Dead Spots

Scarlett Bernard, Book 1

When LA’s vampires, witches, and werewolves make a mess, they call Scarlett Bernard to clean it up. Her ability as a null erases all magical traces from anything—or anyone—that comes within ten feet of her, and keeps humans in the dark about the city’s paranormal activity. One night when she’s called to a grisly crime scene, Scarlett is spied by the all-too-human LAPD cop Jesse Cruz, who strikes up a deal with her: he’ll keep quiet about the supernatural underworld if she helps him crack the case. She agrees, but the city’s chief vampire, Dash, starts to suspect Scarlett is behind the murders and will reveal all she knows of his shadowy empire. Now it’ll take more than Scarlett’s unique abilities to clear her name, keep the underworld underground, and track down the real killer.

©2012 Melissa F. Olson (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

solid UF without romance emphasis

Solid Urban Fantasy - not too much romance and the heroine is relatable, fully-fledged, and mostly lacking in cliched UF/PNR attributes (insatiable sexual prowess, uncommonly good looks, superpowers that appear far beyond her known powers, crushing feelings of inadequacy, inability to make a decision, annoying sidekicks, or closets full of the perfect heeled black leather boots and endless catalogues of specialized weaponry, for example). Scarlett is smart but not too sassy, practical rather than superficial, and not whiney. She has a few too many trust issues but they are understandable considering what she's been through in the last few years. She has a habit of feeling that things are all her fault that may lead to a overblown guilt crisis at some point in the series. Her power (or anti-power, as she calls it) is unusual: she's a Null, and magical beings that come within her radius of power lose their magical abilities - vampires and werewolves become human, witches cannot use their magic. The author uses this ability to good effect in several scene.

The magic system is well-explained and makes sense. The setting is current day Los Angeles, but realistically so and without a lot of Hollywood glitz or designer name-dropping. There is a romantic triangle, but this book is really not focused on the romance, so there are no eye-rolling romantic declarations, posturing over possession of the girl, or explicit sex scenes. The plot is solid, with enough clues and twists to keep you guessing. There are some fun references to literary history in the vampire background. The storyline wraps up at the end in a satisfying way, though a sequel is hinted at by a surprise plot point at the end. The characters are complex and feel "real" rather than just being archetypes (with the possible exception of Dashiell, the head vampire). I thought this was pretty impressive for a first novel.

The audiobook narrator is Amy McFadden. She does a creditable job but it's not outstanding. Her pacing and delivery are spot on. Like the book itself, it is more than adequate but less than extraordinary.

not her best book

I listen to this book after I had already listened to the boundary series. it is worth reading as background to that world, but in my opinion it's nowhere near as good.

Great Supernatural Mystery

I liked this book. It reminded me of the Gail Carriger Soulless books set in the present instead of the past. The idea of a null is very interesting. The storyline was well thought out and I enjoyed listening to the world unfold. I liked the characters and enjoyed the romantic triangle that is setting up. I hope that Melissa Olson turns this into a series. I thought Amy McFadden was a fantastic narrator. This is the first time I've listened to anything she narrated and I would definitely listen to her again.

Absolutely entertaining!

Story was very good...not crazy about love triangles...but can't wait to read who she picks.

Hooked like a fish

This is a fantastic start to a series. The characters are so real and so sympathetic. Scarlett herself is flawed and yet badass. Dashel does one thing to make you hate him, then the next sentence makes you feel sorry for him. Also the love triangle between Jessie, Scarlett, and Ely is wonderful. Dear Stephanie Myer, THIS is how you write a flawed, insecure heroine in a supernatural love triangle.