3.5 stars

It’s 1919 in San Francisco. When Delia and Gabe, Sophie and Jack (and their two kids), and Sam and Libby head to a parade, they never expected a riot to break out. Not only a riot, but then gunfire and explosions. Gabe and Jack are police so they go to help. Delia is a “spiritualist” – she can see ghosts; not only that, Sophie’s young son Connor sees them, too, but he is too young to do anything about it and they scare him. Delia does what she can to protect him. She also noticed the people who ended up rioting had something odd happen just before the riot. Once again, Delia and her friend Dora (also a spiritualist) must help Gabe solve this mystery.

I liked this. This is the third (and final, I’m guessing?) in a series. The POV changes between Gabe and Delia. Like the 2nd book, I think I liked Gabe’s storyline a bit better. I really liked the police officer, Jordan Lynch, whom they brought in from Chicago. There were a few times I really didn’t like Dora. I would continue with this series if it was to keep going (and would hope Jordan Lynch would continue to be in it, as well), but I see there aren’t (currently) more and this was published in 2015, so I’m not sure how likely another one is. It also kind of ended in a way that appears that there is unlikely to be more in the series. ( )

I had a harder time getting involved in this book for some reason. Part of it might be that I guessed the ghost's identity early on and I felt that had been overdone, but I also just didn't care as much about the case. The parts of the book that focused on Delia and her circle of friends and family were more interesting to me, but there wasn't enough of that. I'm also surprised that this is the end of the series. There is very little culmination in this book: the big bad isn't really any bigger or badder, Delia seems to have reached mastery of her abilities somewhere between books so there's no sense of closure there, and there's no indication that the spirit world will be any less involved in the lives of Delia or her family. This is just another case, to be followed by many more, no doubt. So much is left unanswered, and so many intriguing plot threads were introduced in this book. I can only assume the author plans to return to this setup eventually, perhaps focusing on a different character. I'd give any further books a try. ( )

Set post-World War I, San Francisco is awash in refugees - both of the living and dead variety. Delia is visited by a new spirits just before a St. Patrick's Day Parade - one marred by violence. Evil begun during the Great War has far-reaching effects for both Delia and her loved ones along with the larger world.

A truly fantastic read, the only thing wrong with this book is that this is the final book in the Delia series. If you've wreathe first two - and they are a must - you have to read the concluding volume. Ms. Moyer has created a fantastickal world much like our own where magic exists, and none of her books disappoint. ( )

As another chapter in the saga of Delia Martin Ryan and family, this book excels. It’s a gripping story that doesn’t let you go. However, as a conclusion to the series? Dismal failure.

As usual, Moyer knows how to tell a gripping story. I loved all the new bits she included from the supernatural: how the ability to see ghosts manifested in a child, how the powers of a necromancer interacted with Delia’s and Dora’s abilities, and the strengthening of Delia overall in her abilities and confidence using them. Seeing her grow as a supernatural user and face off with a truly terrifying entity kept me enthralled.

I loved the historical background to the story as well as the crime fighting parts (though those were in lesser evidence than previous volumes). Using the Russian Revolution and the assassination of the tsar’s family tied in very well with the overall aura of the time period with the bubbling fervent feelings of revolution, anarchy, and change. The author also incorporates fantastic period details to make her setting come to life like the eerie San Francisco fog, period speedster cars, and the era’s fascination with Spiritualism.

Her characters also continue to shine. Delia’s growing confidence and courage in facing ghosts and supernatural entities, both enemies and allies, is always a treat. I love her with Gabe. His strengths in observance of details and putting all the pieces together continue to be a joy to read. His growing awareness of his own supernatural inclinations was also a nice change.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters, especially the ones that were introduced in this volume. Jordan was a special favorite. I loved seeing how he didn’t let prejudice influence his sense of dignity and justice; he did what the job required so that the victims of crime could have justice. I loved the window that his character provided into the world of police and how people of color were treated back then.

The only problem I have with this book was it being touted as a “conclusion”. It in no way reads as such. This is just another chapter in the life of Delia and allies as they battle the evil supernatural influences that seem to gravitate to early 20th century San Francisco. There is no wrapping up of overall story threads; the author even introduces some such threads in this volume, the last book in the series.

So there is no real closure as we say goodbye to these characters. I’m going to be very sad to see Delia and company go. I enjoyed her adventures every October; it was one of the things I looked forward to for the past few years. I can only hope that maybe the author is going to pursue a series about Dora?? If that’s the case, sign me up for that waitlist!!! I’d love a series about her.

A great addition to the series, this volume will keep you engaged with a gripping story, great characters, and wonderful supernatural additions. While this doesn’t read as a conclusion, it still stands as a great book under its own merits. I’ll be sad to see this series go, but here’s hoping the author intends to write one about Dora, ‘cause I’ll be there with bells on. Still a recommends volume for those who love historical supernatural mysteries. ( )

In this book, Delia and company must deal with the ghost of a princess, a live maybe princess and an evil necromancer who is killing noble Russian immigrants. I got off to a slow start on this one but then I could not put it down. I think it is because it takes me a while to get into Delia's world, but once I am on board I really enjoy these books. Delia is a smart and strong woman as are the other female characters. The men, mostly policemen, are strong and smart but also likable and loving to their families. I also found the Russian tie in very interesting. These books are best read in series to get all the relationships. If you like historical paranormal stories, this is right up your street. ( )