I had already gotten this through PBS when I read review at Mysteries and My Musings prompting me to move it up on my list. I enjoyed the story. I thought the paranormal aspect was more prominent then I had expected from the aforementioned review, but I enjoy the paranormal aspect. Just not so much of it as is currently flooding the market. Anyway, some of the characters surprised me, which I guess is a good thing. I did like Harlow. I look forward to reading book 2, A Fitting End.
I pretty much always enjoy the Stephanie Plum books; they always have plenty of humor and are quick reads. This one was no different, but it did have a couple little things that weren't as great. Not knowing what happened in Hawaii forever and a day drove me nuts, and then when it was finally explained it didn't seem as big a deal as it had been made out to be. For a Plum book with Explosive in the title I would have expected more explosions than just the one. I think there were more explosions in her earlier books. And I saw less of the characters I love in this book. Nevertheless, I still found it fun and look forward to the next.
Crispin Guest is a character with a lot of honor. This may seem contradictory with his past treason, but it's all a matter of perspective. I appreciate his holding his honor close. I also like the way he supports and/or cares for his friends. (Speaking of which, he's obviously passing on this loyalty to Jack, because Jack rocked in this book.) As for the story... I guessed who the bad guy was early on. I didn't have any idea as far as motive goes, but one line made me ultra suspicious. I do not, however, blame Crispin for not suspecting. He had a lot of emotional turmoil and whatnot going on in this book to distract him. Anyway, I have the third book, The Demon's Parchment, already checked out so I should be reading that soon.
