Ghosts of Alcatraz

Title: Ghosts of Alcatraz
Author: Carol Lynne
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/
ISBN: 978-1-59632-952-2
Genre: M/M Futuristic Paranormal
Rating: 4 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

Warden Jensen Black has no explanation of why or how several of the international cyber-criminals housed in the newly renovated Alcatraz prison facility have died, all in gruesome and bloody ways, so he seeks out the investigatory help of a parapsychologist recommended by his boss. The help he gets is sexy green-eyed Brian Phipps, a man whose size and good looks pushes all his buttons. Jensen never planned to fall for the quiet and gentle man but his heart refuses to be denied. Before they can fully explore their growing feelings, the ghosts come knocking, putting Brian in ever-increasing danger, and making both men wonder if they will get off the island alive.

Ghosts of Alcatraz is the newest release by multi-published author Carol Lynne. Once again, she’s created a well-written and plotted story that kept my interest from beginning to end. This one had the unexpected twists of a newly renovated and reopened ultimate prison on the infamous and dangerous Alcatraz Island. From a historical viewpoint, I’ve always been fascinated by the prison, so finding a story that combined both it and a few marauding ghosts, immediately made it a must read for me.

Ms. Lynne has packed a lot of story into this novella length release. You’ll find a great plot, believable characters, gruesome murders, panicked prisoners, out of control vengeful spirits and an intense and growing love between Jensen and Brian. This intriguing story is equally weighted in the romance versus suspense components, which in this particular case is understandable. After all, the deadly ghosts and the re-opened prison are the reasons for Jensen and Brian to find each other, and it’s what propels the story forward.

I liked these two men and I have to admit to being surprised at Jensen’s ready admission that he needed a parapsychologist to solve his problem and stop the killings. It’s just not a reaction you’d expect from a no-nonsense, ex-military man, who happens to be a prison warden. On the other hand, I expected the reluctance of his boss and friend, Fisher, to remove everyone from the rock, despite the deaths and continued danger. (It has to be a buck-passing bureaucracy, bury you head in the sand kind of thing.) I don’t really want to reveal too many story details, so all I can say is, give this ghost story a try, you won’t be sorry you did.

I understand that there’s going to be a sequel in the future, featuring Fisher, and tentatively titled The Claiming of Patrick Donnelly. I for one can’t wait to see what Ms. Lynne does next.