The Brimstone Deception

The Brimstone Deception by Lisa Shearin is the latest book in her SPI Files series.

It's called Brimstone.  After the first few hits, you'll see every supernatural beast sharing the sidewalk, train, or office with you.  After that, you'll start seeing the really scary stuff.

I'm Makenna Fraser, seer for the SPI. And the collateral damaged caused by Brimstone is something I'd like to unsee: dead drug dealers missing their hearts- and souls.  Because your local pusher doesn't stand a chance against the new cartel muscling its way into New York.  And since the drug can only be produced with magic and molten brimstone fresh from Hell, that means a rift to the underworld is open somewhere in the city. 

And when- not if- the cartel loses control of it, well...

It's going to be Hell on earth.

The Breakdown:
1.  Shearin's SPI files are fast and fun reads. There is the mystery of who is behind the Brimstone and why they are doing it.  Along with that is the fun of the characters, especially Makenna. There is lots of great banter between characters and occasionally some awkward funny situations.

2. I find the character of Makenna very likable and entertaining.  She is not afraid to admit her flaws, and play to her strengths.  She is witty, and uses her Southern charm to her full advantage.

3. I liked in this book Shearin showed a little more of Rake's character and his background and motives. He is definitely the ultimate bad boy, but oh so charming, and maybe even a little bit of a softie when he cares about someone.

4.  Plus Shearin always has an interesting supporting class of characters.  Kitty the baker, and whose ancestor may or may not have lured children to their deaths with gingerbread. Yasha the Russian werewolf whose baby is his suburban.  With these characters, and the search for the Brimstone and killers, there is never a dull moment in this book.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read