Following Unholy Ghosts and Unholy Magic, the latest novel by Stacia Kane, City of Ghosts, continues the saga of Chess Putnam. Her exciting story has only escalated in danger and intensity as her interwoven secret life, closely guarded personal secrets and public life as a Church Debunker press unforgivably harder against each other. The key players from both the church and the streets of Downside continue to circle her, helping when needed and threatening her existence when their agendas aren't served swiftly enough. There’s a lot of pressure in Chess’ world, and it’s about to get worse.

Despite the unorthodox way karma has been playing out in her life, Chess’s career successes and precariously balanced social relations have reached a tempered harmony for her to operate with on a daily basis; ergo, she’s basking in the calm before the storm. When the elite Black Squad demand Chess’s participation on a case of ultimate secrecy, something feels off. Her life will be forfeit instantly should she go against the rules they plan to put her under, and she will become their puppet until the case is over.

Regardless of the negatives, Chess jumps in headfirst and finds a world of deception ready to overtake her beloved Church. As usual, the dark, deadly world of Downside wreaks havoc in her life as well. It seems she can’t have a major case through the Church nowadays without major connections to Downside’s darker life popping up. The dark and evil fester in the tunnels and alleys of Downside, victimizing the wretched poor and avoiding the gaze of the Church. Their strength grows exponentially while the church’s seems to be withering away. If Chess doesn’t get to the heart of the deceptions soon, the world as all know it may very well come crashing down.

Stacia Kane hits the target again with this nail-biting, glue-you-to-your-seat read. The Chess Putnam series is a relentless string of adventures, one hot on the heels of another. {[Note: This novel is for adults; paranormal activity verging on the demonic in addition to constant drug and alcohol-related behaviors beg the need of parental review before pre-teens/teens decide to grab this series off the shelf.]