The Final Deception

I have indeed enjoyed this author’s work before and was happy to read a new-to-me book by her again.

Craig Frasier is an FBI agent and his fiance sometimes does pysch consultations for the FBI. In this book Craig is still having nightmares about the tough case of THE FIREMAN and Kieran Finnegan, Craig’s fiance, has just interviewed The Fireman a little while before he escapes from prison. About the time he escapes another murder following the same modus operandi takes place and all of New York is soon intently watching the news to find out what will happen next. Is this a copycat murder or did The Fireman do it?

In addition to the catch-him-if-you-can thread there is the ongoing romance between Craig and Kieran and if/when they will get married, the sibling support of the Finnegan family for one another, the police procedural aspects of solving the murder, the suspense of wondering who might be following Kieran and the question of Ruff the dog and where he will end up in the future.

This was an interesting read that might have been more interesting had I come in on book one and read the four books preceding this one because I would have known the main and supporting characters better than I did going into book five. That said, I still knew them well enough to enjoy the story.

It's a good mystery, even if you're coming in at this book and not starting at the beginning of the series (like me). I didn't realize it was a harlequin book though, so I was surprised by all the sex. I don't usually find that in my mystery novels, even written by women. My bad LOL. If you dig mysteries, this is great. None of the characters do stupid or maddening things and it moves ali g logically and smoothly. Definitely give it a try.

It had been far too long since I've read a book by Heather Graham. Graham, a master of romantic suspense, infused this book with the perfect balance of serial killer-induced mayhem and family entanglements. Although I haven't read the previous books in the series, I had no problem understanding who the characters are and how they are connected to each other and the investigation.
At the center are Kieran and Craig, a criminal psychologist and an FBI agent respectively. Also, an engaged couple. Together they are confronted with the evilness of " The Fireman" who is intent on ridding the world of perceived monsters, that he also calls witches. While the crimes are pretty gruesome, nothing is overdone or too shocking in the scene descriptions. The story is completely captivating as the action never lets up and the twists and turns keep the reader guessing.
I loved Craig and Kieran's relationship, her family, and life at said family's pub. I really enjoyed this fast-paced read and am excited to have been reintroduced to Heather Graham's storytelling.

A very fine mystery I didn't even come close to guessing who did it and why.

Writes well. Good characters. New York vibe.