Another strong heroine enters the paranormal arena in Maria Lima’s bloodthirsty whodunit. In “Matters of the Blood” her feisty heroine narrates with a biting sense of humor. The secondary cast, both supernatural and human, is well done. There’s romance brewing but it takes a back seat to murder and mayhem. The conclusion satisfies but there are enough loose ends for a sequel.
Keira Kelly, comes from a powerful paranormal family of shape-shifters and clairvoyants but she chooses to live in Rio Seco, Texas among her human friends. Her clan insists she keep an eye on her human cousin, Marty, a mortician who’s been disowned. Keira is just beginning to come into her own powers and is having visions of a dead Marty. The vision comes true and Marty is discovered drained of blood with bite marks on his neck.
Carlton, the sheriff and Keira’s former boyfriend, suspects the new guy in town, Adam Walker. The evidence leads him to the new resort Walker is running. Keira met Adam in London eight before and he seems ready to rekindle a romance with her. Despite some strange goings on at his luxury ranch Keira doesn’t believe he’s involved – until she discovers Adam is really a vampire.
There are plenty of plot twists and turns in this well paced story. The ending will make you roll your eyes; it’s pretty much over the top. If you can suspend your disbelief a few times you’ll enjoy the ride. The characters are strong with a different twist on the vampire and shape shifter themes. And the setting in the Texas Hill Country is nicely done. There’s definitely potential for a pretty decent series.
Publisher: Juno (April 25, 2007)
ISBN: 978-0809557905
Pages: 248
Price: $12.95
