This is the first in Lackey's series featuring Diana Tregarde, a witch and guardian who fights evil powers. It is different take on magic and mystic power.

Lackey is one of the best storytellers I have read, but she isn't at her best in this book. The situation is intriguing but the execution seemed lacking.

In the first place, the fact that it took Diana so very long to realize she was facing Aztec magic was frustrating. Yes, Lackey did have put in a reason for her inability to make the connection, but it still drove me crazy.

Also, the murders were numerous and gruesome. True she didn't go into unnecessary detail, but the information that was necessary was far more than I wanted.

This isn't a bad book, but it isn't up to Lackey's usual standards.

Share/Like this Review?

It's been awhile since I read this series but I really did enjoy it. Nice mixture of the paranormal and a mystery.

Share/Like this Review?

Good. I'll be hunting for the rest of them.

Share/Like this Review?

First in the Diana Tregarde mystery and paranormal series, featuring homicide detective Mark Valdez and Diana, who is a witch but also an "occult consultant" and old friend of Mark's called in to help investigate a series of what appear to be cultist murders in the Dallas area. You can tell this is one of Lackey's earlier works. It's fairly simplistic and amateurishly-written without much character development. The 'mystery' really wasn't a mystery at all--poor plotting gave too much away early on, and the ending was very predictable. Another of those novels that read a bit like a bad 'B' movie script. I have the second in series here, but I think I'm going to let it go rather than carry on with the series--here are only 3 books in it, anyway. I did finish this one, but only because it was such a light, quick read. Lackey should probably stick with straight fantasy, I think.

Share/Like this Review?

I love these books! Comparisons with Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake and Tanya Huff's Fitzroi and Vikki are inescapable, but these books came first and one must give Mercedes Lackey her due.
" Something is stalking in Dallas. Detective Mark Valdez feels that evil. He's dealt with the occult before and he knows he's in over his head. So, he calls in a specialist. Diana Tregarde. Romance novelist, investigator of unnatural events. Practicing witch. If any one can determine what malevolent power is loose in Dallas, she can. "

Share/Like this Review?

Diana Tregarde is a fascinating character, a strong female heroinne and this series would be a perfect one that gives girls a strong feminine super hero. The Investigations are unique and the characters are well drawn and interesting. II really enjoyed the story of an ancient Aztec God wreaking vengence on modern day Dallas. Full of magic and sound modern investigation techinques. The story revolves around Mark Valdez a detective with the DPD, who possesses pyshic abilites and while on the trail of a serial killer realizes this calls for help in the form of romance writer Diana Tregarde, a practicing with who happens to be a Guardian, protector of the earth and it's citizens from unsavory and dangerous magics.

Share/Like this Review?

Different, would probably read others in this series...but left something to be desired....

Share/Like this Review?

An interesting read!

Share/Like this Review?