Book Review — The Taken |Sinnful Books

Title: The Taken
Author: Vicki Pettersson
Genre: Urban fantasy
Pages: Oversize paperback, 432
Published: June 12, 2012
Publisher: Harper Voyager
ISBN-13: 978-0062064646

Rating

"Griffin Shaw used to be a PI, but that was back when gumshoes hoofed the streets . . . and he was still alive. Fifty years later, he's an angel, but that doesn't make him a saint. One small mistake has altered fate, and now he's been dumped back onto the mortal mudflat to collect another soul—Katherine "Kit" Craig, a journalist whose latest investigation is about to get her clipped.

"Bucking heavenly orders, Grif refuses to let the sable-haired siren come to harm. Besides, protecting her offers a chance to solve the mystery of his own unsolved murder—and dole out some overdue payback for the death of his beloved wife, Evie.

"Joining forces, Kit and Grif's search for answers leads beyond the blinding lights of the Strip into the dark heart of an evil conspiracy. But a ruthless killer determined to destroy them isn't Grif's biggest threat. His growing attraction to Kit could cost them both their lives, along with the answer to the haunting question of his long afterlife . . ."

~ Goodreads

This book first came to my attention because it followed a rockabilly heroine. For a long time, I have loved the fashion, hairstyles, makeup, and classic cars of the lifestyle. Hey, if I’m completely honest, I have a wiggle and cupcake dress (with crinoline) sitting in my closet! Unfortunately, even though this book has been on my wishlist for awhile, I never got around to reading it. When I found out it was at our local library, I immediately put it on hold!

Centurion, Grif, is cast back into the flesh after giving a Take a simple break. What he thought was a kindness turned out to be something that altered the course of history and fate. Now, stuck back on the mudflap, he is determined to keep Kit Craig from paying the ultimate price for his split second decision. He also hopes to track down his wife’s murderer.

Kit Craig, a rockabilly reporter, gets pulled into the political maelstrom of corruption when she decides to investigate a prostitution ring. However, she doesn’t expect the help of a tall, dark, and sexy man in Sinatra threads.

While Grif battles to keep Kit safe, he must choose between a budding romance, the desire to bring his wife’s killer to justice, and his angel wings.

Admittedly, it took me a little bit to build up the steam to really tear into this book. Even though the subject matter was interesting, I just couldn’t find my traction. However, that isn’t a comment on the writing style or the book.

It was obvious that Pettersson did a lot of research into the rockabilly lifestyle, the fashions, and so on. Also, Kit really did seem to fit into the lifestyle. However, Kit just got on my nerves. Granted, it was obvious that she was a stereotypical reporter, but her constant peppiness was pretty annoying. After nearly getting killed, beaten to death, and possibly raped, I couldn’t understand how she is able to easily put on a real smile and laugh. It kind of seemed a little canned.

Grif was the typical 1950s P.I./Dick Tracey: tall, dark, mysterious, sexy, aloof, and so on. I felt as though I was watching Casablanca as I read this book. Aside from the fact that he couldn’t let go of his past, he was a rather bland and one dimensional character.

The whole concept behind the angels and the religious aspect of the book was interesting; however, I found myself getting rather confused at times. The part of the story which followed Anas was a little strange, especially at the end. Also, I wish Pettersson would have spent a little more time fleshing out this part of the book.

The mystery and prostitution ring was interesting, as well as the political aspect. Since Las Vegas was a big mob watering hole back in its day, the corrupt politicians and police fit very well. However, at points, it felt as though it went a little too far. The auction was way too much for me, and it was very hard to read.

All in all, I did enjoy the book. There was a lot of action, mystery, drama, and romance. It was definitely a different take on urban fantasy and angels. However, I feel as though Pettersson has a little way to go before these ideas are fully developed. I am very curious to read future books in the series and to see how Grif’s changing role will play out.