The Sinister Touch

"Were they dealing with a demonic cult or a devilishly clever killer?" In this book Guinevere and Zachariah are feeling doubts about each other's commitment, exacerbated by Zacariah's employment by a modern female executive (nicknamed 'Queen Elizabeth' by Guinevere) who is looking for a sperm donor. The mystery in this 'episode' involves Gwen's artist neighbor across the way who has a painting slashed and decorated with occult symbols. Gwen sees the damage through the window as she gets her morning coffee and through signals the two arrange to meet for the first time, at which point Gwen volunteers Zach to help out with the neighbor's problems. The main way this story is weak is that the danger and mystery is all between strangers and Gwen and Zach are threatened because they insist on putting themselves into the wrong place at the wrong time. Yes in the second book Gwen also pulled them into danger but she dragged them onto an island and there was more connection with the client. Mason, the neighbor-focus of this book, does not sit well as someone I would need to rescue. He's not desparately trying to fix the situation himself and pretty much doesn't have a clue. On the other hand, the romance between Gwen and Zach continues to entertain and we're ready for the final volume.