"Hunter's Trail", is the final book (for now) in the Scarlett Bernard series that started with "Dead Spots" and went on to "Trail of Dead" .

"Hunter's Trail" is written with the confidence of an author who knows the world she's created and has developed the characters who live in it. The plot deals with the consequences of Scarlett's actions after the killings in The Hair Of The Dog in "Trail of Dead."

I liked to the fact that what seemed such a good and kind thing to do in "Trail of Dead" has some very bad, impossible to foresee, consequences in "Hunter's Trail" a few weeks later.

I also like that Scarlett spent the entire book walking with a stick because of the injuries she received in "Trail of Dead". It made the whole thing more convincing and provided a good reason for her having to have help whether she liked it or not.

In "Hunter's Trail" I felt I was finally starting to get a clear picture of how the cultures of the Vampires, Wolves and Witches are. For me the Wolves, haunted as they are, come out of it best. I admire their constant struggle for control and their willingness to help each other. The Vampires are much more alien and frightening than the "Twilight" versions: amoral, immortal, apex predators who ALWAYS put their own needs first and the Witches who have they have the same failings as the rest of us but have far more power to make mistakes with.

The insight into the supernatural communities comes partly from the nature of the new threats in "Hunter's Trail" - a Nova werewolf killing innocents and a European witch sect exterminating werewolves both highlight what the LA "Old World" communities have struggled not to be.

Scarlett started to take control of her life in "Trail of Dead" in "Hunter's Trail" she finally realizes her own worth makes herself a player in the "Old World". This, together with her FINALLY choosing between the two males in her life (and she chose the right one - I was surprised to find I cared about that) , rounded off the "trilogy" nicely, while leaving the door open for Scarlett to return.

Melissa Olsen has started a new series, set in the same world but with a different main character - get ready to smile - Lex Luther - no not a bald guy from Smallville but a former US Army Sergeant named Allison "Lex" Luther. It comes out on audible on May 1st and is currently on sale for $5.24 here - and no, I don't get paid for saying that. ( )

Hunter's Trail by Melissa F Olson and narrated by Amy McFadden is book three in the series. This book has lots of suspense, a crazy were, lots of creepy magic, and a big ugly dog/wolf/magic breed made for killing. I am glad I found this series! I have really enjoyed it! Weres, vampires, magic, witches, and Scarlet is a Null. That is someone rare that counteracts everyone's magic! Vampires are human around her, weres can't shift in wolves. I also have enjoyed the wonderful narrator! Great job! ( )

There was a lot more going on, plot-wise, in this book than the previous two. It wrapped up pretty well, though the denouement didn't satisfy quite as well as I'd have preferred. Also, I retract most of my complaints about the love triangle. I could write an entire essay on where the trope subversion succeeded and where it didn't, but I won't, so you'll just have to take my word for it: Olson subverted the love triangle trope in some places and didn't manage to in others.

Overall, I'm glad to have read the entire trilogy. I won't be specially buying any more of the books unless they go on, like, heavy-duty sale, but I'll definitely look for them at the library. ( )

This time I waited until I finished all three books to review. Too many times that first book is fireworks, the second is fireplace, and the third is a fizzle. No fizzle here. They are consistent in story arc and character development. Even though our heroine is goofy, I didn't find her annoying. And I was quite torn between the two heroes. But I think she ended up with the right guy, and the right work partner. Plus the mystery, action and story were a good sizzle! ( )

After reading the Scarlett Bernard trilogy, it's hard not to fall in love with Scarlett Bernard. She's funny, smart and quick on her feet. (Well, perhaps not in Hunter's Trail, when she's hobbled by an injury incurred at the conclusion of "Trail of Dead.) Even when she's limping, however, that hardly slows her down. Hunter's Trail was my favorite of the trilogy but I certainly enjoyed them all.
Overall, I thought this was a great urban fantasy series that isn't afraid to let character development take center stage when it needs to. The love triangle between Scarlett, Eli and Jesse was well developed and I certainly applauded Scarlett's romantic choice at the end of Hunter's Trail.
I look forward to reading Ms. Olson's next series and I hope this isn't the end of Scarlett Bernard books both about the Old World, Eli, Jesse and Scarlett.
Jack Murphy ( )