Smoke and Mirrors (#2)
Tanya Huff, bestselling author of the Blood Price books, continues a new series where a street kid-turned-production assistant must balance deceptions that might get him fired with the supernatural truth that might get him killed…
Working as a PA for a syndicated television show means when problems crop up, it’s Tony Foster’s job to figure them out. Once his producers decide to film at an isolated historic mansion for a week, the wizard-in-training expects disruptions: no cell signal, extras bumbling around the set, lighting cords tangled in hundred-year-old hallways. He doesn’t expect ghosts.
A few dead folks wandering around shouldn’t disturb much, though. They’re only perceptible to the sensitive. Except it seems more of the cast and crew are sensitive than Tony knew. And the house isn’t home to only a few spirits. With the memories of murders playing out around them, Tony has to dodge, sneak, and scramble to cover in front of the normies. Until he gets trapped in the mansion overnight—with his boss, his vampire ex, the smoking-hot straight actor sending mixed signals, and the executive producer’s bratty kids. His crew wants answers. The house wants blood. And the horrors are only beginning…
Reviews
“Huff delights in simultaneously bringing out the worst and best of her characters, and she’s really found her stride here. Underneath the supernatural trappings and the nonstop wisecracks is a whodunit full of devious plot twists and genuine character development, and the fune-tuned mockery of (and occassional indulgence in) horror novel/film cliches adds spice.”
“It’s a wild romp, full of dark humor, a delightfully twisted version of the usual haunted house story.”Locus
“The author of the Blood novels has once again proven herself a master of urban fantasy. A good selection for most fantasy collections.”Library Journal
“Enjoyable […] Huff is one of the best writers we have at contemporary fantasy, particularly with a supernatural twist, and her characters are almost always the kind we remember later, even when the plot details have faded away.”Science Fiction Chronicle
“There’s an excellent plot, innovative concepts, and a really twisted sense of humor running through the pages. I look forward to seeing if Tanya Huff can come up with a third.”SFRevu
“Smooth, assured writing and astute, wry asides about the world of TV make this locked house mystery an easy and enjoyable read.”Starburst (UK)