It Takes a Psychic by Jayne Castle [Review]

It Takes a Psychic (Harmony #17) by Jayne Castle
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 10, 2025

Harmony
0.5. Bridal Jitters
1. After Dark
2. After Glow
3. Ghost Hunter
4. Silver Master
5. Dark Light
6. Obsidian Prey
7. Midnight Crystal
8. Canyons of Night
9. The Lost Night
10. Deception Cove
11. The Hot Zone
12. Siren's Call
13. Illusion Town
14. Guild Boss
15. Sweetwater and the Witch
16. People in Glass Houses
17. It Takes a Psychic - Hardcover | Kindle

Jayne Castle (AKA Jayne Ann Krentz)
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Leona Griffin is at the height of her career as a para-archeologist thanks to a recent Underworld discovery. Her high profile attracts the attention of an organization of elite, secretive collectors. They want her to authenticate the artifacts that aspiring members submit as evidence to join their group. The ceremony takes place at a glittering reception where Leona is shocked to discover that one of the relics is a powerful Old-World object known as Pandora’s Box. But she’s not the only one interested in that artifact.

Oliver Rancourt, a man with a unique talent—they say you never see him coming—is also there. Leona knows she must not underestimate him. Attempting to make a discreet exit, she stumbles over the body of a waiter wearing the emblem of a dangerous cult. Before she can alert authorities, a police raid sends the reception into chaos. To avoid being arrested, Leona slips away with Oliver—a risky decision that gets her fired.

Now forced to work together, Leona and Oliver pursue an investigation that leads them to the town of Lost Creek where the locals are obsessed with a chilling legend involving a long-dead cult leader and illicit paranormal experiments. But Leona knows the real danger may be the irresistible attraction between herself and Oliver.

Thoughts on It Takes a Psychic: Grimly riding the fame that came with her unexpected experience in the Underworld, Leona is realistic enough to know this fame will likely end as soon as the next discovery is announced. So she puts up with the attention begrudgingly and authenticates as needed.

What she doesn't expect at the most recent engagement she's been asked to authenticate at is Oliver. He's unobtrusive and unremarkable on the surface, but Leona absolutely knows there's more to him than he's showing. When he steps in to help her out after she stumbles over a dead body, she goes with the flow. Sure, she might not entirely trust him, but she doesn't have a whole lot of other options once her job lets her go and all signs seem to point to them heading in the same investigative direction.

On Oliver's end, it throws him when Leona sees through his unassuming, regular guy disguise. Or maybe I should say it intrigues him. When the stars aligns and they need to head to the same place (for seemingly different reasons), he jumps at the chance to spend more time with her. Probably not surprising anyone, their investigations stir up danger that has the two of them relying on one another to survive.

A voice from beyond, family ties, a small town with a whole lot of secrets, a man who knows a good partner when he sees her, and a lady who isn't afraid of a man with a whole lot of talent. MAN, I like spending time on Harmony!