After Book 1 in the ‘Hotel LaBelle Series’, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book. Let me start with the narrator, Jeffrey Hutchins. There are a number of Native American characters and Mr. Hutchins did an admirable job, not falling into stereotypes and instead imbuing each character with their own voice. I found his portrayal accurate and respectful.

As for the book…? Well, it was interesting, that’s for sure.

Lucius and Tallulah from ‘The Haunting of Hotel LaBelle’ are back, now members of the Anomaly Defense Division. Ghost hunters? Investigators of bizarre and unexplainable events? Telepaths? Remote viewers?

Okay, I’m willing to go along for the ride.

In the last book, it was revealed that Emma Bearkiller was related to Lucius Stewart. I still haven’t figured out why she was the maid in the hotel in that book whereas in this one her past as a former marine is so prominent. Not that former marines can’t be maids and not that there is anything wrong, but it was a mental step I had to make. As a former marine and horse whisperer and telepath, she has a unique set of skills. I enjoyed her as a lead character, but her ‘fake’ marriage with Bronco Winchester was part of a trope that sometimes works and sometimes misses the mark. This time, it was a little bit cringe-worthy. Also, when they finally ‘consummate’ their marriage, he ‘slid his tongue between her wet fold and trembling nub” and her “molten core”. Also, Bronco has a “throbbing erection”. This was a bit too much purple prose for me.

Once we get through the wedding farce and interesting wedding night, the book moves into a much faster pace and the plot becomes far more engaging. Also, there are new characters who help drive the action forward.

I don’t want to give too much away, but the cabal Emma and Bronco take on is formidable and eerily similar to many that exist today. I did question the health status of the leader, but it was explained to my satisfaction. The leader’s plans for world domination and how he planned to use Native Americans was reprehensible and I was offended – as I was meant to be. There are a large number of issues unique to Native Americans and several were briefly touched on. This book is not about justice or reconciliation on that front, which was fine. The focus on taking down the bad guys was good enough.

I got my satisfactory ending and hope there will be more books to come.