Paul DeBlassie III - The Unholy: A Novel

43. The Unholy: A Novel by Paul DeBlassie III (2013)
Length: 200 pages
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
Started: 31 July 2014
Finished: 4 August 2014
Where did it come from? I originally downloaded a copy of this book for free from Netgalley; although, many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 9 August 2013 from Netgalley; Since 26 June 2014 from Dorothy
Why do I have it? I like paranormal mysteries and Paul DeBlassie III is a new author for me.

Claire Sanchez is the director of Mental Health Workers and Natural Therapeutic Services at the Ecclesia Dei Hospital. She is also a curandera - a medicine woman - trained by her people in the ways of natural magic, dream interpretation, visions and shapeshifting. From a very early age, Claire has at times embraced and rejected her heritage; having witnessed her mother's murder at the hands of a mysterious cloaked figure. Now, at age twenty-five - the same age as her mother was at her death - Claire suffers from inexplicable night terrors, awakening drenched and shaking with only vague recollections of her nightmares.

When one of her patients - a good friend of her mother's - suddenly attacks her while in the midst of a psychotic episode, and is later found dead on the grounds of the hospital; Claire becomes intent on uncovering the secrets of her past. She is absolutely convinced that the disturbed woman's last words to her: "Face what is yours to face," are a warning and not a threat. Her ensuing journey will lead her into a life-and-death struggle against a malevolence which she cannot comprehend - an evil Archbishop who will stop at nothing to ensure her death.

Claire is subsequently drawn into a web of mystery and deep despair, which will ultimately lead her on to a path through the twilight realm of discovery and decision. I found this to be a very intriguing story, full of sympathetic and multi-layered characters. I was completely caught up in the story from the first page, and found myself sympathizing for Claire and hoping that she would overcome the various difficulties in her life and find some kind of peace and tranquility. I give this book a definite A! and am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.

A! - (90-95%)
 
May you read well and often