"Superb paranormal romantic suspense fantasy"
Frank Tallient hires Chicago based cryptozoologist Diana
Malone to investigate strange killings in the swamps near
New Orleans. Her new client wants Diana to capture
whatever is murdering the local populace; both expect a
mundane serial killer is at work, but also understand the
underlying reason he chose her is the possibility that a
more esoteric murderer, an ABC (Alien Big Cat) like a wolf
or even a werewolf is behind the slaughter. Former Special Forces soldier and native son Adam Ruelle
is the best person to guide Diana through the bayou
jungle, but if he is even alive, which is doubtful, he is
the posterboy of recluses and probably will reject her
request. Still she tries and he reluctantly agrees when
he cannot persuade her that the only animals she wants to
see is a cub at a baseball game in Chicago. At night in
the eerie Louisiana swamps, Diana begins to fall in love
with her strange guide; an emotion she thought dead since
her beloved Simon Malone passed away. Against all he
understands about his heritage, Adam reciprocates though
he believes the "curse" needs to end with him. In
daylight she believes he hides the truth about himself and
what he knows about their prey, who stalks the scientist
and her escort. The fourth paranormal romantic suspense fantasy Moon tale
is a terrific entry in what is one of the better running
sub-genre series of the last few years. The lead couple
is an exhilarating pairing as they fall in love, but both
have monster doubts about any relationship that is if they
survive being the hunted. Readers who appreciate a strong
one sitting thriller will want to read CRESCENT MOON and
the other Lori Handeland lunar tales (DARK MOON, HUNTER'S
MOON, and BLUE MOON). Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted January 31, 2006
SummaryNew Orleans is known for sinful pleasures and strange magic,
but for cryptozoologist Diana Malone it offers one
irresistible attraction. For over a hundred years there have
been whispers of wolves around the Crescent City, and the
recent discovery of bodies in the nearby swamps hints at a
creature even more dangerous...one that could make Diana's
career and fortune, if she lives to capture it.
Adam Ruelle is a reclusive former Special Forces officer,
the last of a mysterious Cajun family rumored to be cursed,
and the only person skilled enough to guide Diana in her
search. Rugged and captivating, he fills her nights with
desire...but by day, Diana is plagued with doubts. Adam
clearly knows more than he's telling, but is his aim to
protect her or distract her? Something is stalking its prey
in the Louisiana bayous, and every step towards the
horrifying truth brings Diana closer to a centuries-old
enemy that lives for the smell of fear and the thrill of
killing, again and again...
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