Review: Trail of the Dead

Trail of the Dead by Melissa F. Olson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Book Info: Genre: Urban Fantasy
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of urban fantasy, those looking for a female-lead urban fantasy with less romance and more action
Book Available: June 4, 2013 in Kindle and Paperback formats
Trigger Warnings: murder, violence

My Thoughts: This is the second book in the Scarlett Bernard series, following Dead Spots, which I read and reviewed (linked where allowed) in March, 2013.

One interesting thing about the style of these books is that the point of view goes back and forth between Scarlett and Jesse. Scarlett's sections are in first person and Jesse's in third person, which is a little strange, but it works. I definitely like this sort of thing better than a limited omniscient point of view, or head-hopping. This provides us enough different perspective to tell a bit more of the story, but not so much that it confuses the reader in the end.

I really have been enjoying the Scarlett Bernard series because there isn't the focus on romance that so many female-lead urban fantasies (or FLUF as one of the people I follow calls them) have. Scarlett is busy with her work and while there is some romance, and even a sort-of triangle, it isn't the focus and it isn't obtrusive. I really enjoy this. I also really love the secondary characters. Dashiell, especially amuses me. “I believe the term you humans use is ahem...” for instance, or the way startling Jesse with his speed amuses him. He may be inhuman and terrifying at times, but I really like his character. I also liked Runa and feel bad for her the way things turned out. Kirsten is also a great character and I hope an upcoming book will provide more of a focus on her. Molly, of course, is also a very good character.

So, all in all, as is obvious, I do highly recommend these books for people who have been looking for a female-lead urban fantasy that is less romance and more action. These are great books and I will definitely be following this series. There is no word on when the next book will come out, but I'm really hoping for book 3 next year!

Disclosure: I received a paperback ARC from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: As a null, Scarlett Bernard possesses a rare ability to counteract the supernatural by instantly neutralizing spells and magical forces. For years she has used her gift to scrub crime scenes of any magical traces, helping the powerful paranormal communities of Los Angeles stay hidden. But after LAPD detective Jesse Cruz discovered Scarlett’s secret, he made a bargain with her: solve a particularly grisly murder case, and he would stay silent about the city’s unearthly underworld.

Now two dead witches are found a few days before Christmas, and Scarlett is once again strong-armed into assisting the investigation. She soon finds a connection between the murders and her own former mentor, Olivia, a null who mysteriously turned into a vampire and who harbors her own sinister agenda. Now Scarlett must revisit her painful past to find Olivia—unless the blood-drenched present claims her life first.



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