Dark Lies

This was my first ever Nocturne novel, and I loved it instantly. I have yet to read another novel that was as well written as this one!

This is the second book in a new series for Vivi Anna. The first was "Blood Secrets". Both have characters who are interesting and have depth. The plots are unusual and blend well into each other. In "Dark Lies" Jace Jericho, a werewolf who is part of the paranormal police force introduce in Blood Secrets is couple with Lara, a woman with secrets. They are part of an ongoing investigation into crimes against humans which continued from the first book. The pace is fast, the writing good and the characters well plotted. I look forward to her next book in this series. Must read the first one to really appreciate and understand this one. Enjoy.

Other worldly species like vampires, lycans, and witches have a safe haven in the city Necropolis, a place where few humans reside. The Otherworld Crime Unit solves criminal cases across species lines, but those in the human world that know of other existence call them to a human city to investigate a case similar to the one that they thought they solved in Necropolis with the suspect dead. Jace Jericho, a one year resident returns to the human realm where he was caged and exhibited as a sideshow freak against his will. When they arrive at the crime scene, Jace meets Tala Channing and sparks ignite immediately, which is shocking as the lycan hates humans. The crime scene contains the same mosaic signature as that solved in Necropolis, which puzzles the team as that indicates they did not catch the real killer as previously assumed. As the culprit works behind the scenes to get the OCU out of town, Jace and Tala are involved in their mating dance, which frightens her because she will have to tell him just who and what she is. Vivi Anna provides quirky heroes in blue in this welcome paranormal police procedural. The investigation and romance are balanced so neither overshadows the other. The treat to this fine suspense thriller is the various species working together to assist mortals who would be frightened if they know what they are. DARK LIES is part of the Valorian Chronicles with the Puppetmaster remaining hidden pulling every person's strings. Harriet Klausner

They thought the murders had ended.... The members of the Otherworld Crime Unit (OCU) recognize the similarities immediately between the murder of Samantha Kipfer and Lillian Crawford (see BLOOD SECRETS for details on Lillian's murder). But that case was solved, wasn't it? Besides, Lillian was murdered in the Otherworld community of Necropolis while Samantha was found in the human city of San Antonio. Can there be a connection? Lycan Jace Jericho doesn't want to work with humans but he does want to solve this case. He can't deny the attraction he has to Officer Tala Channing, despite the fact that he senses she is hiding something. Will Tala's secret destroy them all? And just who is behind these horrific murders? If it's a book by Vivi Anna, you just know it's going to be good. DARK LIES is spectacular, even better than the first book in The Valorian Chronicles! This time the OCU ventures into the human world as we get a taste of just how deep the prejudice against the inhabitants of Necropolis truly is. Vivi Anna sensitively addresses the issue of prejudice without getting bogged down in it; in fact, the story is enhanced by these issues as they directly impact the relationship of Jace and Tala. Long time fans of Vivi Anna will appreciate her signature heat as the attraction between Jace and Tala is sizzling hot! The emotional highs and lows are brilliantly conveyed as one is drawn into the hearts and souls of the characters. Lyra Magice plays a more prominent role in DARK LIES and I sincerely hope she gets her own story soon. DARK LIES is easily read as a stand alone despite the continuing storyline. Vivi Anna provides all of the necessary information so that one can appreciate DARK LIES without reading BLOOD SECRETS. However, I highly recommend reading both books, simply because they are so enjoyable! COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES