Trail of Dead

Scarlett Bernard, Book 2

By: Melissa F. Olson

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

As a null, Scarlett Bernard possesses a rare ability to counteract the supernatural by instantly neutralizing spells and magical forces. For years she has used her gift to scrub crime scenes of any magical traces, helping the powerful paranormal communities of Los Angeles stay hidden. But after LAPD detective Jesse Cruz discovered Scarlett's secret, he made a bargain with her: solve a particularly grisly murder case, and he would stay silent about the city's unearthly underworld. So when two witches are found dead a few days before Christmas, Scarlett is once again strong-armed into assisting the investigation. She soon finds a connection between the murders and her former mentor, Olivia, a null who mysteriously turned into a vampire, who harbors her own sinister agenda. Now Scarlett must revisit her painful past to find Olivia - unless the blood-drenched present claims her life first.

©2013 Melissa F. Olson (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Writer and narrator: another great success!

Melissa Olson is a refreshing author. I've listened to 5 of her books so far and each one is a unique and inspired story. So often when a writer writes a series, it almost feels like one long continuation. This book remained cohesive with the series, but very unique. As expected, this one was another great story. I can't say enough about Amy McFadden as the narrator. She brings the books to life like no other. I've always said the success of a narrated book is completely dependent on the narrator. Ms. Olson is smart to keep using Ms. McFadden. I do have to agree with another reader who said they were glad Jessie's accent was gone from the last book. Ms. McFadden did a great job with the accent, but I felt the character was just stronger without it.

So hooked!

Loving these stories and feeling heavily invested in this world and the characters. When you read (or listen) make sure you have no chores and plenty of snacks!

all tied up

Great to have all the loose ends woven into place. Perhaps a little too much of the self sacrificing heroine but that was true to the character so you really need to roll with it.

2nd in the Scarlet Series

What did you love best about Trail of Dead?

I love how the vampires, witches, and werewolves all ban together to stop Olivia and her witch causing havoc in the lives of Scarlet because Olivia is obsessed with Scarlet.

What other book might you compare Trail of Dead to and why?

I would compare this series to the author's other series Boundary Magic, because until reading this series, I was not aware of this current series which is an equally great series.

great story

love the story, but you are good enough to not need such profanity to keep the reader engaged, and its a serious distraction to some. I'm hoping you do better in subsequent books.

Very happy with this series

A lot of people will say that it starts slow and it does, but it does a good job in character development, giving you enough information so you can get involved in the other series "boundary lines" that it ties into, and if you make it through the whole series there are small blends that go back-and-forth in the series and the other that come full circle later in the new 2017 both series.
I read series like I need a Blake, the assassin spider series, the hallows, Kat and bones, and the Sookie Stackhouse mysteries, etc. I try to do as much vetting and reviews as possible before I start a series. I was a little unsure with this one but I was far from disappointed. I actually read the series a little backwards reading boundary lines 1st and then this one. Either way the performance from Amy McFayden takes a little getting used to but the switches and voices end up being great and the few humorous, funny parts of the book really come across clearly making me laugh

Now we're getting to the good part

I loved this one. The characters have more depth. The story is more focused. And, I really like that this story is different from a many of the fantasy fiction stories these days. Kudos! I'll be waiting for a part 3.

More Of The Same Excellence!!

Scarlet's life isn't getting any easier. Jesse Cruz meets her at the airport with accusations & questions, she still hasn't dealt with her feelings for Eli either. Dashell is actually willing to help out this time but that doesn't really keep her safe from Olivia. Can't wait for the next book!!
The narration was excellent.
Worth the credit or cash!

getting better

I really liked the first book, but I loved-loved-loved the second, although the cliff-hangers at the end are not really my thing.
I really enjoyed the love-triangle situation and I can't wait to see how it plays out.
All in all, very high expectations for Hunter's Trail - book 3.

Enjoyed It "Cover to Cover"

I enjoy Scarlett's character. She's a strong female lead, but fun too. I've never listened to Amy McFadden's narration until these books and she does an excellent job portraying Scarlett and all the other characters as well! This was a great continuation to the series.