So, after reading the prequal to the series – The Darkness in the Pines – we return to modern day Nick Holleran with book three which takes place after Dead Man Walking and The Devil Walks in Blood. If you haven’t read these books, I suggest you do before taking on this one.
For those who are interested in getting started, 43-year-old Nick Holleran has escaped death, and as a result, he can now see all the ghoulish things that live invisibly among us. Ghosts, demons, and other monsters, he discovers Hell is on Earth, and we’re living it. Nick takes his PI business from Private to Paranormal Investigation, and all Hell breaks loose – almost literally.
This means the return of Diana, the eyeless teenage ghost from the 1960s and Rosa, Nick’s girlfriend, who is a librarian and martial artist in Aikido (what a combo). Throughout the book, Nick feels he needs to protect the women in his life from the dangers of Hell but he must learn how to trust his badass found family. Green ensures everyone knows how great these women are throughout this book and the previous novels so if you’re looking for damsels in distress, you won’t find them here.
Much like the show Supernatural, this book deals with ghoulish monsters while ensuring that the reader is having the most fun throughout. Holleran has to deal with the Fae as well as a Sin-Eater (which is a gross monster which can unhinge its jaw) and while he tries to take these things on his own, it becomes very obvious he needs all the help he can get. Especially since the police are on his back, suspecting him of the wave of murders Holleran is determined to solve.
Dark and ominous things are happening to Diana, and I think it’s fair to say we’re worried, which is a testament to Green and how much he makes us care for his characters.
Very much looking forward to the next instalment.
I read this book as part of Hell In Haven: Holleran Case Files – 5 Complete Cases – Paranormal Investigator Series but I will be reviewing each story separately.
Find out more about David Green.
This book review is part of a new #Octobooks series. #Octobooks are books associated with authors/guests/members (past and present) of #Octocon, the National Irish Science Fiction Convention. Find out more about Octocon on their website and their socials: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, BlueSky, and Mastodon.
MARK KIELTY 