The Dead Play On - Heather Graham

The Dead Play On

Heather Graham

Mira, Mar 31 2015, $24.95

ISBN 9780778317739

After three tours in Afghanistan, saxophonist Arnie Watson returned to New Orleans as a civilian only to die of a drug overdose.  His grieving mom gave her son’s sax to his best friend musician Tyler Anderson.  Using the sax at a gig, Tyler has visions of Arnie’s fatal last night that leads him to believe his buddy was murdered.  Tyler retains Danni Cafferty to investigate Arnie’s death.

NOPD Detective Jake Larue leads the investigation into the recent deaths of musicians that strongly imply a serial killer culprit.  He asks former cop turned private investigator Michael Quinn to help with the official inquiry.  Partners Danni and Michael compare notes as each believes possession of Arnie’s sax is the motive for the murders.

The third Cafferty & Quinn urban fantasy (see Waking The Dead and Let The Dead Sleep) is an interesting paranormal whodunit anchored by a haunting atmospheric New Orleans.  The mystery entertains the audience though the paranormal is somewhat downplayed compared to the usual novel by the queen of supernatural investigations Heather Graham.  Readers cheer on the brave protagonists especially when they join the band as bait making for a taut exciting tale

Harriet Klausner