[BookWorm] Review: The Hexed

Just an hour or so ago, I finished 'The Hexed' by Heather Graham.

Why did I choose to read this book? Because... Cover looks cool! Witchcraft! Salem! Powers! Murder! Whoo!!

It took me a while to finish it though. Three days, I think. No, maybe more. For me, it is the kind of book that doesn't really compel you to stay up late and read.

Summary:

Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn't be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina—her "crazy" great-aunt, who spoke to the dead—a woman was murdered nearby. 

Craig Rockwell—known as Rocky—is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI's team of paranormal investigators. He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods. Now another body's been found in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle. And Devin's been led to a third body—by...a ghost? 

Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem's rich and disturbing history. Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other, something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of. But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth—or Devin's might be the next body in the woods... (from Goodreads)

Review:

To be honest, I had high hopes for this book.

The reviews I've read were wonderful, and nothing gets me interested more than witchcraft, Salem, paranormal, investigations, and all the other elements in this book.

For the romance part of the story, I felt at first that the attraction was one-sided. Like it was just Rocky who was interested and Devin was a bit aloof. AND THEN... well, I thought she was possessed or it was just a dream. Hey, anything is possible in this book!

With regards to the investigation, I could not understand why the rest of the much experienced Krewe team would just wait for Rocky's call or decisions. And they would not split up to investigate. And why would they just focus on a certain group and not all. Why not check out ALL possible aspects/suspects/scenarios? Just because Rocky said so?

Earlier in the book, I liked the witchcraft and Salem history - which I consider to be well researched. I am a fanatic, I admit. However, tying everything together made me think it was all pointless. Either that, or I snoozed through some parts - because I honestly just found crumbs that refused to lead to a concrete unveiling.

As for the killer, I had that pegged from the start. I don't know. It seemed logical from the start. But Ms. Graham is skilled at making you think if you've got your analysis from the start.

Overall, I felt the book was a bit disappointing - apart from the details, everything felt messy and just... meh. Especially the romance part. No spark at all. They said it was spooky or creepy, but I disagree. Nada.

However, I LOVE AUNTIE MINA! I LIKE POE! And I like the fact that you can read this book standalone.

 I was planning to read the entire Krewe series. But... I guess we shall see.