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Book Review of Don't Kill the Messenger (Messenger, Bk 1)

Don't Kill the Messenger (Messenger, Bk 1)
donkeycheese avatar reviewed on + 1255 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


The Messenger sides with no one; they are neutral. But when the Messenger is attacked, things can get personal.

Melina Markowitz drowned when she was three years old. When she was revived moments later, her life was forever changed. She can see and communicate with supernatural creatures. She is a Messenger, a person that moves between the supernatural beings with drop-offs, pick-ups, and information.

Melina tried to ignore her calling, but she learned her lesson well. When she doesn't complete her job, her life falls apart. Over the years, she has learned to always complete a job. So when a vampire doctor named Alex asks her to deliver a manila envelope to another vampire, she has no choice but to execute the job.

What she didn't count on was getting attacked by seven ninjas on her way to her drop-off, with her envelope being taken. It's an unwritten rule in the supernatural society that you don't kill the messenger. Melina has had defensive and offensive training, but she isn't prepared for their attack.

Melina is determined to get that envelope back and make sure it is delivered, so she begins to investigate, starting with the ninjas. She learns they are Chinese vampires, kiang shi, who are unearthed beneath a local Taoist temple. Their objective is to attack gang members to start a street war.

The last thing on Melina's mind is to get caught in the crossfire, but with the help of Ted Goodnight, a local cop, she may just survive it. But, she has to convince Ted to help her and he doesn't believe in the paranormal. Melina is determined to complete her mission, but her life is on the line.

DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER is a new twist on the paranormal genre. A great character with a unique job, a vividly painted world of supernatural beings, and a brush of romance will have you turning the pages long into the night. I look forward to more great things from Ms. Rendahl, as she can certainly pen a riveting and action-packed supernatural thriller. I want more!