Title: The Unholy
Author: Heather Graham
First published June 26, 2012
384 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780778313496 (ISBN10: 0778313492)
Rating: 4.06
Overview
The grand estate in the English countryside sets the perfect stage for a classic whodunit. The robbery of a priceless necklace, the disappearance of antique firearms, a secret passageway, a seductive baroness with a mysterious past, and even a body found in the lake – it’s a crime lover’s dream come true.
Inspector Wilkens is hesitant to solve the case, but the allure of espionage, blackmail, and murder proves too tempting to resist. The list of suspects is long and distinguished, including a wealthy Texan, a jewel thief, and even the butler.
This delightful romp pays homage to the Golden Age of detective fiction, with a zany pastiche that will keep you guessing until the very end. And what about that curious blood-stained egg cozy?
All will be revealed in due time.
About the Author
Heather Graham is a bestselling author known for her work in horror stories and romantic novels. She studied theater arts at the University of South Florida and spent time performing in dinner theaters, singing backup vocals, and bartending.
After having her third child, she decided to focus on writing and eventually sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982. Heather has since written over one hundred novels and novellas, spanning many genres including romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, and more.
Heather is a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and hosts the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, which raises money for children’s charity. Her work has been published in nearly twenty languages and has earned her awards from Waldenbooks, B.
Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and others. She has been featured in publications such as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today, and has appeared on local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Outside of writing, Heather loves to travel and enjoys scuba diving. She has been married since high school graduation and is the mother of five children.
While her family is her greatest love, she considers her career a gift and feels grateful to be doing something that she loves so much for a living.
Editoral Review
The Unholy by Heather Graham is a gripping and haunting tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Published in 2012, the book is categorized as a mystery-thriller and is infused with elements of horror that provide a chilling and suspenseful reading experience.
Heather Graham, the author of this book, is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has written numerous novels in the genre of romance, thrillers, and paranormal fiction. Her writing style is characterized by the use of vivid descriptions, well-crafted characters, and fast-paced plots that keep readers engaged and invested in the story.
The Unholy is set in the picturesque town of New Orleans and follows the story of detective Jake Larue and his partner, Malachi Samuels, as they investigate a series of murders that are eerily similar to a string of killings that took place in the town decades ago. As they delve deeper into the case, they discover a link to a sinister cult that has been operating in the town for generations.
The main characters, Jake and Malachi, are well-developed and relatable, and their interactions provide a sense of camaraderie that is integral to the story. The setting of New Orleans is brought to life through the use of rich descriptions that capture its unique culture and history.
The conflicts in the story are both compelling and terrifying, as the characters come face to face with supernatural forces that they struggle to comprehend. One of the most notable strengths of The Unholy is Graham’s skillful use of suspense and tension.
She expertly builds a sense of dread throughout the story, leading up to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with enough action and intrigue to keep readers engaged without overwhelming them.
While the book can be classified as a horror novel, it also touches on themes of religion and spirituality, exploring the relationship between good and evil and the power of faith. The historical and cultural significance of New Orleans is incorporated smoothly into the story, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
However, one of the weaknesses of the book is the lack of depth in some of the supporting characters, who are not as well-developed as the main protagonists. Additionally, some of the motivations of the villains in the story are left unexplained or underdeveloped, which can be frustrating for readers.
Overall, The Unholy is a well-crafted and thrilling read that will appeal to fans of the mystery and horror genres. It provides a unique and eerie perspective on New Orleans and the forces that lurk within it.
Heather Graham’s writing is skillful and engaging, and the story she tells is sure to keep readers captivated until the very end. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a spine-tingling read that will keep them up at night.
I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on the quality of writing, character development, pacing, and themes.
