Silent Night, Haunted Night (Nicki Styx) [Mass Market Paperback]

Silent Night, Haunted Night, the latest addition to Terri Garey's rollicking Nicki Styx series, could be subtitled, Nicki's Nightmare Before Christmas. The fourth contribution to the series starts out in the bedroom...sadly, for Nicki, it's because she's being visited by three PtB (Powers that Be) that aren't interested in redemption, ala Mr. Dickens' spirits, so much as wreaking havoc and revenge. Kate, Mara and Selene, otherwise known as The Fates, work as a trio to make Nicki's life a living hell. Selene works through dreams and manipulations to ensnare seduce and steal Joe from Nicki, making it a blue Christmas for our favorite pink-haired ghost whisperer. To complicate things further, Nicki must also try to help a hopeless ghost deal with her own actions in life, so she may escape the Darkness waiting to take her, and possibly Nicki.

Once again, Nicki is thrust into the uncomfortable position of examining her life and relationships through the skewed view provided by her "special gift." Unlike the last book, this novel takes a bit more time to ramp up to the action, but puts more focus on the human sides of the story. Nicki and Joe are still together, but insecurities and hidden desires bubble beneath the surface of their relationship; this provides just the crack Selene needs to work her magic on Joe. Evan and Butch are still along for the ride, shoring Nicki up and giving her the well shod kick in the ass she needs so she doesn't give into despair. On a side note, it's nice to see the growth of Evan and Butch's relationship; there is genuine love of companionship between the men, and Garey's portrayal of their love is very matter of fact, and therefore it "feels" very real. Readers might also find themselves considering what they define as "good" or "evil" and what deserves forgiveness over eternal damnation.

To my delight, Sammy Devine is not absent from this book. His entry into the story is a bit "middle of the story" but the tale he spins adds a very necessary, and intriguing counter beat to this book. In many ways, Ms. Garey's "Ultimate Bad Boy" steals the scene, whenever he walks onto her stage. Without realizing it, I found myself waiting for his appearance as I read the book; and celebrating in my head when he finally shows up. I'm inclined to say that any writer that can make the Devil their own character; give him a soul; and make you cheer for him, even as he's showing why he IS The Devil, not just a random horny demon, gives readers something special, something worth watching. I'm eagerly awaiting the next offering from Ms. Garey; I need a regular Touch of Divine in my life.

At the heart of this tale, Ms. Garey offers some savvy, subtle commentary on the relationships of women; the stages of life women move through; and how we, as women, can use that feminine power for good or for ill. As she did in the last book, she reminds us, in a more intimate fashion, that ultimately, you'll find good guys and bad guys in any group. You have to decide what you want to bring to the groups you join in your own life. I really enjoy the quick dialog and interaction between Nicki and her inner circle, especially Evan. There is not quite as much of it in this book, as in past stories, but the interactions almost seem to have more impact, due to this. More of this story happens in Nicki's head and heart, than past tales, so it doesn't feel as fast paced as some of the earlier books. However, getting a better glimpse of Nicki's internal struggles gives more insight into this quirky, engaging character.

Ms. Garey once again delivers on all promises. She insures readers will get exactly what they wanted from Santa, this year; especially if Santa traded places with Jack Skelington, to give everyone an early gift.

In the previous three books int he Nicki Styx series by Terri Garey, I have gotten pretty attached to her characters. What I love? Nicki, her crazy tranny granny, Handbags & Gladrags, her gay BFF Evan and his love Butch....and especially the ghosts. The ghosts Nicki runs into are the brightest stars of this series. The basic plot: Nicki almost died and is saved by Dr Joe Bascombe. She saw the light and how beautiful it was but it wasn't her time to go. Now she can see ghosts. She learns some of their back stories and tries to get them to go into the light. Oh, and now she dates doctor hottie. Incidentally, Dr Joe isn't one of this series many pluses. I find him dry and boring. Nicki is spirited, strong and kindhearted. She is slightly weird. She deserves a fun and quirky guy who can keep up with her. The relationship between Nicki and her best friend Evan feels more emotional to me. In "Silent Night, Haunted Night", Nicki's world is thrown for a loop when three spirits, the three Fates, show up in a dream. The next day the show up in her waking life. The hot one, Selene is after Joe and she is creating havoc between Nicki and Joe. I really like how Garey writes a fun and exciting story while keeping her vision on the 'light' and the 'dark' respectful and hopeful. One of the ghosts in this story committed suicide and Garey handled the subject well. I may have even teared up a time or two. "Silent Night, Haunted Night" is a satisfying story although it is really short. I am also anxious to hear if there are more Nicki books in the future because the ending felt like it really wrapped everything up that we have seen presented in the previous books. I did read that Ms Garey has a new series forthcoming featuring Sammy, the devil, whom we met in other Nicki Styx books.

It's hard to get into the Christmas Cheer when the Three Fates want to steal your boyfriend.

Nicki Styx can see the dead. Over a year ago, she almost died and when she was revived, she found she could see and talk to the dead. She helps the spirits cross over into the light.

She's been with Joe for over a year now and they've been through many things together that have only made their relationship stronger. But one night, Nicki is suddenly wide awake and unable to move as three faces hover over the bed, a crone, a beautiful woman, and a young girl. They vow that she will pay and that they will take Joe from her.

Joe is suddenly having erotic night dreams that are really causing a rift in his relationship with Nicki. She explains to him that it's the Three Fates who are at work here trying to split them up, but he doesn't believe her. When he suddenly finds her in Sammy's arms, the devil himself, she breaks up with her. She is heart broken and devastated, but is determined to stop the Three Fates from ensnaring Joe in their web at any cost.

SILENT NIGHT, HAUNTED NIGHT, BOOK 4 is another great addition to the series. Humor, romance, mystery and a cast of ghosts will have you turning the pages late into the night. Nicki is a phenomenal character who makes some hard choices and does some growing up in this latest installment. Ghoulishly Fantastic!

*Courtesy of Romance Junkies