Review: In the Air Tonight by Lori Handeland

4 Magical Stars!

In the Air Tonight is the first book in the Sisters of the Craft series. This was also my first book by this author and I have to say, I’m definitely a fan. This book was gripping, suspenseful, a little on the eerie side with a story I was instantly immersed in; and a whole lot on the sexy and sweet side with a wonderful, building romance between two amazing, connectable characters. The paranormal world the author creates is very much steeped in the real world with a side of mystic and mystery. She creates intense and chilling scenes but also includes angsty and fun moments.

I enjoyed this read from the moment I started it as it opens with a heartstopping prologue set in the past, where Henry and his wife Pru, are about to be burned at the stake, accused of murder and witchcraft. Using the last of his magical energy, Henry sends his three infant babies forward in time, in a desperate attempt to save his family.

After such an intense beginning, I was hooked. This story then continues on with chapter one opening to present day, where Raye Larsen is living quietly as a local in the small town of New Bergin, Wisconsin. But she’s different. She’s dark and mysterious. She looks nothing like the blond hair, blue eyed townspeople. Throw in the fact she can secretly see dead people, her life filled with strange occurrences, she doesn’t have many friends and she has a strained relationship with her adoptive father, all of which makes her sort of an outcast.

But Raye’s quiet life is about to come to an abrupt end as ghastly and shocking murders have struck the inexperienced people of New Bergin, bringing in Detective Bobby Daucet of New Orleans PD, as he chases the similarities of his own case across state lines. When Bobby and Raye meet, an instant connection is formed. But with his cynical views and painful past, Bobby’s walls are so thick, Raye has a hard time being herself. It doesn’t help that witches are being murdered and she knows things she shouldn’t and can’t be honest with him as their bond grows… along with her powers.

Bobby and Raye aren’t the only two main characters in this book. We meet Henry and Pru again and I loved how the author “brings them back”. It was very well crafted and I loved their part of the story!

In the Air Tonight is the beginning of a trilogy, each book involving one of the three sisters. This book has well developed characters, compelling dialogue, a fantastic mystery that kept me guessing and haunting scenes, but it was also light and fun in places which helped balance it out. The story had a Charmed tv series vibe to it but it definitely stands out on it’s own. I enjoyed the vivid canvas the author paints of the towns people, the atmosphere and the picturesque setting of New Bergin with it’s unique spice of life.

With a foreshadowing Epilogue, I can’t wait to see what happens next in book two!