cover image Vanished

Vanished

Kat Richardson, . . Roc, $23.95 (368pp) ISBN 978-0-451-46277-0

In Richardson's fierce fourth Greywalker novel (after 2008's Underground ), Harper Blaine, Seattle's paranormal PI, receives a chilling phone call from Cary Malloy, her boyfriend who died eight years ago. He warns Harper “there're things... waiting for you” and tells her to look into her past. For Harper, that means flying to California to visit her overbearing mother and go through the papers of her father, who killed himself after his receptionist's suspicious death. Harper finds a suicide note addressed to her and disturbing journal entries about supernatural happenings. Once back in Seattle, Harper agrees to help local vampire Edward Kammerling fight off some London vampires, leading to a spirited smack-down with old foes. Richardson continues to develop strong, intriguing plots, and fans will enjoy learning about Harper's childhood and seeing some of her literal ghosts put to rest. (Aug.)