Paranormal-Time Travel-Futuristic Winner – 2008

Grave Illusions - Back Cover

New York City is in the grasp of a deadly, unseen enemy.  At least unseen by normal society.

Lieutenant Jess Vandermire, New York City police officer, is uniquely specialized
to recognize and fight this threat.  It’s her job to forge a black ops team, an assortment of men and women who wouldn’t be considered for the job under normal circumstances. 

But these aren’t normal circumstances.  The team has to be tough, and if need be,
they have to be expendable. Jess understands what she’s fighting and what’s at stake.  For her, it’s all about retribution until ex-cop John Brittain is recruited to her team. 

Suddenly, her priorities aren’t quite so easily definable. John Brittain has a chip on
his shoulder and is as tough as they come.  But is he ready for the whole truth? 
That combating “super” vampires whose primal need for blood and the addictive
drug “Sunshine” is only the beginning of their problems? And when Jess tells him
the truth about herself, will he stay and fight or will he turn against her and not only
threaten their lives but destroy the fragile relationship developing between them?

Reviews:

Reviewed by Katherine Petersen, PNR

GRAVE ILLUSIONS: "a fabulous vampire suspense tale"

Lina Gardiner has penned a fabulous vampire suspense tale. She draws her readers in from the first page. Her characters while strong and able to do what they must, possess a humanity to which we can all relate. Vandermire, so focused on staving off the evil she constantly feels breathing down her neck, doesn't believe she could ever have a physical relationship with a human. Britton, a cop killer and almost alcoholic, digs deep for the strength to play his role in the investigation and try to prove Vandermire wrong.

With crisp dialogue and evocative scenes, Gardiner pulls us along, teasing with bits of information here and there that compels us to keep turning pages late into the night. She has a talent for intrigue, and I look forward to reading the sequel BEYOND THE GRAVE�which is now available-- as soon as I have a chance.

Posted December 5, 2008

Reviewed by BittenByBooks.Com

Lina Gardiner’s first book in her Jess Vandemire Vampire Hunter series is a terrific start to a series. Combining the best of romance, paranormal and classic mystery, she weaves a tale that grabs you in the first chapter, and pulls you into the plot with deftness. It is fascinating to watch the dance steps between Jess and Britt as they settle into their team places, and learn to understand and appreciate each other on a personal level as well. Lina drops crumbs of information like Gretel dropping crumbs to find her way home; instead of home, though, we are lead to the startling denouement so smoothly that we are left gasping. The reader will be left hoping that Ms. Gardiner will write the next installment soon. A great summer read, perfect if you are looking for a new genre in which to “sink your teeth! “

Reviewed by VampireRomanceBooks.Com

Grave Illusions is a solid supernatural action and mystery story that has just the right amount of romance — though some may clamber for more — and a mysterious cliffhanger ending that left me eager to read the next installment in the series. Having a latent interest in investigative sciences, I hope she plays up more of the forensics aspects in future volumes, and turns up the heat between the lovely Jess and stalwart Brittain. They produce some interesting sparks that are definitely worth investigating.

Reviewed by Amanda Kilgore

Disgraced ex-cop John Brittain never thought he would be able to work in law enforcement again, then Jess Vandermire came into his life with an offer to join her Special Unit, but refusing to tell him exactly what it was other than dangerous. Albeit not without reservations, Britt agrees and finds himself battling vampires and, as it happens, working for one. Jess has been a vampire for fifty years, having begun her fight against the undead by vanquishing her own inner demon with the help of her brother, a now-aged priest. Britt gets under her skin in the best of ways, though she tries to deny it, and her brother thinks he might be the answer to a prayer. Personal issues are not her top priority, though. What she has to worry about is a new, super vampire variant, one capable of dealing with sunlight and even holy objects. Then, things get entirely too personal, endangering all she loves.

This is a stunning opening volume in a brilliant new series. Jess is a strong, smart heroine who is admirable in multiple ways, yet it is her softer side, how she relates to her brother, that adds true charm. I absolutely adored Regent, the brother who saved her soul. There is romance here, but it is not the priority of the plot, merely a delicious spice that enhances things. The forthcoming novels in the series should be wonderful, judging by this initial taste.

****1/2

Reviewed by Connie Devaney - for PNR Reviews

Author Lina Gardiner has given us a look into the world of the undead. A place where some can walk on holy ground, survive sunlight, and be able to look at a cross. While reading the setting takes on a modern day CSI type background, Forensic Vampirologist, VNA testing, research into Sunshine, a very nasty drug for the undead and special made shoes that the heel becomes an extended spike.

Along with super nasty, drug enhanced bad, oh so bad undead monsters and Prometheus, who has been around for a very long time and has lots of power. He wears a long leather coat and being a huge WWE fan, Prometheus made me think of the Undertaker. The loving and caring relationship between brother and sister stands out even more than anything else in this book. Such devotion to each other warms the heart. Before reading the last few pages I had hoped that this could be the first in a series of books. YES, it is!!! Lina has got a new fan here.
 
Harriet Klausner - Alternative Worlds
 
The lead couple is a fascinating pair...they make a formidable team as they battle killer vampires...fans will appreciate the adventures of Jess Vandermire, vampire hunter.
 
 
Romance Reviews Today  - Vanessa Costa
 
The characters are multi-faceted and full-bodied.  Their emotions are realistic, helping the reader relate to both the characters, and further drawing the reader into the story.   I very much enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book.  I can't wait to see what happens next.  Vanessa Costa.
 
 
Romance Readers Connection Sarah Silversmith
 
Grave Illusions is an interesting story, which kept this readers' attention throughout the entire book.  Taking twists and turns that were not expected and delving into what made the main characters tick, this book is an engaging start to a new series.   Worth Reading.  I will be keeping an eye out for the next in the series to see where Ms. Gardiner takes Jess and Britt.

Grave Illusions, the first of the Jess Vandermire, Vampire Hunter, series from ImaJinn Books ISBN:  1-933417-95-1

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