Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

GRAVE WITCH (Alex Craft #1) by Kalayna Price

GRAVE WITCH is the first book in Kalayna Price’s Alex Craft series of novels. Alex (Caine) Craft is a grave witch with the power to speak with, and see the dead. In a world where the supernatural have been publicly visible for 70 years, Alex’s talents become necessary when her ability to raise a ‘shade’ speaks volumes for those who have been murdered. Shades are the ‘living’ memories of the recently deceased, but when Alex is targeted by the First Human Society and a shade with a deadly claw, she knows there is more to this investigation than the normal collection of ghosts and shades. The Fae have now targeted Alex in more ways than one. With her talent to raise the shades, the witnesses are no longer needed when victims can speak for themselves.

Alex has grave sight. With the ability to ‘see’ and use magic, grave sight has many side effects including lowering her body temperature and temporary blindness. But over time, Alex’s reputation has found her in the unenviable position to defend her findings and to seek out others for ‘comfort’. When a colleague is injured trying to save Alex, it is she who must defend herself against accusations and as to why they were investigating a murder that had already been solved. Investigating a missing and dead politician will lead Alex to one of the most unlikely homes-her family. Knowing her father does not believe in the use of magic or the supernatural, her visits will result in some nasty accusations and a sister’s warning. But like many of the non-believers, their true heredity will reveal when all is said and done.

There are several men in Alex’s life. Death is the sexy presence who guides and protects Alex from herself and an assassin’s bullet. Corporeal at times and ghostlike at others, Death and his companions will await the souls of the dead. And it is Death’s pronouncement over a dying Alex that will have the grave witch confused. But it is the new detective at the precinct that will catch Alex’s eye. Falin Andrews knows more about the case than he is willing to admit. But seeing Alex in action, using her grave site to help find a missing girl, Falin is the first in line to aid Alex in her recovery. Sleeping with the enemy brings on a whole new meaning.

Investigating several deaths in the supernatural world will make targets out of Alex and Falin. But finding themselves trapped in Faerie and waking up several days later without the knowledge of what has happened, will open Alex’s eyes to the truth behind Falin’s ability to see. When several of the bodies have hidden glyphs, it is Falin who finally discerns the threat is that of the Fae. As part of the FIB (Fae Investigating Bureau) Falin can no longer keep his identity a secret, as well as his feelings for Alex. Living in a human world where magic is not always accepted, can be difficult when you become the target of both worlds.

We are introduced to several other witches who work with and against Alex as she wonders the path of the dead. It is convenient for the investigations when the medical examiner and the CSI investigators have the ability to ‘see’ through the ‘glamour’ of magic and death. Fred, the ever-knowing gargoyle, appears at random places and gives cryptic advice when Alex is not looking. PC, her dog and Caleb her landlord have small but recurring roles. I hope to see more of Caleb, now that we know he too, is playing human in a world of magic. And the presence of a persistent ghost will aid Alex and Falin in their search for the ‘real’ personality hunting for power in the world of the supernatural.

GRAVE WITCH is a great introductory storyline in Kalayna Price’s Alex Craft series. There is plenty of background information revealed regarding the history of the Fae and the Witch’s, but the information is necessary to allow the reader to grasp the premise behind the animosity between the haves and have-nots (as it pertains to power and magic).

READING ORDER
1. Grave Witch
2. Grave Dance
3. Grave Memory

Reviewed by Sandy