T. E. MacArthur’s The Pillar (The Praetorius Agency Files: File No. Two) dives deep into the world of paranormal romantic mystery. The story unfolds in San Francisco, where Jack de Sombras, newly arrived in California, finds himself immediately thrust into intrigue. His partner at the Praetorius Security Agency, Tessa Wells-Lancing, has a case waiting: Darius Trădat, a tattoo artist with a penchant for antiquities, faces cryptic threats steeped in curses and old-world superstitions. But just as Jack and Tessa begin unraveling the mystery, they’re confronted with a grim crime. Was this crime the work of something supernatural or a cunning imitation meant to deceive? And how does this brutal act connect to the deaths of other members of his family?

Having enjoyed the first book in the series, I found this sequel equally compelling. MacArthur deftly balances the paranormal and the mundane, threading humor through Jack’s determined disbelief in all things supernatural. Jack’s contract with the agency, which hilariously bans vampires, werewolves, zombies, and aliens from being classified as valid subjects of investigation, adds a light touch. In contrast, Tessa’s ability to see ghosts and experience prophetic visions grounds the paranormal elements in genuine tension. Their opposing views create a dynamic interplay that adds depth and humor, especially as Jack stubbornly chases logical explanations for everything that goes bump in the night. Yet, he does permit haunted objects and spectral apparitions in his investigations, a concession that plays into the narrative’s eerie atmosphere.

MacArthur weaves a dual storyline at the outset: Jack and Tessa’s investigation into Darius’s threats and a separate case being worked by the San Francisco Police Department. Initially, these threads seem unrelated. However, the author expertly interlaces them, creating a satisfying convergence as events unfold. Watching these parallel mysteries interconnect was a highlight of the novel, as it provided both intrigue and a sense of narrative cohesion.

While I enjoyed this story and found it gripping overall, I felt some pivotal moments were glossed over. For instance, the transition from Jack’s arrival and initial conversation about the case to the chaos of the aftermath, Darius’s murder and Tessa’s injury, was missing an essential and vivid scene. I think this abrupt jump leaves a gap. The tension of Jack and Tessa discovering the murder firsthand, rather than the aftermath, I think, could have added a more visceral impact and deeper engagement with the stakes at play.

The Pillar still delivers a richly textured mystery filled with suspense, humor, and the supernatural. Jack and Tessa’s chemistry, alongside a plot brimming with twists, makes this book a gripping read that fans of paranormal mysteries won’t want to miss.

Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0DJDKTWYL