REVIEW: Ghost Killer by Robin D. Owens

In Ghost Killer (Ghost Seer #3) by Robin D. Owens, Clare Cermak has finally accepted that she inherited a “gift” from her late great-aunt Sandra: the ability to see ghosts and help them leave this earthly plane. With the assistance of her goofy-but-lovable ghost dog Enzo and her boyfriend, former cop Zach Slade, Clare has been given a new assignment. But this time it will take all of the skills she’s accumulated in the short time since she inherited her gift to fight the evil spirit wreaking havoc in Creede, Colorado. Clare hopes that in the process, though, she won’t lose her own life or lose the man who has grown to mean so much to her.

Murmuring in her her ear, he said, “I believe in justice. In the scales held by that lady. Good and evil. Evil shouldn’t have an advantage.”
Her head went back and forth in denial, though she didn’t look up at him. “Life isn’t fair. The universe isn’t balanced. Evil isn’t always defeated.”

Former cop turned private investigator Zach Slade has seen his life change completely since meeting Clare. And he’s quickly realizing that he’s not only used to seeing her now on a daily basis, but that he may be falling for her with the hopes of a long, happy future together. Given the somewhat dangerous nature of Clare’s new job dealing with ghosts, Zach almost wishes she was still an accountant so he wouldn’t worry about her safety so much. This latest case they’re working on is the most treacherous yet. And unfortunately he has a feeling that things may get much, much worse before they get better.

‘They’d become too close; he couldn’t lose her now without damage to himself, and he wouldn’t want it any other way. The four-letter “L” word hovered in his mind, but he shied away from forming it even mentally. Too soon. Too quickly. But he couldn’t lose Clare.’

Ghost Killer is yet another solid offering in the Ghost Seer series by Robin D. Owens. This time, Clare and Zach, with some help from ghost dog Enzo of course, are thrown into the hunt for a malevolent ghost intent on stealing spirits…and lives.

I’ve said it with each of the two previous novels in this series, but I’m saying it again here: Ms. Owens has put an intriguing spin on a ghost hunter plot, making it unique in comparison to a lot of paranormals out there. From the backstory of Clare’s family, to the fact that she can only see ghosts from a certain time period and geographic area, these are the details that draw me in to each book and captures my attention. It didn’t hurt that there was so much history thrown in while Clare and Zach were trying to solve the case, or that there was a lot of action and danger as well.

Based on how evil the ghost was that Clare and Zach were trying to eliminate, the tone of the book was a bit ominous and foreboding. But there were still some very tender moments between our lovebirds. As well as some truly funny scenes with Enzo. (The scene where he was at the school and helped take care of some bullies…priceless!) Clare’s relationship with Zach took a turn from sort-of serious into full-fledged serious in this installment, and they were both struggling to find their balance. I thought it was interesting that they were both very analytical people, yet it felt like Zach had a little bit of an easier time accepting how much Clare meant to him. I think because of all the significant changes in her life, she wasn’t able to separate her feelings and her thoughts on the situation. But I very much liked them as a couple and I’m hoping there will be more to their story in the near future.

I think the Ghost Seer series will be a hit with paranormal romance fans looking for something a bit different. I would suggest reading them in order for the full effect, but you might be able to skate by with these as standalones. Definitely recommended.

Book Info:

Publication: February 3rd 2015 by Berkley | (Ghost Seer #3)

From the bestselling author of the Celta novels and the Ghost Seer novels…

Something wicked this way comes…

When her aunt died, level-headed accountant Clare Cermak inherited a fortune—as well as a phantom dog and the power to help ghosts move on. Her new gift led her to Zach Slade, a sexy private investigator with a unique psychic gift of his own, and the man who’s slowly opening her heart. But as they work toward building a future together, a sinister threat emerges.

An evil ghost is ravaging Creede, Colorado, threatening to devour the spirit of an innocent boy. Inexperienced in facing such a powerful ghost—and knowing her spirit, too, could be ripped away—Clare still can’t refuse to help. With Zach’s support she uncovers the ghost’s identity, and the ancestral weapon required to slay it. But does Clare dare to use that weapon before the ghost destroys the man she loves—and her own spirit?