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 her life. Someone really doesn't want her to know what the dead have to say, and she'll have to work with mysterious homicide detective Falin Andrews to figure out why.
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"Alex Craft is a grave witch; someone who can raise shades (which essentially are the last living memories of the dead that get put back into their corpses) and in her particular case, see Death. Yes, Death is a person--or more specifically, a man (whom, as stated in the summary, looks very good in jeans). Downright broke and in need of work, Alex takes up her sister on a job opportunity which leads her to ask a cop buddy for a favor which then leads her to the morgue where she raises a shade (pro bono) for said cop that then attacks her. She also takes a peek at Theodore Coleman's body--which was why she came to the morgue in the first place--and notices a series of strange symbols on his skin (which is relevant, but there's plot spoilers I'd rather not give). Shortly after this, a certain detective--Falin Andrews--makes his appearance and well, he doesn't like Alex--then of course, there's the fact that she was just looking at Theodore's body which is a part of his case. From there, the story really begins to roll along and little by little, Alex learns more about the case and unintentionally she learns an interesting bit of information about herself (and what the victims all had in common). Yes, this is an Adult book. Yes, there is a scene--intimate in nature--within. But it was just one scene and to be honest, things like that don't bother me--sometimes, instead, I burst out with, "Finally!" What I mean to say is this: as long as the plot is good and there's not a ton of scenes of that nature, I'm game. However, I won't tell you who it was with--although I will tell you that the love triangle is pretty interesting. I mean, Death versus Falin Andrews? For once, I have absolutely no idea who I'm really rooting for--well, okay, I'm siding with Falin thus far. Then there's Alex's grave sight which literally gives her a different perspective of the world (think more decay) and the fact that it leaves her blind (legally blind or pretty close to it) after she's finished using it--it also leaves her extremely cold when she's done using it. Since well, the grave is cold and people who are currently amongst the living tend to be warm to the touch (Death can attest to this). Anyways, if you like urban fantasies, witches, corpses, a string of murders, and the occasional fae you may want to check this one out. Also, admittedly, this was somewhat of a fast read--it's a standard sized paperback and by this, I don't mean the over-sized ones that I've been reading lately. Not a "I have to know what happens next!" book, but more or less a "This is rather interesting." book."
— Kristin (4 out of 5 stars)
“The debut of not only a compelling new protagonist, but also a promising new author. Kalayna Price’s first novel stars Alex Craft, an attractive private investigator and police consultant who happens to [be] a grave witch. Her magical talents enable her to communicate with the dead and, indeed, with Death himself. In this case, however, her special powers don’t prepare for vicious attacks from both sides of the grave. An auspicious beginning to two distinguished careers.”
— Barnes & Noble, editorial review[A] captivating series debut.
— Publishers Weekly“Only a thin border separates the worlds of the living and the dead in Price’s captivating series debut…a zippy pace and entrancing descriptions of ‘grave sight,’ which juxtaposes a decaying spirit world on top of ours, will keep readers happily turning pages.”
— Publishers Weekly“There is plenty of action and the promise of a developing love triangle to bring readers back for more of Alex Craft’s adventures.…this book should be enjoyed by both adults and older teen fans of paranormal mysteries and urban fantasy books.”
