REDEEMED BY FIRE

In this romantic thriller, a psychic and a police homicide detective battle a murderous supernatural entity in New Orleans.

Detective Luc Avery’s serial killer investigation has turned up nothing. The murderer, whom cops dub Cyclops, has left behind four victims, each missing one eye and the pineal gland. But Luc may catch a break with Casi Thomas; someone (likely the killer) abducted her and held her captive before she made a daring escape. Luc puts her in protective custody, convinced Cyclops is still after her. Casi, who makes a living as a quasi-psychic, doesn’t trust the police. When she was a social worker in California, cops arrested and charged her when two kids died under her care. Readers know Cyclops can control people by voice alone. Amazingly, Casi may have legitimate psychic abilities, as she’s apparently immune to the supernatural killer’s influence. This proves an asset once Casi and Luc realize they’re up against both a powerful being intent on ensnaring Casi as well as an otherworldly artifact. An unexpected supernatural ally lends a helping hand, but it’s up to the two humans to stop Cyclops’ homicidal spree. This stand-alone novel, the third installment of Bahr’s thematically linked series, begins as a supernatural suspense tale. For example, Cyclops is memorably ferocious and relentless in pursuing Casi. But the story gradually shifts its focus to romance, as Casi and Luc’s instant mutual attraction becomes love almost as quickly. The author deftly develops the two leads, particularly Luc; prolonged scenes of the detective attending a Cajun family dinner and performing with his younger brother’s band showcase his roots. But these also sideline the villainous threat before the climax, which, while exhilarating, is over too soon. Still, descriptions of the story’s Southern locale resonate: “The perfect sunny day with ocean breezes felt like magic next to the sweltering humid air of New Orleans.”

A distinctive paranormal romance with a stellar cast and a vivid setting.