Harper Connelly is another character from the mind of Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse books. Harper was struck by lightning as a teen, leaving her with a unique gift: the ability to relive the last living moments of the dead. This gift can comfort loved ones of the deceased, mystify skeptics, and solve mysteries surrounding deaths. She and her step-brother/boyfriend, Tolliver, travel the country "reading" the dead for people who pay for their services. Grave Secret is the 4th book in the series, and I have read each. Harper, like most of Ms Harris' heroines, is a character that you look forward to reading more about.
The latest in the Harper Connelly series starts shortly after the third book, An Ice Cold Grave ends. Tolliver and Harper are traveling through Texarkana on their way to Dallas to visit family. They stop for a job commissioned by rich ranch owner Lizzie Joyce, who is intrigued by Harper's ability. The Joyce family, however, did not expect Harper to uncover secrets about their patriarch and his caregiver. It seems that the grandfather's death wasn't entirely natural, and the caregiver did not die of appendicitis as the family believed. These discoveries lead to a search for a missing baby who may be an heir to the family fortune.
At the same time, Tolliver's father is released from prison, which brings back memories of the past, including parental drug abuse and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Harper's sister. Tolliver's dad wants to reestablish contact with his family, including the Harper and Tolliver's young half sisters, and it is suspected that he may have ulterior motives.
The book is suspenseful and fast paced, characteristic of all Charlaine Harris novels. I recommend this book, and indeed the entire Harper Connelly series. I do wonder, however, if there will be more Harper books, as in Grave Secret, many issues were resolved, and ends were tied. If this is the end (unlike in the Shakespeare series) I will be satisfied. But I would enjoy reading more about Harper and Tolliver.
The latest in the Harper Connelly series starts shortly after the third book, An Ice Cold Grave ends. Tolliver and Harper are traveling through Texarkana on their way to Dallas to visit family. They stop for a job commissioned by rich ranch owner Lizzie Joyce, who is intrigued by Harper's ability. The Joyce family, however, did not expect Harper to uncover secrets about their patriarch and his caregiver. It seems that the grandfather's death wasn't entirely natural, and the caregiver did not die of appendicitis as the family believed. These discoveries lead to a search for a missing baby who may be an heir to the family fortune.
At the same time, Tolliver's father is released from prison, which brings back memories of the past, including parental drug abuse and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Harper's sister. Tolliver's dad wants to reestablish contact with his family, including the Harper and Tolliver's young half sisters, and it is suspected that he may have ulterior motives.
The book is suspenseful and fast paced, characteristic of all Charlaine Harris novels. I recommend this book, and indeed the entire Harper Connelly series. I do wonder, however, if there will be more Harper books, as in Grave Secret, many issues were resolved, and ends were tied. If this is the end (unlike in the Shakespeare series) I will be satisfied. But I would enjoy reading more about Harper and Tolliver.
No comments:
Post a Comment