Pack Of Lies (Paranormal Scene Investagations #2) by Laura Anne Gilman
Urban Fantasy
January 18, 2011
Paperback, 384 Pages
Luna
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote:”Nifty gave me six fingers for skill. I gave him one in reply.”
Bonita (Bonnie) Torres was an unemployed collage student 8 months ago. Now she’s an investigator for PUPI (Private Unaffiliated Paranormal Investigations). When the team is given a case that pits humans against the fatae, Bonnie and the team will be tested on all levels as the world watches…waiting for them to fail.
Pack Of Lies is the 2nd installment of Laura Anne Gilman’s Paranormal Scene Investigations series. A unique police procedural Urban Fantasy that takes us back in the world of the fatae and all their secrets. Picking up where Hard Magic left off, Bonnie and the team is a little more experienced in the art of investigating and politics. When handed a case by the Cosa Nostradamus they proceed with caution as the Cosa never gives anything for free. The case turns out to be a rape of a young woman with mitigating circumstances. A rare and exulted fatae is also involved and not talking. As relations between the humans and fatae become violent, the team also have to deal with Ian’s crazy sister, a case that twists and misdirects at every turn, and the increased sexual attraction between Bonnie and Ben.
Pack Of Lies starts out slow for me as we are requited with Bonnie and the PUPI team. While the investigation of the case is interesting as we follow them step by step, I found the pacing almost at a stand still. Bonnie over analyzes everything and her dialogue reflects it in the beginning. It picks up for me about ½ way with the speed of a run away train and I was hooked till the end.
The main plot is an exciting and action packed mixture of magic and mystery. I found the police procedural aspect take this story beyond a simple Urban Fantasy for the better. Ms. Gilman hits her stride here and it shows.
Our characters are well developed and filled with high octane personality. Each of them able to hold their own in the story. I find Bonnie refreshing in her attitude and actions. Unashamedly bi sexual and free spirited about sex-Ms. Gilman chooses to portray her in a flattering light without any of the guilt or angst that heroines seem to suffer from these days if they like sex. We are given more insight into her fellow team mates. Nick, Nifty, Pietr and Sharon and they remain prominent characters in this arc. I really hope we see more of their back stories.
The sexual tension between Bonnie and her boss Ben rackets up to out of control in this installment. Something has “connected” them and the chemistry blazes hot and tense as they try to remain professional. I found myself caught between wanting delayed gratification and wanting some serious bed action. You’ll have to read to see what I got.
The ending is a fabulous solving of the mystery that left me elated and satisfied but a little sad. Ms. Gilman leaves enough open ended questions to led us into her next installment.
Rating: C+
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Perhaps, it does sound like a good series, and I do love UF.
Action, magic and mystery, nice
I read the first in the series and had a few issues with it. I'm still trying to decide if I'll give this one a go.
Blodeuedd-I love her Retriever series. This follows along the same lines but seems more personable.
FV- This one is much better then 1st one. More character development. Though the Ben situation is making me twitchy.
Fabulous review Tori! I take it there will be another story in this series. I'm sorry that it started off slow but I'm happy that it at least picked up and ended with a bang! :-)