Rating: 2 1/2 stars
Detroit Fire Department arson investigator, Anya Kalinczyk is called to the scene of a gruesome fire at the home of Jasper Bernard. It seems that Jasper was a victim of spontaneous human combustion, although Anya knows something more sinister is at play.
She can smell evil magic around the crime scene. Anya has this ability, because she is also a Lantern, a psychic medium who can see and talk to ghosts, as well as help them cross over to the other side.
Jasper has a connection to Hope Solomon, a fraudulent psychic who hides behind a non-profit organization that promises miracles to those who have lost all hope. She also goes around collecting spirits for her own devious means. Along with Anya’s salamander familiar, Sparky, and her fellow group of paranormal investigators from the Detroit Area Ghost Researchers, she’ll do whatever she can to stop Hope, even though she may be putting her life in danger, much like she did six months ago when her deceased, unstable lover tried to being forth a demon to destroy the world.
Sparks has this great element of suspense where you don’t know what will happen to Anya next as she takes it upon herself to solve unnatural crimes that may just get her killed. Laura Bickle is very skilled at writing a taut police like procedural novel, but with many supernatural elements. Anya is always moving, never sitting still, and does a few questionable things that she should really think about first before she reacts.
One enjoyment in reading Sparks is Anya’s loving protector, Sparky, who is adorable and will make readers laugh. The cast of characters Anya surrounds herself with, such as Brian, one of the ghost researchers who wants to take their relationship to the next level, brings forth a romantic element. Even with this subtle romance and the crime Anya is involved with, Sparks is very lackluster and loses momentum as Anya gets closer to the truth. Sparks falters toward the middle where one may question whether they should read to the very end.
Even with a few issues on my end, Sparks is a unique Urban Fantasy that has some merit, but one that may become lost in the shuffle of more exciting Urban Fantasies that are being released. If you’re one who likes mystery with a nice paranormal slant, do give this latest by Laura Bickle a try. As for this reader, I’m not certain if I will continue reading with the next release.
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Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Pocket (August 31, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-1439167687