"Trail of Dead" - Scarlett Bernard #2 by Mellisa F. Olsen - entertaining urban supernatural thriller

"Trail of Dead" is (apart from the title which I think is rather dull) is an improvement on "Dead Spots", book 1 in the series. Melissa Olson's writing is more confident and assured, the plotting is tighter and more complex and the world building is a little bit more subtle.

In "Trail of Dead" I actually started to like Scarlett Bernard and understand the impact that she has on those around her. She's come out of her "I'm doing this because it's the only thing I'm good for" trance and started to think through her life. It turns out that she's brave and, in her own way, driven by a sense of honour and a desire to help those she cares for.

Her bête noir and former mentor, now a scary bat-shit-crazy vampire is an excellent villain to his and boo at. She makes the other monsters that Scarlett works for: vampires, witches and werewolves, seem positively civilized.

The "shall I choose the gorgeous and righteous cop or the totally devoted werewolf surfer-boy" trope could have become a little tired - too Stephanie Plumb for my taste - but Olsen pulled an original plot twist that saved the day and kept everything a bit more plausible. I do wish she'd stop telling me that Jesse smells of oranges and Armani, it doesn't sound an attractive combination and it became a sort of leitmotiv that was played every time he and Scarlet were in a scene together.

The concept of a "null", the original idea around which the series is based, continues to develop at satisfying pace that shows progress but hints at more to come.

I'm confident that this will turn into a fun series. I know the third book is out but I'm waiting for the audiobook to be available. ( )

Trail of Dead by Melissa F Olson and narrated by Amy McFadden is book two in the series. This fantasy novel has Scarlet dealing with an ex-friend then foe who is still after Scarlet and her new friends. Murders, witches, werewolves, vampires,and magic. Lots of magic and suspense with complicated romance thrown in!
Scarlet is a Null which means she cancels out other magic when close. Weres shift back to humans, vampires are briefly human again, and magic from witches won't work. She has also learned other tricks that she has to keep secret.
Great narration! Really adds to the story! ( )

Overall, Trail of Dead was fine. I read it because I already owned the paperback, and I'll read the next for the same reason. But I recommend you get your copy from the library.

Here's the thing that makes no sense about this trilogy's love triangle: one of the prospective beaus gets his own POV. It's third, as opposed to Scarlett's first person POV, but it's still his POV. This whole will-they-won't-they is tedious and pointless--we already know the answer. Also, the reader has no perspective on either love interests as people outside of the fact that they're hot and both care about Scarlett.

ETA: I am tentatively retracting my complaints about the love triangle. I still have Opinions about it, both good and bad, but basically Olsen was working to subvert the whole idea of a love triangle. Not that there isn't one, but it's actually pretty well developed. I will totally grant her that much. ( )

Great action!

The first part of the book was confusing as the events in the first book had faded in my memory. Skim the first book if it has been awhile since you read it. Once I was back on track, the story flowed rather well. This author writes action sequences that are compelling and makes the second half of the book hard to put down. Her characters are complete and consistent. An enjoyable read that I recommend. ( )

Scarlett Bernard has to face the killer of her parents, and former mentor, Olivia. Once a null, Olivia is now a vampire and she wants Scarlett. So Olivia joins forces with a witch to gather the magic they need and leave a path of death in their wake. Scarlett know this has something to do with her and she is not going to let any more innocents die if she can help it.

This is turning out to be a really fun series. Scarlett is just snarky enough to get a laugh yet the story is dark and dangerous. It is a nice combination. The world creation continues in the book but it is still pretty easy to understand. There is plenty of action. I like Olson's writing style. Sone chapters are first person Scarlett and others are third person Jesse, the detective. This way you can know what is going on in a couple of different places at the same time. It works for Olson. I am looking forward to more Scarlett. ( )