— VOYA" Not a fan of the narrator as the performance seems robotic to me. As for the story, it's interesting enough for me to check the next book. Though at the moment, I keep comparing it to Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan Series. And this title is coming up short. It's not bad. But the only characters that stand out to me are Alex, Falin and Death. And they're in some sort of a love triangle. But then again, it sometimes takes me until book three to really like a series. At the moment, I think the series could be great so I'd like to give the next book a try "
— NMP, 9/2/2016" I really liked this book. It reminded me a little of the last series I read by Darynda Jones. It is part paranormal, part PI and all fun. I'll admit the series by Jones is more hilarious, but this one was great too. It of course involves: ghosts, shades, witches and fae. it also has one to many guy interests (gorgeous too might I add) and off-kilter parent-daughter relationships. It is a great setting...a town filled with the paranormal living with the null (people not sensitive to paranormal things) where Alex is a witch. She helps out the police while doing some PI work on the side. She always gets herself into trouble but with trusty Death (soul collector)around helping her she seems to always come out pretty well. In comes new Detective Falin and he doesn't like Alex and vice versa. Push comes to shove they have to work together and things combust from there...good and bad. "
— Angie, 2/20/2014" This was a fun read. It was well written and I truly enjoyed the characters and the character development. The action takes off right from the beginning and never loses pace. Loads of magic and suspense. I'm excited to see what happens in her love life. Having a hunky fae and (sexy) Death himself vying for your affection would make any girls head spin, right? "
— Arelyn, 2/20/2014" I went into this book with high hopes, and I'm still not sure if I liked it enough to buy the second in the series. I like Alex Craft, the ehroine of the series, and I like both the lead romantic possibilities in the story. I just felt it dragged on at times. "
— Diane, 2/9/2014" Picked this up to read a bit before bed. Next thing I know it's 2:30am and I've finished it. I was easily drawn in by the characters and the storyline but I didn't care too much for the ending. "
— Honeybee, 2/4/2014" Pretty much average paranormal romance. And yes I put romance even though it isn't expressly billed that way, because if a sex scene lasts four freaking pages, I put it in the romance genre. Pretty much stock urban fantasy female main character, stock asshole love interest and stock plot. The last half of the book I just kept going back to Dresden Files and how badass the faerie people are in that and how much lamer they were in this book. On the plus side...Death was kind of okay. Probably my favorite character, sadly. "
— Ubiquitousbastard, 1/18/2014" I'd really like to give it a 4.5 rating. Almost a 5-star book but there were some parts that didn't work for me. "
— Kertu-Liisu, 1/15/2014" Up there with the Harry Dresden series!! I love the characters and the writing! Hope the series continues!! "
— Beth, 12/17/2013" I enjoy the concept, yet it feels like there's a back story since the characters keep referencing moments in the past, however, the reader is left ignorant. "
— Nessa, 12/6/2013" wanted this to be better; but with SO much bad luck, scene after scene, I had to let it go.... "
— sullivan, 10/5/2013" Most of it was boring. The only character I liked was Death...which is sort of odd but it is what it is. I guess in the end this wasn't my kinda of book. The romance sticks. And I might read the second book just to see what else the author's got. "
— Miakoda, 4/26/2013" Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Finally, an urban fantasy heroine that I can really get into! "
— Regina, 4/3/2013" Really like this. Another recommendation by various sources and I was expecting crap but ended up staying up late to finish it. The urban fantasy genre tends to churn out a lot of crap and this one was, thankfully, one of the good ones. Fun, fast paced, well written. "
— Joanna, 8/10/2012" Great new series! I can't wait to read the next one when it comes out. This story has it all, action, love, sarcasm, mystery, witch craft, fae, intrigue, a kick butt heroine, great friends, cute dog, can it get any better than that? "
— Mlpmom, 7/21/2012" Good story. Alex didn't get on my nerves too much. Falin's all right but I really have the hots for Death. Interested in seeing how this love triangle plays out. "
— Cheri, 3/26/2012" first Alex craft book. fast read. if you like books by Jeanine frost you'll love kalayna prices book. a must read "
— Stacie, 12/3/2011" quick read - nice upbeat slightly funny ending. "
— Irene, 6/25/2011" This book was good. Not amazing but good. The characters were interesting and I liked the fact the main character was a witch. It wasn't anything amazing but a good quick read full of fluff. "
— Jessica, 5/14/2011" Most of it was boring. The only character I liked was Death...which is sort of odd but it is what it is. I guess in the end this wasn't my kinda of book. The romance sticks. And I <em>might</em> read the second book just to see what else the author's got. "
— Miakoda, 5/12/2011" Pretty good I really liked the way the author portrayed death and I'm looking forward to the sequel coming out next month. "
— Mitsu, 5/4/2011" I loved it. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. It's about a witch who speaked to the dead named Alex (Alexis) Craft who is an consultant for the police and a PI. She has to find out who is killing women before the Blood Moon with the help from the mysterious Detective Falin Andrews. "
— Dawn, 5/3/2011" Enjoyable read. Interesting premise and world. "
— Bliss, 5/2/2011" This was a good book. I liked alex's character but the storyline seems so familiar. I still look forward to reading the next book in the series. "
— Larissa, 5/2/2011Kalayna Price is the USA Today bestselling author of the Alex Craft series and the Haven series. Her works have been translated into several languages and are available in eight countries. Kalayna draws her ideas from the world around her, her studies into ancient mythologies, and her obsession with classic folklore. Her stories contain not only the mystical elements of fantasy, but also a dash of romance, a bit of gritty horror, some humor, and a large serving of mystery. Kalayna is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America and Romance Writers of America, and an avid hula-hoop dancer who has been known light her hoop on fire.
Emily Durante has been narrating audiobooks for over ten years and is also an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning audiobook director. She has been acting since the age of seven and has performed in a number of stage productions at the professional, collegiate, and regional levels.