters. Dev usually spends his time debunking parapsychology incidents, but believes there are some truly inexplicable things in the world. Ramsey struggles to be the consummate cool professional, to leave behind as much of her trailer trash background as possible. Neither of them is interested in starting up a relationship, but they can't help finding each other attractive, and they slowly wear down each other's defenses, albeit somewhat unwillingly.
The background on the legend and the cyclical deaths is fascinating and imaginative, and it unfurls nicely throughout the book. My only problem with it was that, once again, the actual identity of the killer seems to lack adequate foreshadowing. I hate getting to that point in a novel and finding myself saying, "huh?" (I don't mind as long as I can look back and see, "oh, yeah, it really WAS him," but I don't like feeling that there weren't enough clues.) Once again I can sort of see where the author probably felt she was putting clues in, but they don't feel adequate to the task. However, take this with a grain of salt: after all, this is a hard line to draw and it'll fall to a different place with each reader. Consider my rating 3.5 out of 5.
[Standard adult material disclaimer: explicit sex between romantic leads; explicit dark subject matter.]
[Review copy of book provided courtesy of publisher]
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliantly chilling, October 9, 2009
This review is from: Waking Evil (Mindhunters) (Paperback)
Though numerous clues are given all the way through WAKING EVIL, the reader is never certain if any deductions are actually correct until the startling conclusion. The Mindhunters are a formidable group of criminologists, and one of their impressive members helps search for a killer whose diabolical methods result in few clues. Kylie Brant continues her exceedingly suspenseful series with a story which inspires chills while the romantic elements are affectively poignant.
Though the woods are spooky, two teens finally reach their destination after given a dare. All seems to be going well until they discover the body of a woman. When the local and state authorities do not make much headway in the murder case, Ramsey Clark from Raiker Forensics arrives to aid in the investigation. Complicating matters is the local legend concerning Buffalo Springs, Tennessee where a mysterious red mist is observed every generation, soon followed by death. Ramsey is a believer of facts, not tall tales, so she looks for physical evidence connected to the murder and not speculation.
When she goes to where the body was discovered, a man is performing some bizarre tests. After finding out Devlin Stryker is a parapsychologist, a ghost hunter to her, she plans to dismiss him and any unsupported findings. Since Ramsey usually says what she thinks, their first meeting does not go smoothly. However, the easy-going Devlin seems to turn up wherever she goes, despite the reason, but he does come in handy for getting some of the locales to talk with her. As leads start trickling in and some answers are found, other questions are raised. Ramsey finds separating fact from fiction is most difficult, especially when much of it concerns the legend.
The exceptional writing of Kylie Brant will keep you reading way into the night. From first-rate suspense to engaging characters to a moving romance, Ms. Brant will leave you anticipating every compelling scene with much eagerness. This talented author knows how to intersperse facts into her stories without the reader being completely aware of the information, thus letting many disclosures come as total surprises. There are definitely some jaw-dropping revelations in WAKING EVIL, and each one only adds more fuel as your imagination tries to fully comprehend what is currently happening. These scenes are perilously tense, and each new detail divulged only ups your concern as to what will occur next. Ms. Brant cleverly keeps some facts hidden until the precise instant they should be known, which repeatedly builds the suspense. While the dangerous scenarios of WAKING EVIL draw you into the novel, the tender love story is just as compelling. The lives of Devlin and Ramsey are so vividly depicted, the reader will experience their every thought or reasoning behind an action. I was certainly wrapped up in the occurrences surrounding these two, as they discovered much about the case and themselves. Countless information is given about their personal and professional lives, and I was equally fascinated by both sides. The quick-witted banter frequently spoken by them is enjoyable, especially when it can be delivered during adverse times, proving they possess daringly enterprising natures. Devlin is a hero who appealed to me from the first meeting, and his charismatic personality had me falling fully in love with him. This couple also has extremely different ways of dealing with tragic pasts, and I was deeply stirred by watching them presently cope. When it comes to the romantic side of their relationship, their feelings are genuinely sincere with an abundance of heartfelt emotions causing any responses. The Southern locale is meticulously described in detail, and the conversations plus many sayings are particularly traditional and make the story very convincing. The intricately suspenseful plot of WAKING EVIL is aided by fascinating paranormal aspects and a compassionate romance to create a brilliantly memorable story.
Reviewed for SingleTitles
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Waking Evil, January 27, 2010
This review is from: Waking Evil (Mindhunters) (Paperback)
Forensic Investigator Ramsey Clark is in the quiet town of Buffalo Springs, Tennessee, investigating a murder. A young woman was discovered by teenagers in the woods thought to be haunted by a red mist that brings death when it arrives. Devlin Stryker is a parapsychologist and a native to Buffalo Springs. He's back investigating the circumstances around the murder. Ramsey is skeptical of Dev's work and irritated by his flirting, but like every other woman who meets him, she eventually falls for his charm. Dev has his sights set on Ramsey, but he's got his work cut out for him. Ramsey's tough as nails attitude is going to make it hard to get close to her. When the past comes back to haunt Ramsey and the town, he may never get the chance.
At first glance, Dev and Ramsey's differences seem insurmountable, but once you get to know them, they actually have a lot in common. They work well as a team, they both come from dysfunctional families, and they each hide secrets and have painful pasts. They also have great sexual chemistry -- they make a little magic together. Dev reminds me of Matthew McConaughey. He's sexy and charming and his southern drawl would have me falling at his feet too. The details of Ramsey's assault left me in a cold sweat. It's understandable that she would be so guarded. The villains in Waking Evil are sadistic sexual predators whose God complexes make them even more psychotic. I wasn't sure what to make of the paranormal aspect of Waking Evil at first, but it adds mystery and intrigue. Waking Evil is a gripping, suspenseful story.
Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
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