I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Devil's Bargain
by
Rachel Caine
paranormal fantasy, romantic suspense in Paperback edition that was published by Silhouette on August 1, 2005 and has 296 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Undone, Unknown, Ghost Town, Rachel Caine, Bite Club, Dark and Stormy Knights, Devil's Due, Last Breath, Unseen, Hex Appeal, Unbroken, Black Dawn, Working Stiff, Two Weeks' Notice, Bitter Blood, Kiss of Death, Fall of Night, Daylighters, Kicking It, Prince of Shadows, Ink and Bone, Paper and Fire, Ash and Quill, Killman Creek, Honor Among Thieves, Smoke and Iron, Honor Bound, Honor Lost
First in the Red Letter Days paranormal-suspense series based in Kansas City and revolving around a new private investigation agency funded by a New York City law firm for a former FBI agent and a former KCPD detective.
My Take
The main theme in Red Letter Days is fine-tuning. Psychic fine-tuning. Allowing some people to die while preserving the lives of others depending upon what the future reveals about their actions. Of course, this information takes a while to trickle down to Callender and Garza so there’s a lot of conflict between what Jazz and Lucia observe and what GPL is pushing.
I’m curious as to Borden’s girlfriend. He claimed he had one but he sure is hot after Jazz.
All in all, a good story. Caine created a good bit of tension as she fed us the bits and pieces that filled in the blanks and we were never quite sure of the purpose of the missions in which Jazz and Lucia were engaged. An interesting development in Ben’s case and not what I was expecting although the romance is sweet. I do like Manny. Hey, I’m a gadget girl and Manny has some fun toys!
I’m looking forward to getting my hands on Devil’s Due.
The Story
Down on her luck and chucked off the force, Jazz is trying to get a glow on at Sol’s when she’s interrupted by James Borden with an invitation. If she’s willing to accept Lucia Garza as a partner, a private party, the Gabriel, Pike, and Laskins law firm (GPL), will fund the start-up,pay expenses, and provide an advance against salary for the private investigation agency Jazz wants to open. All they have to do is some odd jobs for GPL.
Well, you know what they say, you’re not really paranoid if there really are people out to get you and both Lucia and Jazz are extremely careful when they think they’re being set up. After an exhaustive investigation, neither of them are interested even with the kind of money they’re talkin’. An interest that suddenly returns when someone tries to take ’em both out.
Jazz does have added incentive. She wants that money as it will help her prove her former partner’s innocence.
The Characters
Jasmine “Jazz” Callender is a former police detective in Kansas City ever since her partner, Ben McCarthy, was arrested and convicted of murder. Jazz refuses to believe he murdered anyone and is determined to prove it. Lucia Garza is with the FBI (I think) but she wants independence from accountants and bureaucrats.
James Borden is a lawyer with Gabriel, Pike, and Laskins, LLP in NYC and is the go-between for the law firm and Callender & Garza in Kansas City. Milo Laskins is one of the principals and acts for a spinoff from the Eidolon Corporation. Max Simms had begun the Eidolon Corporation using his own psychic skills to fine-tune life but a difference of opinion caused Eidolon to oust him causing him to be imprisoned for multiple murders. The board at Eidolon wanted to use his psychic abilities to make money; Simms wanted to ensure the survival of the human race.
Manny Glickman “used to be the go-to guy at Quantico” until a serial killer on a case he was investigating kidnapped him and buried him alive with an audio of the last victim’s experiences. Pansy Taylor is enticed away from GPL where she’s Borden’s assistant and over to C&G.
Detectives Kenneth Stewart and Hermann are more interested in putting Jazz away than actually investigating anything although Jazz still has some friends on the force. Friends who have to be very careful in case Stewart comes after them.
The Cover and Title
The cover is perfect. GLP delivers a large red envelope containing the particulars of each mission to the ladies.
The title could well be a Devil’s Bargain as there are quite a few people out to get either Jazz or Lucia nor are they totally assured they are on the side of goodness.
