In the first book of this series, Kim Harrison introduced readers to a world where humans and supernatural beings coexist uneasily. The Turn, which began some forty years ago when some biogenetically engineered tomatoes wiped out a quarter of the world’s human population, left the thus-far hidden supernatural beings unaffected.

Witch Rachel Morgan is still struggling to make a living as a feisty bounty hunter together with her partners, the pixie, Jinks, and Ivy, the living vampire. Having already become anathema to the supernatural police force, Inderland Security, Rachel’s surprised when the Federal Inderland Bureau, the human police agency, requests her help in solving a series of murders involving ley-line witches that has rocked Cincinnati in recent times.

Upon learning that her nemesis, the fiendish councilman Trent Kalamack, is a suspect, Rachel’s more than eager to help, not caring that being a ley-line witch she herself may become the killer’s target. Meanwhile her co-worker and roommate Ivy is becoming increasingly unpredictable ,and Rachel lives in ever-growing dread of becoming the vamp’s snack. Rachel’s human boyfriend continues to dabble in the dreaded black magic world of demonology. But far worse is that, unknown to Rachel, a powerful ancient creature has her in its targets. In order to survive, Rachel will need help from a most unlikely source.

Readers wowed by Harrison’s first book, Dead Witch Walking, will be revel in this fabulous second addition to the series. Harrison maintains the continuity as the beautifully imagined segregated world of humans and supernaturals continues to fascinate readers. While tying up loose ends from the first story, she cleverly introduces many new ones. Readers needn’t be put off by the mention of witches and supernatural beings – the main crux of the novel and indeed the series itself arises from the ever-interesting species (human and supernatural) and inter-species (vampires, pixies, witches, demons, etc.) conflicts as well numerous personal ones.

Whether fighting off her growing list of enemies or dealing with her roommate’s bloodthirsty tendencies, Rachel’s impulsiveness, her at-times thoughtless jumping to conclusions, her fear and courage in the face of extreme danger renders her character a very believable one. Side characters are numerous and, regardless of their species, are equally complex and absorbing. The twisting plot has more than its share of chilling suspense, perplexing mystery and rollercoaster emotional upheaval to keep the readers immersed.

To put it simply, Kim Harrison and the world, characters and plots she creates in her Rachel Morgan series of novels are simply outstanding. "Engrossing" doesn’t even begin to cover it.