I struggled to get into the story because it’s not my general topic of interest. That said heather graham is a great writer and creates engaging stories.

You can't go wrong with a Heather Graham novel. I have read numerous books by this author and have loved all of them. I particularly love the novels that feature Krewe of Hunters an FBI elite force. History professor Alex Maple was one of the victims, that has gone missing. Vickie Preston and Special Agent Griffin Pryce find themselves on a trail to find a serial killer in Massachusetts.
They are in an increasingly passionate relationship and trying to stay safe is becoming difficult.

If you love a great mystery story, like I said you can't go wrong with a book by Heather Graham. I highly recommend this suspenseful book!

Dark Rites is the 22nd book in the Krewe of Hunters series and the second to feature Vicki and Griffin. This one picks up right after the events of Dying Breath. Vicki's friend Alex has disappeared. Someone is attacking and kidnapping women on the street and it may be related to Alex's disappearance. I really enjoyed this one as much as the first book with this couple.

The mystery was pretty good. This time around, there seems to be a satanic cult involved. That story line was a nice change from the usual serial killer. I didn't call the ending at all. I had my suspicions, but my thought process was going in a completely different direction. I also loved spending time with this couple again. Their relationship was a bit fast in the first book, so it was nice to see them develop as a couple a bit more. Their story arc ends in the next book, Wicked Deeds. I have it ready to go, so stay tuned.

Always a fan of Ms. Graham, I picked up this book well into the series. Full disclosure, I have not read the books prior to this one. This can be read as a standalone and easily get into the story. This one is as the book title suggests, dealing with witchcraft and satanic leanings. Ms. Graham creates a back story that is bizarre as well as thought provoking. For those who like the Blair Witch Project, this story may be up your alley.

Our main characters are historian Vickie Preston and FBI agent Griffin Pryce. Griffin is in a special paranormal group within the FBI. He is called onto the case to track down a potential serial killer. When this ties into Vickie's missing historian friend, a pattern starts to emerge.

This story is heavy in the witchcraft and blood rites. It delves into the cult mind and at times can be a bit alarming. I liked reading about this and found it to be intriguing. I liked how well Ms. Graham designed this story with flashes between the past and the present. For those who enjoy the more supernatural world, this story contains all the right elements. It is a page turner as I wanted to see what happens and if Vickie and Griffin can solve the mystery in time to save lives. The psychic talent possessed by Vickie comes in handy and provides eerie future events. It gives this book a slightly creepy chilling effect that gives me goosebumps. I like it. I wouldn't exactly classify this book as horror because those tend to give me nightmares. This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who enjoy supernatural events mixed with witchcraft, cults and demon summoning.

It was so awesome reading these books! This series has been pretty long lived, with the first series, there's now been about 30 books. And it's interesting, because these two were the first ones to star consecutively, and in full length books, the same couple. So that was different!

We did get to know Vickie and Griffin much better in these books-their relationship deepened, and was more than instant love, like having attempts at seduction being ruined by unexpected guests, multiple times, which was so cute and bonding!

Both of these mysteries focused on two different elements-witches and Satan, and then Edgar Allan Poe. Both were equally interesting to investigate, well, besides the fact that people are in danger! There were the potential suicides in the first because of the group they were with, and the freaky deaths of the second!

There are almost always ghosts that try, and help, during each of these books. Sometimes they're current victims, sometimes they've been ghosts for years. But however short of time we get to meet them, they're important, and I love meeting them, and the help they give to solving and beating the bad guys!

Such great books, and I really enjoyed them, totally can't wait for more!

A continuation of Dying Breath (Krewe of Hunters #21) which was a 5 star book, Dark Rites did not continue with thrills. Same great characters and interesting set of murders, but too much back and forth (literally) of the characters as they searched for the cult. A lot of the middle story could have been cut back to give this story a sense of urgency/excitement that it was sorely lacking. I just wanted to skip to get to the ending which is never a good sign for a book. I hope the third installment with Vickie and Griffin ends with a bang! Even though this wasn't as good as Dying Breath, I still enjoyed all the things Heather Graham does best, the great characters and sense of place and history. She always excels with her history!

Dark Rites is a paranormal suspense novel by Heather Graham and part of the Krewe Hunter series for Harlequin'. This book is follows the case of a rash attacks in the city of Boston. People are randomly being attacked and then left with a note telling others that Satan is coming. When Griffin catches an attacker, the police believes that is the end of the case. But when a friend of his fiancee, Vickie, goes missing, could it be a sign that there is more to these attacks than meets the eye? Follow Griffin, Vickie and the rest of the Krewe Hunters as they look to solve this new mystery.

I read this book after reading the upcoming booking Wicked Deeds by Heather Graham. So I ended up reading them in the wrong order, however I don't think that diminished the quality of the book. Each book can be read as a stand-alone book, however, the author does constantly reference previous books throughout the novel, so don't be surprised if you haven't read the other books, because there will be reminders throughout the book.

