Book Review: "Oleander" by Jennifer Allis Prost

 

Eli tried to leave the supernatural life behind. Problem is, it won’t let her go.

Eliza “Eli” Moore may have been born a seer, but she didn’t want to live like one. That was why she became a private detective, and opened Nine Lives Investigations. Being able to talk to the dead gives her an undeniable edge in solving cases, and she figured it was all for the greater good. Then Eli is forced to exorcise a demon, the local witch elder ends up dead, and Eli fears she’s in over her head.

Throughout it all, Eli has one dedicated ally: Dan, mortal police detective who isn’t scared of things that go bump in the night, and who hints he wants to be more than friends. But mortals and seers don’t mix… do they?

Before Eli can sort out how she feels about Dan, an enemy from her past resurfaces and threatens everything she hold dear. Eli is forced to take on the title inherited from her grandmother, and become the Mistress of Seers—but just because leading the seer community is her birthright doesn’t mean anyone will follow her. - from Booksirens.com

I received this ARC from Booksirens.com at no cost and am providing an unbiased review.

This is is the first book in a new series labled "Poison Garden" and so I am guessing that the following books of the series will be named after other delightful, yet deadly, flowers. 

This was a quick read for me, completing it in one afternoon. What helped most was that it kept my attention. This is my favorite kind of go-to urban fantasy story - strong female lead, with a slow-burn romance, that not only solves the problem, but ends up getting themselves into a bigger situation they have been trying to avoid. These types of stories just interest me quite a bit, and I find myself more open to reading a series like this, rather than some long-winded epic fantasy that just 'drags'  (in telling of the story) all over the place.

Characters were quite simple with not a lot shared about their background. We know Eli was "raised" by her mother until a magical event around 8 years old, then was raised by her grandmother, who just happens to be the Grand Poobaa of the Seer community. She comes across the police detective, Dan, during some of the few crimes she has solved (using her magical abilities) and this particular story will bring them in contact more. I would like to see if there is more to Dan - not much was said about his past, yet he seemed so open-minded about the whole magical world thing. Throw in a good friend who is a powerful witch, and you have a story.

World-building was fine. It has been a few days since I read it (trying to sort out what I wanted to write) so from what I recall, it was a typical town. I am a little confused about the "relationships" amongst the magical communities (like how they get along or divide their 'areas') but maybe there will be more in a forth-coming second book. I would recommend to a friend for reading, if they are into this kind of story. Three and a half stars....