Friday 18 December 2020

Review: Infernal Enchantment by Helen Harper

Infernal Enchantment by Helen Harper
(Firebrand #2)
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery

A gruesome case of grave robbing lands on Detective Constable Emma Bellamy's desk. But is there more to it than meets the eye?

Being the sole police detective in London's Supernatural Squad is no easy task. I have to navigate my way through a world teeming with supernatural creatures, from vampires to werewolves and everything else in between. My inexperience might count against me but my own shocking supernatural abilities will stand me in good stead - especially when I'm confronted yet again by the gruesome spectre of death...

A vampire has been mysteriously killed in the centre of the city.
Werewolf graves have been plundered for their bodies.
And I think I might be developing an ill-advised crush on a certain black eyed vampire Lord.



"I supposed there was no time like the present to revisit the scene of my own death and investigate a grisly case of corpse-munching at the same time. I liked my job, I told myself. Honest."
I was trying to figure why I don’t love this book, don't get me wrong - I really enjoyed it, it has all the elements that I like - there just seems to be a little something missing. I think it’s because I like the characters, but I don’t really feel a connection with them, especially the MC. Emma, is very focused on her job, and while we see some of her inner thoughts and feelings, she mostly seems to avoid them in favour of work so it’s hard to get inside her head. Hopefully that will build up more as the series progresses, but if not, I think it's still definitely worth reading as a supernatural murder mystery. 
"‘They’re not breaking any laws. It’s legal to eat a corpse. Well,’ she amended, ‘it is if you’re a ghoul. They can’t eat anything else.’"
The plot of this book was really engaging and exciting, with graverobbing, accidental (?) murder and more drama with the werewolf packs. There’s plenty of action to keep you hooked and despite the grim nature of the crimes in this book I found there was enough humorous moments to lighten the mood. I think the author has got that balance spot on for this series. 
"It was the dead of night and I was venturing into a dank basement with a vicar in a dressing gown. What could possibly go wrong?"
I’m enjoying getting to know a few more side characters, including a new vampire, as well as the others in Supe Squad. Even the priest has his moments. Tallulah, the seemingly sentient car, is just a delightful addition to the story.
"‘They’re vampires – they tease and play and draw you in. Theirs is a dance of seduction, sometimes for sex, sometimes for blood, but always for power. It’s very hard to deny a vampire when they’re fixated on you.’"
If you were waiting to find out more about what Emma is, then you should be pleased with the reveal in this one. Not that it’s a lot, but I was satisfied enough for now. 
We also meet some Ghouls, who are not what I was expecting. I really enjoyed that part.
The slow burn with Lukas is still very much a slooow burn, so I’m keen for that to kick up a notch in the next book, even though things are definitely going to get a bit complicated. Here’s hoping! 

Book 3 Midnight Smoke is out now!

Happy reading!

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