Book Review: It Takes a Psychic (Ghost Hunters #17) by Jayne Ann Krentz
There’s something undeniably comforting about diving back into a beloved series, and It Takes a Psychic, the latest installment in Jayne Ann Krentz’s Ghost Hunters series, felt like reuniting with old friends after a long, adventurous summer apart. From the very first page, I was reminded of why I adore this universe—it’s filled with quirky characters, suspenseful twists, and of course, those irresistibly charming dust bunnies!
Leona Griffin, our protagonist, is at a thrilling yet precarious point in her career as a para-archaeologist. Just when life seems to be on an upward trajectory, she finds herself embroiled in a setup that threatens her reputation and very life. The premise—caught between her university’s fundraising antics and a nefarious elite collectors’ society—creates an intense atmosphere that had me flipping pages faster than I could brew my afternoon tea!
Krentz shines in It Takes a Psychic by deftly weaving themes of deception and ambition, all while maintaining a light-hearted backdrop of paranormal intrigue. Leona’s talent for discerning genuine artifacts from forgeries is put to the test—not just against the artifacts themselves, but against the manipulative people who see her as mere entertainment. This commentary on exploitation in the name of art and culture resonated with me, igniting reflections on our society’s often transactional nature.
Speaking of the writing, Krentz has a unique ability to balance suspense with humor. The pacing is just right; I was never overwhelmed, yet I felt the urgency of Leona’s plight. There are moments of thrill that leave you breathless, and then, just when you think you need to pause for a breath, Roxy—the delightful dust bunny—springs in with her antics. I particularly adored the sequence where Roxy persuades Leona to rescue caged dust bunnies from a research lab; it embodies the whimsy that Krentz brings to her writing. How can you not love a character who steals a psionically powered dildo while striving to save her fellow dust bunnies?
It’s clear that this book isn’t merely a standalone story but an integral piece of a larger tapestry. For long-time fans, the connections to previous stories, especially with the Griffin Sisters and the Arcane Society, offer nostalgic depth. However, I will caution new readers: this isn’t the easiest entry point. If you’re curious about this magical world, consider starting with People in Glass Houses or The Vanishing, which lay the groundwork for the vibrant universe Krentz has created.
It Takes a Psychic was a delightful escapade that transported me back to a whimsical, danger-laden world where the stakes are high, but the charm is even higher. If you enjoy tales filled with psychic phenomena, intricate plots, and lovable creatures (hello, dust bunnies!), I wholeheartedly recommend this read. It stirred my love for the series and reminded me why I keep coming back for more—Krentz’s writing captures the magic of adventure, friendship, and the fight against malevolence in perfect harmony.
In the end, I found myself both entertained and enriched, and I can’t help but look forward to where Krentz will take us next. If you’re as enchanted by fantastical worlds as I am, don’t miss the chance to dive into this one!
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