Review: Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

Grave Witch (Alex Craft #1) by Kalayna Price
Publication Date: October 5, 2010
Publisher: ROC
Number of Pages: 325
Format: Paperback
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Grave witch Alex Craft can speak to the dead, but that doesn’t mean she likes what they have to say.

As a private investigator and consultant for the police, Alex Craft has seen a lot of dark magic. But even though she’s on good terms with Death himself—who happens to look fantastic in a pair of jeans—nothing has prepared her for her latest case. Alex is investigating a high profile murder when she’s attacked by the ‘shade’ she’s raising, which should be impossible. To top off her day, someone makes a serious attempt on her life, but Death saves her. Guess he likes having her around...

To solve this case Alex will have to team up with tough homicide detective Falin Andrews. Falin seems to be hiding something—though it’s certainly not his dislike of Alex—but Alex knows she needs his help to navigate the tangled webs of mortal and paranormal politics, and to track down a killer wielding a magic so malevolent, it may cost Alex her life...and her soul.

70 years ago the fae came out of hiding and told the world of their existence. Not long after that the witches came out too. Even though it's been years, not everyone is accepting. But it means no one has to hide their true self. Enter Alex Craft, a grave witch which means she has the ability to raise shades from dead bodies to question them. Shades differ from ghosts since a shade is just a memory, which works out great for murder mysteries.
The impossible happens when a shade attacks her and effects her with dark magic. Not to mention her good friend John, a detective,  is shot with a magic induced bullet that was meant for her. Or how her sister wants her to find out who killed the governor, who turns out isn't really dead at all.

I immediately fell in love with the book. And also slapping myself for not reading this sooner. The best way to describe it is it's a great mix between Chicagoland Vampires series by Chloe Neill and Downside Ghosts by Stacia Kane. I'm seldom disappointed with urban fantasy series, and this one is no different. Very fast paced and a page turner. You won't be able to put the book down.

And what is a book without a love interest, or two. Falin Andrews is the lead detective on the case, and it's not long before they are teaming up to solve the case. Not to mention he's good looking or he seems to be everywhere she turns around. I love how most of the time he calls her by her real name, which I'm still curious how he found out. But he's keeping quiet who he really is, and it could be enough for Alex to kick him out of her life. And then there is Death. The grim reaper should not be this hot. And he's been popping in and out of Alex's life since she was five years old. And Alex is the only person or even witch that can see him without using her grave sight. Death just happens to shock Alex at the end with a confession that most girls would love to hear, but it just confuses things even more. And of course the real dilemma is I'm not sure who I want Alex with. I guess only time will tell.

We can't forget the twists along the way. Not everyone is what they seem to be, including Alex herself, which comes a complete shock to her. I had a feeling that her best friend from witch school would show up again after being missing for the past four years. Even though she changed her name and is pretty much disowned from her family, I got the feeling that her dad still looks out for her. Might come off as an ass majority of the time, but hasn't completely turned his back on her.

If you a lover of urban fantasy, or even love the two series I mentioned above you need to read this ASAP. I promise you won't be disappointed. As for me? I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Rating: 5/5