One Grave at a Time
Book #6 of the Night Huntress Series
Publisher: Avon (August 2011)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 358 (paperback)
Source: Personal Library
Purchase at:
Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5 stars)
Summary
Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans’ voodoo queen just keeps on giving–leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.
Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity–forever. But how do you kill a killer who’s already long dead?
The Good
When the ghost Elisabeth comes to Cat and Bones for help in killing a ghost, they were a bit sceptical. How do you kill a ghost? But once Elisabeth reveals what Heinrich Kramer does to women, both when he was alive and dead, the couple know they have to help her somehow. But Kramer proves to be even more devious than his reputation suggests as he dodges Cat and Bones’s many attempts at trapping him for all eternity.
I have to say, after I found out that Kramer was a real person who wrote this horrible book about torturing women (or witches as he would say), it made me want blood. Kramer’s blood. Bravo, Frost, what a great idea for a bad guy.
One Grave at a Time picks up where This Side of the Grave left off, so we learn a little more about Don and why he is still sticking around after his death. His story actually gets even more complicated as the book goes on. Can’t wait to see where it goes.
I really enjoyed the new characters in this book. Fabian and Elisabeth are super cute together. Who says there can’t be love after death? Well, this new couple will surely prove them wrong. I hope Elisabeth is a permanent fixture in this crazy cast because Fabian deserves to be happy.
Tyler was just bomb. When our introduction to him are his thoughts on some naughty things he would do to Bones in every possible position, you can’t help but love him instantly…and whole heartily agree with him. *grins* I like that he toughs through all the action throughout the novel. I respect his tenacity and willingness to help. He’s good people.
We also get to see our old favorites, like Ian (Oh God, I love Ian. He is soooo naughty), Spade, and Denise. I love that Bones and Cat are in such a good place in this book. They are pretty much the perfect couple and they only seem to be getting even closer as time goes on. Which I guess is a good and bad thing. Good because Cat and Bones belong with each other, bad because my chances with Bones seems to be dwindling. *wipes away tears*
Jason Madigan was a great villain. We all know he is up to something. You can save up to 15% on your car insurance. Hahahah. Sorry, had to do it. That happens to be his mantra he continuously repeats to keep Bones and Cat from reading his mind. Which is brilliant, but it only makes him look more suspicious. What is he hiding, why does he hate Cat so much, why is he trying to take control over Homeland Security, once run by Don? Oh, the mystery of it all.
I can’t deny that One Grave at a Time was full of action. The mystery was intriguing, if not somewhat predictable. Cat is still Cat, which means hilarious banter between every character she comes across. It definitely didn’t take me long to read this book.
The Bad
There was a lot of waiting around in this book. It just took so long for Cat and Bones to reach their final goal that I had lost a little of my excitement at the end. I think this book could easily be cut down some.
Mostly, this book lost a star and a half because it simply was not as exciting as the earlier books in this series.
The Snuggly
We get a very unique sex scene and some almost sex scenes. Gotta love Frost’s imagination on this one.
Overall
The new characters really made this book pretty enjoyable. Cat and Bones are in a good place in their relationship and even Fabian is seeing a little action if you know what I mean. The story’s climax was awesome. I was stressed, excited, and screaming near the end. Highly recommended.
Sarah (saz101)
Mwaha! I love Ian. He is so. much. fun. And I loved seeing Denise and Spade together. And I’m so SO with you! Since… ugh–I’ve lost the name–BOOK 5, they’ve been in such a good place as a couple and I LOVE that SO much.
But… for me, some of the spark felt like it was missing in this one, if you know what I mean? I wanted a little more of the Cat/Bones banter, teasing and spark. And Frost does ACTION so SO well, but like you said–there was so much waiting around in this one.
Seriously, though. I still LIKED it. Just didn’t head-over-heels love it like I did the others 🙂
Fab, FAB review, Jennifer! I gave up on reviewing this one after I read it, so I’m LOVING seeing your thoughts 😀
Jennifer L. Bielman
@Sarah: Aww thanks so much. You’re right. Though Cat and Bones are in a good place, the spark is a little gone. I agree, I liked the book and would still recommend it but the first couple of books were way better.
Sarah (saz101)
Yeah… I mean, I still love the action between the two, and they’re still absolutely my favourite literary couple, but I want the stakes raised in book the next!
Anjana Vasan
I’m in love with Bones! 😛
New follower btw!
http://www.kindleandme.com
Jennifer L. Bielman
@Anjana – Oh yeah, totally in love with Bones, too. Thanks for following back.
TheReadingPenguin
I’m loving this series! I’m still a few books behind, but OMG it’s been awesome trying to catch up. She writes such great characters. I didn’t like Ian at first, but he’s growing on me.