Shadow Rites

Jane Yellowrock—skinwalker, vampire hunter, and now Enforcer for Leo Pellissier, Master of the City of New Orleans—returns in the fast-paced 10th installment (following Dark Heir) of Hunter’s popular urban fantasy series. A Witch Conclave has been called to improve vampire-witch relations. Jane and her team are preparing to handle security for the gathering, but two witches are trying to throw a wrench into their plans. When a vampire believed to be a missing Blood Master is found in a pit, starved, chained, and insane, new questions emerge, and Jane and those dear to her may be in danger. A complicated, layered plot doesn’t make this a good starting point for new readers, but fans will be ecstatic to see old friends, including witch Molly and her family, and thrilled that Jane is finally finding romance after so much heartbreak. Jane is a fully realized, complicated woman; her power, humanity, and vulnerability make her a compelling heroine. The fight scenes are exciting and the New Orleans setting is absorbing, but it’s the ever-evolving bond between Jane and her Beast personality that keeps this fun series fresh. Agent: Lucienne Diver, Knight Agency. (Apr.)