Readers of paranormal/horror will probably like this book more than I did. The writing is crisp and taut, the red herring had me guessing the identity of the killer incorrectly, but I thought the revelation of the killer was insufficiently set up earlier in the book. The ghost element didn't add much to the storyline, but it added to the creepy setting and will appeal to Ms. Graham's legions of fans.The trope of a killer who eviscerates young women and leaves their mutilated bodies on the streets of New York, in imitation of Jack the Ripper felt too familiar to make the story truly fresh, and the trapping of the heroine as the killer closes in likewise felt overly familiar. However, Ms Graham knows how to tell an affecting tale that keeps the pages turning. Readers who like Jack the Ripper and ghosts will love this one. Picked this up in the "Murder Mystery" section of the library.It is a murder mystery. It is a paranormal suspense. It is a romance.I liked the murder mystery aspect best. There were a few good red herrings - left me guessing until the end on who really "dunnit". I am usually not a huge fan of paranormal storylines - they end up being used as a plot device. I liked the ghost dog in this one - at least it behaved like a dog should and didn't have super powers or anything (even though it was a ghost). The romance was my least favourite. I like romance books - especially ones with lots of chemistry and lots of good sex. I found the romance part of this book a bit pedestrian. I almost rated it three stars - but I went with two stars because of the general popularity of this author. If this was written by a new author, I would have rated it higher - but I think someone of Heather Grahams experience could have done better with this.
What do You think about Sacred Evil (2011)?
Loved it. I really enjoyed how the Jack the Ripper angle was played. Also, I loved Rufus.
—Itsnickmalone
Boring and predictable. Not Heather Graham's usual good stuff
—mel
Heather's books are always good reads but pretty predictable.
—Fireiria
