One Grave at a Time, by Jeaniene Frost

Format: Kindle Edition

Published: August 30, 2011

Publisher: Harper Collins, Inc.

Back cover blurb:

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?

My review:

Not a bad installment, marginally better than the last one but still missing something I can’t quite put my finger on. The business with Don sat oddly with me and the introduction of douchebag Madigan indicates fairly clearly where the plot is likely to head after this.

Still, I love Bones, Spade and Ian, and despite my misgivings, they’ll keep me reading.

My rating: 4/5

This Side of the Grave, by Jeaniene Frost

Format: ebook, 280 pages

Published: February 22, 2011 (first published February 1, 2011)

Publisher: HarperCollins

Back cover blurb:

Danger waits on both sides of the grave.

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they’ve triumphed over the latest battle, Cat’s new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous “ally”—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

My review:

Cat and Bones are as smexy as usual, but I have to say the thinish plot didn’t grip me as much as some of the earlier books. The scenes with Don were heartbreaking, but I loved the ending and am keen to read the next book to find out where that goes.

Vlad continues to intrigue me, so I’m glad he’s getting his own spinoff book. I just wish she’d write one for Ian!

My rating: 4/5

Related articles

• First Drop of Crimson, by Jeaniene Frost (mrsaubergine.wordpress.com)
• My Book Boyfriend- Bones (bookishtemptations.com)