Professor Emma D'Eresby, a history professor specializing in torture, obtains a post at an exclusive American University that has an original journal that she has been obsessed with reading. She becomes the obsession of an unbalanced professor and falls in love with the college's odd Doctor Matthew Lynes. Dr. Lynes is more than he seems but the book never let's us know what he is.

I enjoyed the style of the author's writing but the book was very long for not much happening. A lot of information was dumped on us that I think will be needed in later books but was unnecessary filler in a single book. The author described situations and the lack of situations to ridiculous lengths. After awhile I was saying to myself, 'Ok, ok, get on with it!'

This book is the first of a series and has cliff hangers instead of an ending. That is a pet peeve of mine. I like stand alone books that support each other rather than a book that simply ends and no closure is given until you buy another.

I have tried to read this book several times in the years since I was awarded it but I couldn't get into it. The characters, while interesting, seemed very monotone. There is glimpses of development at times but that's it.

I will look for other books by this author. I think this book has potential. ( )

I received the 3rd book in this series, Rope of Sand, through the Library Thing five away. I could not put that book down and I ordered books 1 & 2 before finishing book 3. I have just finished reading Mortal Fire (book !) in 3 days. It took that long because I had to go to work those 3 days. This book is just as well written as the 3rd one. Following the developing relationship between Emma D'Eresby and Matthew Lynes was intriguing. I also enjoyed the briefly touched on MA Students Emma mentored, especially Aydin Yilmaz. It would appear that Ms. Dunn could do a spin off series about this young man. Back to point, This book is so well written and the character study is fun to watch. I am happy that through the Library Thing give away of books I was introduced to this author and series. The morals of the characters are refreshing and interesting to watch unfold. Super read!! ( )

As reviewer, April Erwin, stated so well, "I love the mix of academia, mystery, faith and dare I say, possibly a little of the supernatural? I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down. I read half the night and couldn't wait to pick it up the next morning. C.F. Dunn has you speeding through the pages all the way to the ending that makes you say, "WHAT?!"

I concur with her assessment. I'm delighted that I can immediately launch into the second book of the series, "Death Be Not Proud". It's going to be a long night! ( )

I loved this book! I really liked the feel and setting of the book...I can't wait to pick up the next one!!

An intriguing and unusual tale set in New England at a university, where there are some odd characters and there appears to be danger at every corner!

Although not a lot happens, I found it strangely enjoyable. Some parts did drag a little but at the same time it is quite a dark and suspenseful story written in a gothic like style. There is an evil villain who is really quite scary and there is an enigmatic and mysterious hero. The reader is never quite sure of the hero, he is definitely different but just how out of the ordinary is he? Is he just an immortal or is he also a vampire? I was none the wiser by the time I had finished the book. In fact, the ending is left on somewhat of a cliffhanger - the author's ploy to lure the reader into buying the next book, I suspect!

I thought it was well written and quite atmospheric. C J Dunn seems to know how to keep her readers interested and I am certainly curious enough to want to read the rest of the trilogy. I would give it a 3.5 star rating.

My thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy of the Ebook to read and review ( )