Title: Trail of Dead
Author: Melissa F. Olson
First published June 4, 2013
295 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781612183121 (ISBN10: 1612183123)
Rating: 4.08
Overview
In Trail of Dead, Scarlett Bernard is a null with a unique ability to neutralize the supernatural. She has spent years using her gift to help the paranormal communities in Los Angeles stay hidden.
However, when Detective Jesse Cruz discovers her secret, Scarlett is forced to solve a gruesome murder case to keep her abilities under wraps. As she investigates the murders of two witches just before Christmas, she uncovers a link to her former mentor, Olivia, who has transformed into a vampire with her own sinister motives.
Scarlett must navigate her painful past to find Olivia before it’s too late, and the present claims her life.
About the Author
Meet Melissa Olson, a proud native of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She pursued her passion for film and literature by attending the University of Southern California in Los Angeles after which she dabbled in the Hollywood studio system.
However, her journey eventually led her to Madison, WI where she obtained a master’s degree from UW-Milwaukee, found love, bought a house, landed a teaching job, and became a mother to two wonderful kids and two hilariously large dogs (not necessarily in that order). While she adores everything Madison has to offer, she still dreams about the food in LA – quite literally.
If you’re curious to learn more about Melissa, her creative endeavors, and her beloved dog, be sure to check out her website.
Editoral Review
Melissa F. Olson’s Trail of Dead is a gripping novel that will captivate readers who enjoy supernatural thrillers.
Published in 2013, Olson’s work is a brilliant addition to the urban fantasy genre that interweaves supernatural elements with real-world issues.
Trail of Dead is the fourth book in Olson’s Scarlett Bernard series, and it follows the story of a young woman who is a null – someone who can neutralize supernatural powers. Scarlett is a complex and compelling character who struggles with her powers and the responsibilities that come with them.
The novel is set in Los Angeles and takes readers on a fast-paced journey through the city’s dark underbelly, where supernatural creatures lurk in the shadows.
The plot revolves around a series of murders that appear to be connected to a supernatural drug called Ash. Scarlett is tasked with investigating the murders, but as she delves deeper into the case, she realizes that there is much more at stake than just solving a crime.
The novel is full of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the pacing is excellent.
Olson’s writing is impeccable, and she does an excellent job of creating a vivid and believable world. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations are clear and understandable.
The dialogue is sharp and engaging, and the prose is descriptive without being overbearing.
One of the strengths of Trail of Dead is its exploration of themes such as power, responsibility, and redemption. Olson’s work is not just a supernatural thriller – it’s a thoughtful examination of what it means to be human in a world that is full of darkness and danger.
That being said, the novel does have some limitations. The world-building could have been more expansive, and some of the secondary characters could have been more fleshed out.
However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent book.
Overall, Trail of Dead is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers. It’s a well-crafted novel that explores complex themes while also delivering a gripping and entertaining story.
I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
Rating: 4.5/5.
