The Taking (Seven Deadly Sins, Book 3)
By  Erin McCarthy
Berkley
January 2010

Regan Henry Alcroft is a very unhappily married woman. Her verbally and psychologically abusive husband, Beau Alcroft, wounds her very soul with his constant needling, criticism and condescension. Regan’s plans to finally leave him are fortified when she meets handsome fortune teller Felix Leblanc providing readings to the guests at a company Christmas party.

Acting on renewed hope and determination, Regan leaves Beau and files for divorce. She promptly buys a place of her own, an expansive old house overlooking the French Quarter. It’s rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Camille Comeaux, a young woman who killed herself there over 100 years ago.

Regan hopes to reconnect with Felix and makes a point to visit his fortune telling salon to ask him to do readings at her upcoming house warming party. But she’s barely unpacked before strange things begin happening at the house, and Regan’s dreams are filled with vivid, eerie scenes of voodoo and magic—and Camille. Frightened out of her wits, Regan calls Felix for help. He doesn’t seem at all surprised when she describes what she’s been experiencing.

Felix is concerned for Regan, for reasons she couldn’t possibly imagine, or begin to understand. But he’s determined to protect her at any cost, including sacrificing his own immortal life for the woman he’s come to love.

McCarthy’s tale of ghosts and magic is perfectly suited for the New Orleans backdrop. The eerie plot is spellbinding, and at times, startling, as the level of Regan’s haunting ratchets to scary heights. The romance between Felix and Regan is abiding and sweet, despite the undercurrent of danger that constantly threatens her peace and sanity—especially when Beau shows up to reclaim what’s his. Très bon!

Sandra Van Winkle, ReadertoReader.com