Review: Reading with Tequila
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 15, 2010
Allegra Fairweather: Paranormal Investigator is a paranormal mystery set in Scotland. Allegra takes jobs all over the world investigating paranormal phenomena. She's very good at her job, despite the fact that she doesn't seem to have any paranormal ability of her own beyond gut instinct and a toe that tingles when she senses supernatural activity.Allegra has a guardian angel that she calls Casper. He only shows up when she's in mortal danger, which seems to be a good chunk of the time. He can't help her on cases, but acts as a non-participating sounding board regularly. They have a delicious sexual tension thing going, complete with an understanding that they cannot become involved physically without ruining Casper's chances of getting into heaven. Lusty thoughts and valid obstacle makes the two characters exude sexual energy throughout the book.While this book is set in Scotland, Allegra is an American. Dinnae (meaning don't) and occasional references to bonnie (pretty) women are the only large language differences shown in the book. Those who don't know Scottish culture won't find themselves lost with description or dialogue.The mystery is great and really keeps you guessing. Unfortunately, I did have to spend a lot of time in the beginning of the book trying to guess what the mystery was even about. Allegra was called to Scotland to look at ominous flower, the crime doesn't come until much later. I would have liked if the crime had come earlier, but the complaint is minor.The paranormal species featured in this book (beyond the banshees and ghosts mentioned in the synopsis) is one that isn't seen all too often. The revelation of the species will ruin the surprise, but suffice it to say, they are interesting, well written and true to form.The book sets up nicely for a series, leaving lots of room for potential storylines with Allegra's line of work. With characters like Allegra and Casper who play off each other nicely and a satisfying mystery, I'm eager to see what happens next.