THE SÉANCE

Author: Heather Graham ISBN: 0778324656 10/2007 SUSPENSE Publisher: MIRA

A chill falls over Christina Hardy's housewarming party when talk turns to a recent murder that has all the hallmarks of the so-called "Interstate-Killer" murders from fifteen years before. To lighten the mood, the guests drag out an old Ouija board for a little spooky fun . . . and that's when things become truly terrifying. Summoned by the Ouija board, the restless spirit of Beau Kidd, the lead detective—and chief suspect—on the original case, seeks Christina's help: the latest killings aren't copycat crimes, and he wants his name cleared. Back in the real world, cop-turned-writer Jett Braden is skeptical of Christina's ghostly encounters, but his police sources confirm all the intimate details of the case—her otherworldly source is reliable, and the body count is growing. The spirits are right. The Interstate Killer is still out there, and Christina's life is hanging in the balance between this world and the next.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

At a housewarming party, Christina Hardy is pressured into playing with an Ouija board. With the events of a serial killer in the news, everyone is asking whether the recent killings are the work of copycat killer, or, if somehow the wrong man was accused fifteen years ago? Christina soon discovers that she has made a connection with the spirit of Beau Kidd, the police detective that everyone thought was guilty of the murders, and he wants help proving his innocence. Is she willing to help a ghost clear his name, and will she be able to discover the truth before she attracts the killer's attention?

Christina's friend and childhood crush, Jett Braden does not believe in ghosts. When Jett is hired by Beau Kidd's sister to reopen his case, he soon discovers that Christina knows things she shouldn't. With the murderer still out there killing, Jett is willing to use anything he can to discover the truth. What he does not want to do is bring the killer's attention to Christina. He is afraid that Christina's looks match those of the murdered women.

Heather Graham's latest release, THE SÉANCE, is a frightening, suspense-filled thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Compelling characters interact innocently telling their story, but are they truly innocent, or is there something that connects them with the killer? Drawn into the story early, I found the need to know the truth made this a book I could not put down.

As a romantic ghost story, Christina and Jett are drawn closer together while looking for clues to the truth. Their relationship is troubled from the beginning with Jett's inability to believe in ghosts. The unbearable tension caused by the murders, mixes with other, more personal emotions, keeping them from finding an easy path to happiness. Jett finds some release from the stress and fear he is experiencing in the arms of Christina. Their very heated and passionate encounters may be the only thing helping him to keep it together so he can do his job.

The spirit of Beau Kidd is wonderful. I enjoyed every scene in which he was present. He makes you want to find the clues that will eventually prove his innocence. The exciting breathtaking action was wonderful beyond belief, and the creepy, spine-tingling, suspense is guaranteed to give you a thrill.

Readers that enjoyed Heather Grahams' GHOST WALK and BEYOND THE GRAVE will be excited to see some familiar faces. THE SÉANCE is a wonderfully exciting, suspense-filled ghost story, murder mystery and romance, all rolled into one. It is a definite keeper. I can't wait to read more books like this by Heather Graham.

Anita Hartsell