ARC Review: The Cursed by Heather Graham

The Cursed
Author: Heather Graham
Publication: Harlequin MIRA (May 27, 2014)

Description: A haunted house in Key West 

Hannah O'Brien, who grew up in the house and now runs it as a B and B, has always had a special ability to see a pair of resident ghosts. But when a man is murdered in the alley behind her place, she's dismayed when his spirit appears, too, asking for help.

FBI agent Dallas Samson has a passionate interest in the murder, since the victim's a colleague whose death is connected to the smuggling ring known as Los Lobos—the wolves. Now Dallas is even more committed to chasing them down….

Unaware that Dallas has certain abilities of his own, Hannah calls her cousin Kelsey O'Brien, a member of the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, an elite unit of paranormal investigators. The present-day case is linked to a historical mystery involving salvagers, a curse and a sunken ship. Danger and desire bring Hannah and Dallas together, but to survive, they have to solve the mysteries of the past—and stay alive long enough to solve the crimes of the present!

My Thoughts: Hannah O'Brien runs a B and B in Key West and also conducts ghost tours. It helps that she can actually see ghosts. In fact, her B and B is haunted by two lovers. So, when one of her guests wakes the inn screaming because she had seen a ghost, Hannah soothes her and sends her and the other guests to a non-haunted hotel. She wasn't expecting to find a body when she went into the alley behind her house. Nor was she expecting his ghost to ask for help.

Dallas Samson is the FBI agent who comes to work the case. It turns out the dead man was another agent who was undercover to try to infiltrate Los Lobos - a very secretive gang that deals in smuggling. Now the leader of that gang has turned his interest toward Hannah's B and B. He is convinced that there is wealth hidden there from a sunken ship.

This was an entertaining paranormal romance. It is also the twelfth book in the Krewe of Hunters series. It is the first book in that series that I have read. While I am curious about some of the other characters' stories, this story stands alone quite well. Both Hannah and Dallas are interesting characters and their romance is realistic.

Fans of romantic suspense who like ghosts would be the best audience for this story. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books in the Krewe of Hunters series.

Favorite Quote:

No, it wouldn't be okay. It would never be okay. A dying man had come into her yard looking for help, then breathed his last in the alley behind her house, and now his ghost had come to her for help.

I got this eARC from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.