Book Review: Grave Witch

By Sandy Amazeen Oct 11, 2010, 0:06 GMT

Not even death can save her now. As a grave witch, Alex Craft can speak to the dead-she\'s even on good terms with Death himself. As a consultant for the police, she\'s seen a lot of dark magic, but nothing has prepared her for her latest case. When she\'s raising a "shade" involved in a high profile murder, it attacks her, and then someone makes an attempt on ...more

Private investigator and grave witch Alex Craft finds herself flat broke with no new clients beating a way to her door so when estranged sister Casey calls with a job, Alex puts aside numerous reservations and goes to work. After successfully raising the first shade ever to take the witness stand, Alex becomes the focus of a media blitz when the video tape of her examination of a high profile murder victim is leaked to the internet.

Already at odds with Nekros City police detective Falin Andrews, the media circus escalates Alex’s troubles with the handsome detective. After Falin foils a kidnapping attempt on Alex by the fae, the two grudgingly begin working together to sort out the tangled mess of mortal and fae political machinations made worse by an over abundance of magic. For Alex, who is capable of interacting with Death, the investigation becomes very personal as she’s been infected with a soul-destroying virus that will kill her should she fail to solve the case.

Price has created an engaging series with a heroine made more believable by her flaws and weaknesses, some due in part to the after effects of using grave sight. Alex’s romantic entanglements with Falin and Death add to the brisk pace and suitably complex storyline. The climax resolves an old mystery for Alex and a later revelation about her father is sure to play a role in upcoming additions to this bright, inventive new series.