For those hardcore mystery lovers, this book is not for you. This book does cover the mystery and suspense part decently but nothing too dramatic that would keep you up at night or give you that bone-chilling feeling. The characters come across as a friendly people. The dialogue is simple and easy so that it feels more like a conversation with friends and not police officers trying to hunt down a killer. There is hardly any police jargon except for the very common words such as warrant and APB making this book a quick read. I would give this book to a friend who wants to try out mystery novels but doesn't know where to start. This book would serve as a beginner's book into suspense.

A point you should know is that Heather Graham weaves an interesting tale blending historical fact with fiction. There are a plethora of moments in which she uses history to help tell the story and blends it so well with the plot. I kind of wished that in the beginning she would start the story of with the story of a historical fact and then bring it to today's modern period to be solved because some descendant is keeping it alive or something.

Author Heather Graham has written DARK RITES to be exactly as the name indicates dark and frightening. There are a number of twists and turns that will make you dizzy and then she will throw you a couple of more bends until a very astonishing ending. DARK RITES features a lot of history that does not put humans in a wonderful light. It is the Puritan's, the Salem Witch Trials and some of the depravity that happened during that time period and again in this one that fills the pages. It seems man will never learn. I have to admit that every time I read one of Ms. Graham's Krewe books I end up looking up the area she talks about to learn more of the history.

If you want a mystery that will have you gasping at the clues (but I don't think you will solve this one before the end), ghosts, misdirection and a touch of sweet and steamy romance then DARK RITES will fill the bill perfectly.

~Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

The complete review may be found at http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=63545

The Krewe of Hunters is the one of the very few paranormal series that I have followed and enjoyed. And Dark Rites is as filled with interesting history, enchanting tales of life, and characters that captured my interest.
It also had witches, cults, and satanism and that is not my thing at all, and I admit some of the scenes even made me feel a bit uncomfortable.
Usually, a new book in this series means we get to know a new hero and heroine. For this one, last book's protagonists get to solve another set of mysteries, while the relationship between them deepen, and the feelings take even more passionate root. Vickie Preston and Griffin Pryce has a great chemistry between them and definitely carry this story well.
Vickie is a historian, an author, with a big heart and tendency to get involved in the trouble brewing around her. She is smart, able to put together difficult puzzles of information in her head, and not afraid to face the danger. Griffin, the protective FBI agent, is the perfect mate to Vickie. They get each other, they support each other, they understand the preasure and need to get the job done and the bad guys caught, yet they make sure to take stolen moments for themselves, and enjoy life as well.
What delighted me with the story was the surprisingly light and flirty atmosphere between Vickie and Griffin, it is a bit atypical for these intense stories with death, drama, and ghosts. But it lightens the otherwise
so gloomy tale, and even had me laughing out loud couple times.
This story might not be my personal favorite in the series, but still vastly entertaining, hair-raisingly spooky, filled with danger, threats, and peril.​
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Graham's latest novel explores a possible Satanic cult operating around a lake hiding a secret of its own. Graham does an excellent job building historical facts and fables into her suspenseful novels, adding romance and the paranormal in an irresistible combination. I always enjoy the read, and learn something as well.

Heather Graham has been one of my favorite authors for awhile now. I adore her Krewe of Hunters series and I know I can always count on her for an amazing book. But with “Dark Rites”, Heather Graham really stepped into the epic authors category for me.

Our story starts with History professor Alex Maple going missing. He’s not entirely sure where he is or what’s happening to me. Someone wants the knowledge that Alex has. To survive, he has to find out where the mysterious “Jehovah” area is.

If you read “Dying Breath”, you already knew who Vickie and Griffin are. (If you didn’t read “Dying Breath”, you’ll still be able to follow this book). This aspect by itself is one reason that I love this author. This book could be the first one you’ve ever read by her and still understand everything. But if you have read the other books, this story becomes enhanced because you see a few past characters and it makes for a more enjoyable experience.

Vickie and Alex have become friends and when Alex doesn’t show up for their dinner plans, she knows something is amiss. Alex is intelligent, considerate, and the kind of friend everyone would want to have. Vickie immediately gets Griffin involved and what they find is nothing short of horrifying. As they go through Fall River to the forests of Western Massachusetts, the mystery only intensifies.

As the victims continue to add up, the Krewe digs deeper and deeper into the history of Massachusetts. For me, this is one of the best aspects of a Heather Graham book. I love the history melded into the mystery. It really adds an extra element to the story and I find myself unable to put these books down.

If you love history, mystery, and romance, this book is for you. Heck, the whole series is for you. This is the kind of story that will keep you up all night for all the right reasons.

I do not like the main characters. I didn't connect with them in the first book and I connected with them less in this book. I miss the original Krewe and every new book I hope it will bring back the thing that got me hooked on the series.

I really love the Krewe of Hunters series. The stories are always so creepy and interesting and I love how they books are only loosely connected so you don't have to keep up with all 21 previous books! This one is a little different as the main couple here is the same main couple in the previous book Dying Breath but I really liked them and am looking forward to seeing more of their relationship develop.

