Review: The Scarlet Deep

Title:  The Scarlet Deep, an Elemental World Novel

Author:  Elizabeth Hunter

Published: July 7, 2015, indie

Genre: Paranormal

Blurb

The third novel in the best-selling Elemental World series.

"Sexy, earthy, and beautiful." --Nocturnal Book Reviews

On the waves of the North Atlantic, a poison spreads, sapping the life from humans and striking madness into immortals.

Patrick Murphy, the immortal leader of Dublin, has been trying to stem the tide of Elixir washing into his territory, but nothing seems to stop the vampire drug. While others in the immortal world work to cure the creeping insanity that Elixir threatens, Murphy has been invited to London to join a summit of leaders hoping to discover who is shipping the drug. If Murphy and his allies can cut off the supply, they might be able to halt the spread long enough for a treatment to be found for the humans and vampires infected.

Anne O'Dea, Murphy's former lover, retreated from public life over one hundred years ago to help immortals in need... and to heal her own broken heart. Though powerful connections keep her insulated from the violence of vampire politics, even Anne is starting to feel the effects of Elixir on her isolated world. The human blood supply has been tainted, and with Anne's unique needs, even those closest to her might be in danger. Not just from infection, but Anne's escalating bloodlust.

When Anne and Murphy are both called to London, they're forced to confront a connection as immortal as they are. As they search for a traitor among allies, they must also come to terms with their past. Behind the safe facade of politics, old hungers still burn, even as an ancient power threatens the fate of the Elemental World.

Excerpt 

THE SCARLET DEEP

~

He finally rubbed two hands over his face, mussing his hair and reminding her of the brash young immortal he'd been once, when she'd toppled head over heels for him and straight into a passionate affair that had lasted nearly thirty years.

By the time he spoke, the flippant tone had returned to his voice. "And how are you this evening, Dr. O'Dea?"

"I was having a fine night until I was interrupted, Mr. Murphy."

"I was going to be much more polite than this."

"You always did get riled when you heard me sing."

"Yes." His voice was rough. "I did. I do."

She waited, but he said nothing.

Finally, he nodded at the pub. "Are they safe? The humans here, I mean."

"I know what you mean."

Murphy had always worried. She knew he checked up on her, but he was usually subtler about it, sending Tom, Josie, or Declan in his stead.

"They don't ask questions," she said. "Sometimes, I need more than my house and Ruth and Dan."

"Come to Dublin, then." He let out a wry laugh. "Never mind. You can take care of yourself. You always did."

"You haven't answered my question."

"Noticed that, did you?"

She crossed her arms. "What did you need, Murphy?"

"Many things. And I hate it when you call me Murphy."

Review

4. 5  Hearts

Elizabeth Hunter has created a world so rich and layered, you will wonder if it is true life and you are actually part of a story.  The Scarlet Deep continues the Elemental World series with the story line that came about at the end of the Elemental Mysteries books.  Someone has made an ancient serum that is supposed to remove bloodlust in vampires and make humans strong and healthy so that they live longer.  They good guys quickly find out that the “Elixir” is deadly to both vampires and humans.  The heads of the eastern European countries are fighting with everything they have to find the source and put an end to this genocide.  

Patrick Murphy is the head of the Dublin clan and is a classically hot headed Irishman.  He has reigned himself in over the years, but still has the urge for chaos.  His estranged mate, Anne, is very aware of his stubborn, possessive attitude and has kept him at arms-length for a century.  As the world events get more deadly, the two of them are drawn back together. 

The story has some romance to it but overall a well written suspense/mystery.  There is a lot of political maneuvering happening among all infected countries.  A summit called by the London clan chief brings all of the intrigue to Terry and Gemma’s doorstep.  I found I got to a point in the story where I could not put it down.  I needed to know what was happening and who did it.  I did like seeing Patrick and Anne work through their issues.  I like when the tough alpha male realizes there is a woman who frustratingly brings him to his knees. 

This is a grand adventure Ms. Hunter is taking us on.  I am anxious to see how the Elixir issue will resolve.  I look forward to the next Elemental World novel.  

About the Author

Elizabeth Hunter is a contemporary fantasy and romance author. She is a graduate of the University of Houston Honors College and a former English teacher.

She currently lives in Central California with her son, two very ineffective canine assistants, and a pitifully empty fish tank.

She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries and Elemental World series, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.

website: www.elizabethhunterwrites.com

twitter: @e_hunter