White Witch, Black Curse
Kim Harrison
Eos, Feb 24 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780061138010

Although she has nightmares over what she will ultimately learn, Rachel Morgan continues her inquiry into the murder of her vampire boyfriend Kisten (see FOR A FEW DEMONS MORE). As she remains resolute she knows much of her fear comes from not remembering what happened just before her significant other died. She is also frustrated as neither her mundane hunting skills nor her witchcraft abilities have enabled her to achieve her objective (see THE OUTLAW DEMON WAILS).

While the witch struggles with the lack of progress in her investigation, a banshee family assaults the Hollows. As always the bitterness and distrust between humans and Inderland lead to more hostility. However there is a rare but common agreement that Rachel and her demons are behind the troubles.

The superb seventh Rachel Morgan fantasy contains a radically different feel to the story line as there is less action than in previous tales, especially the last two, and more depth into the souls of what motivates key characters. The poignant look is not just with Rachel; though the audience understands her trepidations yet need to solve the whodunit. Filled with the profound reflective musings of the cast, this is a must read for fans of the Morgan saga as WHITE WITCH, BLACK CURSE resolves key threads especially the big one from the previous entries and begins a new major twist.

Harriet Klausner