Key to Conspiracy

An enjoyable continuation to book 1. Similar to other paranormal stories with strong women characters, but this series has a twist. Not only is Dr Key a kick- @#$ exmilitary officer, but she is also a psychologist that helps fix the emotional stresses of being .... vampires, ghosts, etc... A very unique part of this character that you just don't find in other series involving the vampire, werewolf, ghost characters as well. I will definitely get book 3 & hope that 4 is coming soon!

This installment with Gillian and crew including the dark elf Trocar and Daedulus, spans most of Europe as Gillian's talents are needed in several places. Dracula's manipulations are hinted at, as well as the return of an old and terrible nemesis. Gil is a very busy girl. While righting some of the wrongs, she also is drawn into situations that leave her physically vulnerable, her team in danger of Dracula's influence, and the overall feeling that the group is hunted. When Gillian is reunited with a former teacher, a rushed paranormal inspection of a house leads her to an entity she may not be able to overcome. While there are tense moments, Ms. Gryphon manages to sprinkle them with humor. At least up until Gil awakes in a hospital under the care of one of her former enemy that is guaranteed to stir up nightmares. If the minions are this bad--how tough is the old dragon Dracula going to be? In the midst of all of this is Aleksi's ability to communicate with Gil now over distance. While I think it comforts her at a level, it also stirs up the old feelings she has that keep her distant from those who would love her. Ms. Gryphon manages to keep Gil tough, without letting her verge on ruthless. Gil definitely has a code to live by. It does not mean that she would hesitate to hand some of the nasties over for a little needed adjustment by the other paranormals they have abused. There is a shadow building in this story, as well as the revelation that it will take everyone's concentrated belief in their powers and the unshakable faith that they are doing what is right to stop Dracula's bid for ultimate control.

The first book was fantastic and this second in the series certainly cemented my love for all things Aleksei! What a great 'calgon take me away' story. I can hardly wait for book three in the series. Gillian Key is one brawny babe and I want to be her! Great going Dear Authoress. Keep them coming so I can keep on reading!

I found the second novel in the series to be very engaging--the old characters had room to grow, the new characters were very interesting, and the action was wonderfully fast-paced. The writer has really found her stride.

Marine Corps Special Ops psychiatrist Dr. Gillian Key is an expert in abnormal paramortal psychology as she works with supernatural patients with biting problems. However she is assigned as part of a team to provide assistance to the victims of a horrific earthquake in Russia. Though she knows she will see plenty of tragedy and her specific task is investigating rumors of child selling, Gillian looks forward to getting away from her usual paranormal clientele especially the brass. However what should have been a natural calamity with a horrific aftermath turns into a supernatural disaster. Dracula, whom she met on a previous adventure (see KEY TO CONFLICT), is fascinated by the soldier-psychiatrist as he is more used to subservient females not combatant women. As bad or perhaps worse Jack the Ripper is using the mishap as an easy cover for his nefarious activities. Of course Gillian wonders if she has Murphy DNA as she meets a who's who of horror superstars. Whereas KEY TO CONFLICT is preeminently military urban fantasy, KEY TO CONSPIRACY is more horror although the heroine's patients include vampires with biting guilt complexes, werewolves with species identity issues and military brass with 5-star superegos. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action, but also contains an underlying satirical feel as Talia Gryphon lampoons the sub-genre. Readers will relish the Russian adventure as the Key to this tale is the fully developed (with a wink) lead protagonist who copes with Drac, Jack and general whackos. Harriet Klausner