This one felt a lot darker to me than the previous book. Graham takes kind of a fade to black approach to violence and gore - we know someone got attacked, we know there's blood but it's not really talked about in detail - but the level of fear seemed higher. I actually started to read this when I was home by myself one night and after page 3 had to put it aside. And there was one incident when I was reading in bed in the dark (reading on my Kindle) and my 7 year old got right next to the bed without me hearing and took about 10 years off my life.

As usual there's a lot of history woven into the mystery of the random street attacks and the disappearance of Vickie's friend Alex. I liked that this wasn't just a satanic cult but one that is based off historical events. I think that kept it from getting too dark though it didn't diminish the creep factor! I also really enjoyed seeing more of Devin and Rocky who were from my favorite Krewe book The Hexed. However, no worries if you haven't read that one as you don't need to know there backstory to enjoy this one. While not absolutely mandatory it would be best to read Dying Breath before this one so you can get to know Vickie and Griffin a bit better.

This series always delivers on serious creep and a good bit of history which makes for an entertaining read that never fails to pull me in. If you like romantic suspense heavy on the suspense with a dash of paranormal this is one not to miss!

When the book opens, there have already been several attacks on people in the Boston area. Each one was beaten and left with a note comprised of an old warning about witchcraft. Professor Alex Maple, Vickie Preston's close friend, was among those attacked, but now he's gone missing. Vickie is convinced that it has to do with the same people that attacked him.

Shortly afterward, Vickie begins to have visions of a woman with her throat slit. The question becomes who is this woman? And who is orchestrating the attacks on people in Boston and why? And why are the perpetrators ready to die rather than be caught?

On the eve of their trip to Virginia, Vickie Preston and her beau Special Agent Griffin Pryce are caught up in the search for Alex. They are also involved in finding out who is perpetrating the attacks and why.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Heather Graham once again does a wonderful job blending fact and fiction as they search for Alex and the killers. The characters are well drawn and sympathetic. The plot moves along at a good pace. And the mystery kept me guessing. I thought the leader was one character when he really turned out to be another. The main characters are the same as they were in Book #21 in the Krewe of Hunters series. You could read this as a standalone, but it would be better to at least read the book before it to get a better understanding of the characters and to see the beginning of the relationship between Agent Pryce and Vickie. I would recommend this book and the series to readers who enjoy romantic suspense with a paranormal bent.

Dark Rites by Heather Graham is #22 in the Krewe of Hunters series. It's due out July 25, 2017 from MIRA.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given.

I had a really hard time with this book. Heather Graham is one of my always buy the day it comes out authors, which made it all the more disappointing. While I usually finish a book in one sitting, it took me multiple tries over weeks to get through this. The main characters are the same main characters from the last book, along with some we've met in past Krewe books. The story wasn't bad, but seemed very repetitive and too similar to other stories. I'm wondering if its maybe time to close out the Krewe.

Vickie and her boyfriend, Krewe member Griffin have been pulled in to another odd case, this time involving a good friend. We get to check in with other Krewe members, and follow a great story line that evolves well. Another great novel.

Another great addition. This one stars the recent additions to the Krewe, those from the Massachusettes setting group of books. And the Krewe continues to grow.
This story again included history with which most of us are unfamiliar. Ms. Graham's research is evident, as expected.
Always happy when a new Krewe book is expected and this lived up to that expectation.

Love this author, love this series. But for some reason this book was hard for me to get into. I look forward to the next one in the series.

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I will not be able to review this book. I have deleted it from my system and will buy the book if I decide to read it on my own.

Thank you
Ruby

Review goes live on Butterfly-o-Meter Books on July 26 2o17 at 00.00 am gmt+2 and will show up on Goodreads sometime later.

In a Flutter: Still fun, but less exciting for some reason
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: Boston setting, and I enjoyed the search for “Jehova”. Really strong start, with creepy old mental hospital.
Characters: Alex is nice; I love me a geek with a sharp mind and interesting info. Vickie and Griffin are fun leads, and since this is my first read in this series it was a cool introduction, but for some odd reason I didn’t connect to either of them though I generally love detectives and agents.
Plot: The investigation of Alex’s disappearance and the cult idea plus serial assaults/kills were really cool concepts, but the pace of events felt too sluggish for me. The romance didn’t do it for me, it was already-established-relationship which is rarely fun for me since there’s considerably less tension than in any other setting, basically, and they have this sweet romance thing going which yet again not one of my favs.
Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, mostly Vickie/Griffin POV. The dialogue felt somewhat stiff sometimes, and I think it was the writing style that had me disconnecting from the characters.
Curb Appeal: Coo cover, hooking blurb – impulsive buy material for my paranormal romantic suspense moods.

While I enjoyed Dark Rites, I had more fun reading Flawless by Heather Graham, for instance. I want to try another title of the series before I make my mind about reading more from the Krewe of Hunters.
I do recommend this one to fans of ghosts and procedurals that involve cults and cool history. If you’re into bantery dialogue though, this is not for you.