Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Devil's Bargain by Rachel Caine Narrator: Jennifer Aquino
Series: Red Letter Days #1
Published by Tantor Audio on September 24, 2024
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 8 hours, 6 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
Playing by the psychic underworld’s rules has a cost Jazz Callender’s whole life just got turned upside down. Her friend Ben’s been convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and Jazz is determined to clear his name, even if it means enlisting the help of dark forces. Enter James, a stranger with a mysterious offer. If Jazz pledges to work for The Cross Society, a shadowy secret organisation, he’ll help her save Ben. But as she’s thrust into a world of psychic powers and dangerous magic, Jazz isn’t just bargaining for her friend’s freedom. She’s bargaining for her soul too. And how high a price is she willing to pay?
I’ve enjoyed this author so I was excited to see this backlist title coming to audio. It’s a short Duology – Red Letter Days. I will be reviewing the next book Tuesday Devil’s Due.
The story is a combination of law enforcement and special operations. It’s a strange setup and there is more I hope to learn in the next book. A law firm sets up an ex-cop and an ex-federal agent in a private investigation firm. The tasks they are asked to perform are bizarre. Their purpose seems undefineable.
The team of Jazz (ex-cop) and Lucia (ex-agent) make a good pairing and they do support each other. Things get much more dangerous and lives are ended or affected severely. They try to learn more from the law firm contact James but he’s starting to have more difficulties himself.
Devil’s Bargain is more complex than I have indicated and more dire for our team. There’s quite a bit of action and a huge mystery puzzle. Each woman has some possible romance in the background of the story. I look forward to finding out more.
Narration:
I’m not sure I have listened to this narrator in the past. Her voice had a bit of a sharp edge to it, which rather fit the main character and her style. The voices seemed appropriate for the characters so I was able to enjoy the performance without being pulled out of the story. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Rachel Caine
Rachel Caine is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 45 novels to date, and many short stories, including fantasy, urban fantasy, science fiction, young adult fiction, mystery, thriller, and horror. Her notable series include The Morganville Vampires, Weather Warden, Revivalist, Red Letter Days, and Outcast Season novels. She graduated from Socorro High School in El Paso, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Her first short story was published in 1990, and her first novel in 1991.
After a long career in business (including working as an office manager, payroll manager, insurance investigator, web designer, graphic designer, and corporate communications executive) she began writing full time in 2009.
She and her husband, artist R. Cat Conrad, lived in Fort Worth, Texas. She passed away November 1, 2020 from cancer.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
I read this years ago, when it released and enjoyed it. I’m so happy you told me about the audio releasing for the second book because it’s been on my Netgalley shelf since 2012! I’ve tagged it on my Libby app and so when it becomes available I’ll put a hold on it. Thanks!
yes! It releases and my review is tomorrow. I really enjoyed it.
I like the sound of this one.
This duology is a bit older, just releasing on audio but I really enjoyed it. It’s kind of like a spy action thriller.
I haven’t read anything of hers since she passed. I am glad to see her backlist coming to audio.
I’ve read some of her backlist. She has a lot of great series.
This sounds like it would be a good read especially for, maybe, a book club 🙂
Maybe. It’s fun and there are ethical and moral considerations to discuss.