Diana Malone is in New Orleans to prove to the world that her dead husband was not a crazy man. As a crypto- zoologist, she's attempting to uncover the existence of mythical animals; something her husband spent years trying to do. Now she follows legends and folk tales that take her to the strangest places. So it's in the humid, overgrown waters of the New Orleans' bayous that she finds herself with a burly, well-armed guide. When something creepy and elusive relieves her of her bodyguard, she knows she's in a hot spot of paranormal activity. Diana rents a rundown mansion in the middle of a swamp and sets up camp. Then she begins to track the strange animals that run wild and howl through the night. With the help of a voodoo priestess she befriends, Diana tracks down her bodyguard. Problem is, he's supposed to be dead. Problem is, he's dead. Now she has a whole new set of problems, and this quest to find mythical animals has taken a turn for the worse.

Adam Ruelle lives as elusively as the creatures of the swamp, sleeping by day, working by night. Recently, he rented his family mansion to a beautiful, young woman who insists she's doing research in the bayou. Adam is smitten with Diana and, try as he might, he can't stay away from her. Even if being with her places her in danger.

Diana is fast falling for the ruggedly handsome Adam, but there are things about him that don't add up. And Diana has seen a wolf with eyes that remind her of Adam. Now she wonders if she's sleeping with a werewolf and if one night she'll wake up and be mauled. As Diana begins to unravel Adam's past and learn more about his family, she discovers a horrible secret when he finally confesses who he is and what he'll become.

Ms. Handeland has crafted another dark, twisted story of love in the paranormal arena. Not only do we encounter werewolves, but zombies and other strange creatures of the night. Out of her usual northern Minnesota woods setting, this story has all the flavor of a hot New Orleans night when the jazz is sultry and the day seems a million miles away. A great addition to her Nightcreatures series.

Book Summary

New Orleans is known for sinful pleasures and strange magic, but for cryptozoologist Diana Malone it offers one irresistible attraction. For over a hundred years there have been whispers of wolves around the Crescent City, and the recent discovery of bodies in the nearby swamps hints at a creature even more dangerous…one that could make Diana’s career and fortune, if she lives to capture it.

Adam Ruelle is a reclusive former Special Forces officer, the last of a mysterious Cajun family rumored to be cursed, and the only person skilled enough to guide Diana in her search. Rugged and captivating, he fills her nights with desire…but by day, Diana is plagued with doubts. Adam clearly knows more than he’s telling, but is his aim to protect her or distract her? Something is stalking its prey in the Louisiana bayous, and every step towards the horrifying truth brings Diana closer to a centuries-old enemy that lives for the smell of fear and the thrill of killing, again and again…