Dark Thrill reviews: Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest




 Cops assigned to cold cases often come into contact with psychics, by choice or reluctantly. I am always intrigued by the combo. If you think about it, a detective and a psychic have. a lot in common. Setting aside their actual or perceived talents, they both have intuition, this gut feeling, insight, the ability to speculate, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Regardlessly, I always imagined the relationship as one of mistrust, forced collaborations, and indicative of a case going nowhere. 

Long story short, this book was not what I expected at all. The collaboration between wanna-be psychic and full-time travel agent Leda Foley and Seattle PD detective Grady Merritt is one of instant friendship, trust, and a can-do attitude, making this almost buddy book such a breeze to read. It works so well because it steered away from the pitfall of letting these two clash, having the cynical detective question everything Leda tells him. Instead, Leda saves his life in the first chapter, and detective Grady is the one spurring her on from then on. It was refreshing how instead of a manipulative psychic, we get Leda, how is still honing her skills through what seems an entertaining night of Clairvoyant Kareoke at her favorite bar. She is the more reluctant one but wants to assist detective Grady in exchange for him helping her with her fiance's murder. The book is heartwarming, fast-paced, never too witty, or insincere; it manages to hit all the right nones. The investigation is not the most exciting part; this is all Leda; she's one hell of a protagonist. But also a great supporting cast. 

Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest is an enjoyable, speedy cozy mystery. It relies on its characters, dialogues, and great locations; I would love to hang out at the Castaway Bar. And I hope Leda sees a long future for herself and her friends in this series.