A Book Obsession..: Secrets of the Demon

Secrets of the Demon

, by Kt Clapsadl

Secrets of the Demon by Diana Rowland

Kara Gillian #3

Homicide detective Kara Gillian has a special talent: she can sense the "arcane" in our world, and there's quite a bit of it, even in Beaulac, Louisiana. She's also a summoner of demons, and works on a task force that deals with supernatural crimes. Her partners are attractive and smart FBI agents, but they're not summoners, and they're not telling Kara why they are on this special force with her.

To make things worse, Kara has pledged herself to one of the most powerful of demons-a Demon Lord-who helped save her partner's life, but now expects things in return. Meanwhile, she's trying to solve a string of murders that are somehow tied together by money, sex, rock music and...mud. But how can she concentrate on the case when she's not even sure who-or what-her partners are?

Kara and the rest of her "task force" are given a job to guard a band because they have received demonic threats, or so they claim. Kara doesn't think the threat is real, so imagine her surprise when something does snatch the lead singer off the stage. It isn't a demon, but it reeks of the Arcane. When a string of murders pop up that have that same Arcane reek, she knows she has to get to the bottom of. Meanwhile, Kara is still bound to the Demonic Lord, Rhyzkahl, and she must keep up her end of the bargain. Of course her partner agent, remains much of a mystery and also resents her for her tie to Rhyzkahl. The tension runs high between them, and the question is whether or not they can work it out for both their own and their job's sakes.

As much as I would have loved to see Kara and Ryan get together, things are really getting frustrating between them. He continually makes her miserable by being so hateful about her tie to Rhyzkahl which is ironic considering she only accepted the tie to save Ryan's life. He also should not be one to throw stones as he has powers and a past that neither of them understand. I realize he doesn't remember any of his heritage, or why the demons call him an oath breaker. I just don't think he should be so quick to judge when he doesn't even know who he truly is. I'm still holding out hope for the two of them, but only if she gains some confidence with him and he ceases his blind hatred of her choices.

Typically in a love triangle situation I have a clear picture of the guy I want to pick for the girl in the very beginning. I very rarely change my mind, nor do I usually have an issue with choosing. At the start of this series I would have picked Ryan hands down, over the demonic lord everyday. However, after reading this book, with Ryan's behavior and Rhyzkahl showing what could almost be called affection toward Kara. I'm actually having a bit of indecision between the two. I think for now the scales are still tipped in Ryan's favor because his caring for Kara doesn't seem to have an ulterior motive like Rhyzkahl, but I have a feeling it wouldn't take much for me to make the leap over towards supporting Rhyzkahl.

There are new dangers and risks that pop up during this book that kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a nice mix of the police case, personal issues, as well as furthering the overall story arc. There were several shocking revelations that I can honestly say I did not see coming. I really love books that have twists and turns that you never see coming, and this was definitely one of them. It also ends on a pretty big cliffhanger that makes me desperate for the next one. I really like the direction the series is going, and it looks like things are going to be pretty complicated in the future. For fans of the series, this book won't disappoint, and if you haven't checked this series out, I would highly recommend starting at the beginning, you won't regret it.

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