Review: One Grave At A Time – Jeaniene Frost

One Grave At A Time by Jeaniene Frost
Series:  Night Huntress #6
Release Date:  August 30, 2011
Publisher:   Avon Books
Page Count:  358
Source:  Barnes and Noble via my own wallet.

 The grave is one wrong step away.

Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans’ voodoo queen just keeps on giving–leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity–forever. But how do you kill a killer who’s already long dead?

I never understand just how much I miss these characters until I finish the new book and realize I have to wait MONTHS until the next one comes out.  


This story picks up a few months after the skirmish with the ghouls.  Cat’s still dealing with the aftermath of drinking from Marie (which has many ghosts camping outside of their house) and the loss of her Uncle and his subsequent inability to cross over.  While Cat thinks they have a lot going on, Bones reminds her that no one is trying to kill them or their friends, so everything is going pretty well.  Cat should really warn Cat to be careful of what you wish for.


It’s after returning from a summons to her old team base (and the harassing from a government jackass hiding more than he’s telling) that things go south for our beloved couple.

It seems Fabian has taken a fancy to another ghost, Elizabeth.  He breaks a house rule, allowing Elizabeth into Cat and Bones home, but for good reason.  Heinrich Kramer, the Inquisitor (aka witch hunter) was murdered centuries ago by Elizabeth, who was trying to protect innocent women from being killed by Heinrich like she was.  Unfortunately, Heinrich has figured out a way become corporal on Halloween to continue on with his torture.  Elizabeth has taken it upon herself to try and stop him, but is now asking Cat for her help.

Cat, being Cat, immediately agrees as a favor to Fabian (who never asks her for anything and is always there for her).  What she doesn’t realize is that Heinrich is no regular ghost and the juju she got from Marie’s blood may not be there to help her out of this one.

I loved this story.  We continue to see how Cat has evolved from that woman with a single determination we met way back when.  Even when I expected Cat to go off on her own, because she thought it was the right thing to do, she listened to what Bones said and agreed with his course of action.  It’s almost as if, in this story, she’s finally trust the depth of the feelings she has for Bones and he for her.

Of course, that doesn’t mean Cat isn’t her normal snarky self when it comes to the bad guys, because she certainly is.  Heinrich is one bad as ghost who wants Cat anyone he can use her or abuse her (and abuse her is does, quite a few times).

Some old friends come to Bones and Cat’s aide.  Denise and Spade, Ian, and Cat’s mom Justina are all there to lend a hand, body, or other implement of torture or rescue.  I was a little disappointed that Vlad wasn’t around, because surely he would have enjoyed dispatching Heinrich with the rest of them.

For those that enjoy those intimate moments with Cat and Bones, I’ll leave you with this.  They’ve given a whole new definition to the Mile High Club!