The Taking
Erin McCarthy
Berkley, Jan 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425230213

In New Orleans affluent Regan Henry decides to leave her husband though she acknowledges to herself he is not a nasty person; the problem as she sees it is that her spouse is too perfect as perfect demands perfection; something she is not. On that same evening when she walks out, she meets voodoo priest Felix Leblanc. They connect as each is attracted to the other, but both know their bond is much more.

Her new home is apparently haunted by a ghost. She asks Felix for help. He knows he must stay away from Regan whom he loves because he sold his soul to the devil. He fears Satan will destroy her soul while she is willing to risk her soul for her beloved.

This is an entertaining paranormal romance that grips the audience who will wonder what will happen to Regan and Felix as each places their respective soul on the line. In her case her soul remains pure but in his it is a last chance at redemption. Ironically if either succeeds in their Gift of the Magi like sacrifice Satan wins. Fans will enjoy Erin McCarthy's aptly titled The Taken as the lead couple is taken with each while Satan is the Taken scheming to take two souls as the devil diabolically manipulates love.

Harriet Klausner